Banks Power BigHead Wastegate Actuator

The Banks Power BigHead® Wastegate Actuator is a direct-replacement performance upgrade engineered to eliminate one of the most common weak points in turbocharged diesel engines: premature wastegate blow-open. Under high-boost conditions, the stock actuator's weak spring allows the wastegate to blow open, robbing the engine of midrange torque and peak power exactly when it's needed most.

Unlike bleed orifices or boost foolers that simply mask the symptom, the BigHead solves the problem at the source by replacing the boost actuator entirely. With twice the diaphragm area and spring pressure of the stock wastegate, the BigHead keeps the wastegate valve seated longer, builds boost faster, and reaches higher peak boost levels sooner. At peak boost, it precisely controls the wastegate opening position for consistent, stable pressure delivery — delivering crisp throttle response and stronger mid-range pulling power.

Key Features:

• Twice the diaphragm area of stock wastegate actuators for superior boost retention under load
• Increased spring pressure prevents premature wastegate blow-open in high-boost conditions
• Achieves higher peak boost levels sooner for stronger acceleration and mid-range torque
• Precisely controls wastegate position at peak boost for stable, consistent pressure
• Delivers crisp throttle response and improved mid-range pulling power
• Eliminates the need for bleed orifices or boost foolers — addresses the root cause, not the symptom
• Direct-replacement, bolt-on design for straightforward installation
• Backed by Banks Power — over 66 years of turbocharger and diesel engine development

Banks Power: Engine Experts Since Day One

Banks engineers the entire engine system, not just individual components — a philosophy validated through national championships, world records, and supplying the U.S. military with high-performance diesel engines. The U.S. military selected the Banks D866T engine for its performance and durability, a testament to the engineering discipline behind every Banks product. The BigHead Wastegate Actuator reflects that same whole-engine expertise, delivering reliable boost control whether towing heavy loads, climbing grades, or demanding maximum output from a turbocharged diesel.