depending on the the setup, switching to an external gate can free up some power

with a basic t3/t4, you can do a couple of things....
1. switch to a exhaust housing that is not internally gated. if you swap them, you will most likely have to fab up a new downpipe, since most non internally gated turbine housings machined for garrett T350 or T31 turbine wheels use either a 4 bolt or 5 bolt style housing....they are different than the internally gated housings.
2. remove the actuator/arm, remove the exhaust housing, clean/prep it, and weld the flapper shut. tigging cast parts such as turbine housings can be difficult, so you may want to have an experienced fab shop do the work. make sure you surface the turbine inlet and outlet surfaces after welding too. this method allows you to keep your current downpipe.