An internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust manifolds, a turbocharger with a compressor, and at least one of: an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and a variable geometry turbine (VGT). The system further includes a control computer configured to determine at least one of torque demand, pressure across the compressor, and pressure gradient ratio between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold relative to one of exhaust manifold pressure, intake manifold pressure, and 1. The control computer performs at least one of: closing the EGR valve in response to the determined at least one of torque demand, pressure across the compressor, and pressure gradient ratio, and lessening restriction provided by the variable geometry turbine responsive to the determined at least one of torque demand, pressure across the compressor, and pressure gradient between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold.