Taking a look at this picture of BBS's GTA with the single system (I believe its one of the first ones ever posted, the first one I saw anyway) it shows the drivers side manifold/turbo in what looks to be the 'normal' configuration, and the factory heater box and receiver/drier still on the firewall. I know that the turbo more or less takes place of the A/C compressor on serpentine-equipped cars, but that isn't what I'm concerned about. Can anyone confirm that a 3" downpipe can fit down alongside the factory heater box in this configuration? Has anyone tried this (IE, removed their AC system but left the factory heater box)? The BBS picture doesn't show the downpipe, so far all I know it was just taken to show where the turbo mounts and the heater box was removed afterwards. I would optimally like a 3.5" downpipe but I don't think that'll have a very good chance of happening. Pictures would be great if anyone has tried this.

I'm not planning on using the BBS setup (its not available anyway, I guess) but I could build something to suit the specific needs of the turbo I choose, using the same general idea. Relocating the drier and AC lines would be doable and free up some room on the passenger side. And I am confident that I could make a bracket to put the AC compressor on the drivers side to give me functioning AC.

This is the only hang-up keeping me from building a turbo system for my car. I have considered twins but in addition to the hassle of running them with AC, there are many other compromises that make them less than optimal (I know about Steven's car and it is impressive but things are really, really cramped).

Here is the pic I'm talking about:

 

Wow!!! where did you get that picture? I dont have it anymore in my pictures document, guess I lost it or deleted it.

The down pipe is indeed 3"dia. with all factory A/C equipment.
Edgardo

PS:

basically same car now...

 

Heh, I have no idea where I got the picture from. I have hundreds, if not thousands of pictures of F-bodies, mostly power adder cars. Apparently it is an obsession.

Thank you for the information, I am glad to hear that you were able to fit a 3" pipe past the stock heater box.

 

Is that a truck engine bay?!?1

If thats an FBody, how in the world did you clear so much room out? In a million years i would never have that much room in my engine bay with an engine in it. I have already gotten rid of AC too!

 

How can you look at those strut towers and not immediately know that its a thirdgen?