Well started a new thread to show off the completion of the hot side. Now that I am out of work and broke I will have to wait to get the intercooler and pipe as that is all that is left now. Few little things like intake and rerouting the transcooler lines but other than that it is all figured out and clearanced. I am going to wrap all the hot side pipe with heat wrap to keep it away from the brake line and a/c lines and hope to get the under hood temps down some. I was thinking of making vents in the wheel well to let out heat at the turbo. Just a few small ones so water doesnt come up in on it. Not sure about that yet. I have to finish welding the downpipe but it is all in place and not touching anything and ready to tie in to the rest of the exhaust.The wastegate is right above it and a straight shot to tie it in to the pipe so it will be quiet. Cant wait to get it running and so close now. Hard stuff is done. Cold side will be a cinch compared to building the hot side.

 

Nice. It looks like it should be fairly easy to fabricate a bracket to support the turbo, also. Are you considering installing any flex unions anywhere to prevent cracking?

 

I have room for one under the car. Do you think I should??? I am going to fab up a bracket system off what is left of the smog bracket stuff right over to the turbo. Also have a few spots under the car where the pipes get close to the engine to tie it to. figure it all moves as one so tie it in where ever I can. That being said why would it need a flex pipe between both sides? I have seen with adn without and never knew when you HAD to run it.

 

Looking good!

My future plan (when I'll get the time) looks very similar, but I'm planning for twins. Use C4 corvette stock headers or ramhorn or similar as a base and then place the turbo just as you did, and "mirror" it on the other side.

/N.

 

You are right that the engine and exhaust move as a unit, but when the exhaust pipes heat up and cool down, they expand and contract. I agree that I have seen systems with and without them, but I think the systems that do have flex couplers will ultimately last longer. Maybe someone more knowledgable than I am can chime in on the subject.