DIY Turbo Discussion greddy on a 1.8? homebrew kit?

Probably a stupid question - Can you drive a turbo car without a downpipe?

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Old 03-30-2007, 08:13 PM
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Default Probably a stupid question - Can you drive a turbo car without a downpipe?

I know this is probably stupid to ask. I am trying to sort out the manifold and DP part of my system and there is a custom exhaust place 8 miles from me that says they could make me a downpipe. Can I install everything but a downpipe and drive the car the 8 miles to the shop so that they can fab the pipe or do I need to flatbed it there?
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Old 03-30-2007, 08:19 PM
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I dont see why not, it will be loud as **** though.
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Old 03-30-2007, 08:20 PM
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Where do you expect that hot exhaust to go? I say no, you cannot drive your car without a DP. Really I don't see why you would even think of doing so. Flatbed the car to the shop.
Maybe if you were driving the car a shorter distance. But 8 miles with no downpipe, there are all kinds of things that could go wrong or melt or heck i really can't imagine it.
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Old 03-30-2007, 08:25 PM
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I wouldn't do it. Too many bad things could happen from blasting that hot exhaust into the engine compartment.

What's the tow gonna cost, $40? Considering the alternative may result in melting something, starting a fire, or maybe even just some asphyxiation.

Would ambient air harm the hot compressor?
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Old 03-30-2007, 08:36 PM
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It's actually quieter with no DP versus open downpipe in my experience. I am not sure I would do this on a miata, as on the dsm the O2 housing stays and angle's the exhaust downwards (on a miata it is straight at you, could also melt some ****, on a dsm there is nothing there.), Don't drive like this for long (ok for 8 miles, just not a night of racing), or open downpipe either, the fumes get to your head, really ***** you up.
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Old 03-30-2007, 08:45 PM
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i have seen no downpipe on numerous old school turbo beetles sure does work, just not the best for some cars/setups
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Old 03-30-2007, 08:53 PM
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I don't see the BFD if he drives 8 miles and stays out of boost. Nothing is going to catch fire from exhaust gases. Just open your window so you don't get a headache from the exhaust gases.
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Old 03-30-2007, 09:25 PM
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It's 8 miles and I could go 40 mph or slower the whole way. The biggest reason to do it is not to save the $50 but it is a pain in the *** to get my car on a flatbed because I have a body kit and the car sits low (compared to other cars) and those tow truck guys don't give a **** if they break something getting your car on there. Just would make life easier to drive it in. But I also don't want to take a chance of breaking or burning anything.
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Old 03-30-2007, 09:26 PM
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Maybe a couple blocks, at most a mile. Any more than that I wouldn't do it.
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Old 03-30-2007, 09:55 PM
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drive the car without a hood or with cowl induction, lol... really i would agree with getting it towed there to avoid problems...

I'm planning on doing the same thing but i do have the downpipe, i just need the shop to weld it to my exhaust...
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Old 03-31-2007, 12:03 AM
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If you think there is a low likely hood of cops, why not. I've done it before... Take some precautions for heat and pull over frequently. Maybe enjoy a beer or two while you let it cool off on the side of the road?
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Old 03-31-2007, 12:23 AM
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I would at least form a heat shield to try and aim the exhaust downward a bit. Would help protect your wiring and plastic.
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Old 03-31-2007, 01:53 AM
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maybe removing the hood would be best iF you want to attempt this.....But to save yourself any headachs , have sombody tow you, get a buddy, tie rope to the front tow hooks and there you go, do it once, do it right,do it safe and avoid yourself a ticket
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Old 03-31-2007, 02:56 AM
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I say take the hood off and get some old shitty license plate. Bend it a bit and shove it behind the turbo to direct the exhaust straight up. Drive that bitch like you stole it and watch the flames*.

*Bring a fire extinguisher
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Old 03-31-2007, 11:38 AM
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haha remember those pictures of the LS1 miata?

basically WITH a downpipe people melt **** and have fires.

so you want the straight exhaust gas shootin at your firewall? at whatever 1200 degrees F?

no ****** way i'd drive that car. maybe if it was your car and there was 3 layers of fire shield on my lap. and halon. and no doors, seatbelts, or top so I could get out.
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Old 03-31-2007, 07:53 PM
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So we have no general consensus???? 1/2 say do it and 1/2 say don't?
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Old 03-31-2007, 08:28 PM
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you'll be fine, i've driven my car 20miles to the welders with no dp. just be sure to shield the brake stuff and take it easy. and definitely take the hood off.
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Old 03-31-2007, 08:37 PM
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It is risky i dont think i would do it myself. If 50$ is that important then go for it. BTW if a tow truck guy breacks something of mine he is damn sure fixing it. Or i am gonna take it out of him myself a dificult job is no excuse for messing up other peoples ****. If he wants to be lazy and breack your **** just bust his head open. Anyway GL man
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Old 03-31-2007, 09:34 PM
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fine all add to the are you insane. Do you know what hot the gases will be!!!
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Old 03-31-2007, 09:39 PM
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Pitlab that doesnt even make sense to me
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