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?

I dont see why not, it will be loud as shit though.

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.

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?

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 shit, 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 fucks you up.

i have seen no downpipe on numerous old school turbo beetles sure does work, just not the best for some cars/setups

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.

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 ass 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 shit 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.

Maybe a couple blocks, at most a mile. Any more than that I wouldn't do it.

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...

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?

I would at least form a heat shield to try and aim the exhaust downward a bit. Would help protect your wiring and plastic.

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

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

haha remember those pictures of the LS1 miata?

basically WITH a downpipe people melt shit and have fires.

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

no fuckin 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.

So we have no general consensus???? 1/2 say do it and 1/2 say don't?

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.

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 shit. If he wants to be lazy and breack your shit just bust his head open. Anyway GL man

fine all add to the are you insane. Do you know what hot the gases will be!!!

Pitlab that doesnt even make sense to me :rofl: