Do you guys build brackets or anything to support the turbos or just let them hang off the headers/exhaust manifolds?

 

Let them hang

 

Seen it done both ways. I guess it depends on turbo location, and how much piping, etc. In some cases it's good to build brackets to the engine, especially if the piping appears to be hanging as it is being fabbed.

 

Mine hang quite a bit out from the engine. Most of the primaries that run close to each other are welded together though. They haven't sagged yet

Bill

 

It all depends on the size turbo you use. The larger the unit the more of a need for a support bracket. I think anything that is a T4 frame will be ok. Once you move up to the larger T6 flange turbos and frames you need some support.

Jose

 

Mine is mounted directly to the driver's frame rail. It ain't movin'.

-Chris

 

Your not worried about engine movement?

 

I've got poly motor and tranny mounts, and there are ball and socket flanges on the headers. It's not going to flex the uppipe.

-Chris

 

Oh, cool.

 

With the single GT80, I had a steel bracket that bolted between the drivers front block and compressor housing on the turbo (plug wires passed through it)

With the twins, I have a 1/8in thick steel brace welded between the header flange and turbine inlet flange. (taking the weight off of the header tubes)

On our shop car, (mid frame 88 LS1), I have a 1/2in thick steel brace from the passenger cylinder head to the turbine inlet flange.

Turbos are pretty damn heavy. I think support brackets are a good idea.

 

Cool. What wall size is the tubing you guys are making headers out of? Also, where can I buy a tool to make flanges/slip fit pieces?

 

chrisbquick-
I would give your idea a second thought. you need SOLID mounts if you want to bolt the turbo to the chassis like that. you WILL cracks your headers/etc otherwise.

 

walker/dynomax dose,

 

No it won't. We did the same thing on my buddy's Cobra and it has no problems after 2 years and that's with stock mounts. You haven't seen my setup. I have since I built it from the ground up. The ball and socket flanges at the headers have plenty of movement.

-Chris

 

I'd like to see that!! Any pics? I would think with some SS flex joints it may be OK???