I don't think I've ever seen a support bracket on a turbo, now that I think of it.

 

well, stock car has a support bracket that connects the turbine elbow to the block and sort of isolates the turbo from the downpipe forces. Also, some other cars, like old escort cosworths used pretty elaborate hangers to hold most of the turbo weight so that the tubular manifolds would last longer..

While I do agree that the biggest issue in the tubular manifolds is thermal expansion and realted stress, I would never run a tubular manifold without some support for the turbo and a properly done downpipe that isolates the turbo from engine shake.. (and a LOT of aftermarket DPs dont..)
For my efr kit I made a small support bracket that supports the turbo from a part of the forces and a DP with two flex joints.. HOpe it works..

 

Stock turbine housing is ~.77A/R, it's not exactly a tiny pea shooter housing. A bit bigger would be better to reduce backpressure a bit but it supports 600whp without any huge issues.

As for manifolds, the cast stuff is usually a safe bet. If you're going to run a tubular piece on a track car, your best bet to avoid cracking issues is make it from 321 stainless and brace it.

Personally I like case stuff because it has the shortest runners. Longer runners just make turbos laggier.

 

A pair of TD05 16g's on my 240Z....May 2003. I would not run a solid bracket on a tubular header because they need to move around so probably best to use heim joints like I did below. For the thick walled stuff everyone uses these days I don't think bracing is necessary, but can't hurt as long as the manifold can move around.

 

I think if my turbo hung off that far, I'd definitely be looking for some way to brace it. That's gonna be some decent leverage.

 

Im sure my current turbo wont last forever, seems like theres a bunch of interesting options popping up. MHI housing for G25-550 could be sweet or the 18g FP now sells.

 

All I know is when it comes time for me to change turbos I won't downgrade to a journal bearing lol

 

With how Zachs g25-660 performs on a stock cam 2.0L, a g25-550 on a 2.2 would be pretty crazy.

 

Yeah, we have two different approaches in our motor setup. I have low end torque and he has revs. Both of us on 4.11s but he runs a 23.5" tire to my 25.6" tire. So we both get to 75mph, just do it with 1000 rpm difference. So the 550 for me would be great and 660 for him works perfect for dealing with the restrictor.

 

I know the approach difference. I'm guessing the 25-550 would spool 6-800rpms faster on your 2.2 vs his 25-660/2.0

 

I'm 100% convinced either works for me. I'm really, really, really tempted to buy one to stash for later

 

My only issue with any of the new alternatives, the BBK Full BB (or Blouch 1.0XTR) is just really good. Id really have to see results to be convinced something else better and not just different.

 

IIRC, Zach said his kit weighed less than the stock frame setup it replaced

 

Are they still building those?

 

Yep can still get the equivalent of the BBK Full BB (1.0XTR) and 3B (2.0XTR).