JX/AAZ Exhaust/Turbo support bracket

[phil_b]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice and/or re-assurance.

I have read recently that the exhaust/turbo support bracket is required to prevent premature turbo failure. As mine never had one when JX engined and still doesn't with an AAZ conversion should I be worried. I have covered over 15,000 miles since fitting the AAZ with no problems so far, although the rigid oil supply to the turbo did crack very early on (I put this down to bending and re-using the original). Both supply and return oil hoses are now flexible types.

Do I need to start looking for a bracket.

Cheers.. Phil

[langb20]

Hi mate, did you get a flexi oil inlet with the same bore size as the original hard pipe? Figure this is important for oil pressure and/or flow to turbo?
In response to exhaust flexi, more the better, keep rubber mounts where possible and add a flexi pipe section for aaz. Mine wobbles a fair amount with both. Pretty sure turbo failure would be worst case scenario, if you have the hard mounting to the sump then I would worry as cast alloy no like major vibes
Any pics?

[Hacksawbob]

Where did you get a flexi for the oil inlet? Mine has a rather shonky bit of welded stuff that bolts onto the bell housing. Seems to be holding though.

[phil_b]

Thanks for the replies but not sure if were at cross purposes here.

My exhaust setup is completely stock JX throughout with all rubber mountings. What is missing is the support "bracket" that bolts from the two holes on the exhaust flange (at the turbo end) to the block? I think.

My flexible turbo feed and return oil pipes were made by a company in Deeside to match existing pipe IDs. They specialise in hydralic pipes for plant and machinery so pipes are a bit over-engineered rated at 400 BAR.

Anyone else know about the bracket

Cheers.. Phil

[langb20]

cheers for the info on the flexi Phil, I had one made but noticed ID was smaller so didn't fit it, would be good to get one proper as re-bending the original pipe for the re-index'd turbo is a right pain in the bum. and there's only so many times you can bend that pipe before it gives up, I did use a length of copper brake pipe to bend by hand the rough shape before attempting to copy it on the steel piece.

hmmm not sure about a turbo bracket, thought that it just bolts (x3 on mine) to the exhaust manifold? Are you on about the heat shield which bolts onto the inlet mainfold at the block? it goes between the turbo and the inlet manifold to protect that alloy inlet. it doesn't do any supporting however.
any pics showing what should go where? I'm not too familiar with what a JX setup should look like, only have my made up AAZ setup to reference & that works fine without any support brackets

Cheers,
Brent

[Fully Loaded Cali']

If you are describing the bracket that fits from the turbo and then to the block - yes you need this. The strain on the turbo will put load onto the manifold, if you have been running without this bracket, i would advise you check the manifold studs now. Get a bracket or make one up. A JX one would need the holes opening up to suit the bolting holes on the AAZ block.

You may have done some miles, but you don't want the turbo to give way when you are miles from home.

Also -change you crank shaft pulley bolt if you have not done already (and then mark it up and then keep an eye on it )

[phil_b]

Thanks Fully Loaded,
Looks like i'll be getting the MIG out and making up a bracket, just need to work out what it looks like and how it mounts to the block. Must admit it did seem a lot of weight to be hanging just of the exhaust studs.
Also, thanks for reminding me about the crank bolt been meaning to change it after the garage in France re-used the old one (in Sept 2009)

Phil

[Fully Loaded Cali']

Thanks Fully Loaded,
Looks like i'll be getting the MIG out and making up a bracket, just need to work out what it looks like and how it mounts to the block. Must admit it did seem a lot of weight to be hanging just of the exhaust studs.
Also, thanks for reminding me about the crank bolt been meaning to change it after the garage in France re-used the old one (in Sept 2009)

Phil

Get the bolt changed!! You cannot re-use the bolt - new type bolt has to go through 3 stages of tightening with specific torque at each stage.

The turbo bracket fits (if i remember right) onto the cast block just above where the sump starts. 2 x M10 bolts.