318 draw through build

Two questions:

1. What is the purpose of the reed valves? Are the just to allow a more direct route for the intake when not under boost?

2. Is there any particular reason why the carb couldn't be mounted elsewhere? Seems like this sort of setup would be way simpler if you just made a carb>turbo transistion/adapter thing and just mounted them both wherever worked best. Would also allow for an intercooler if you wanted.