Well, today after work, within the last couple hours, and the last part of last night I've been working on the car. I tacked together my brand new pipe which is WAAAAAY simpler and nicer looking than the last one. I took my time welding this time and I think I may actually be getting better.
I started with a 6" radius this time instead of a 10 or 12" or whatever I had before.
When I received it I thought it was too small and there was no way it was going to work... but I went for it.
I made the turbo rise 7 1/2" from the bottom of the bend to set it at the same height it was before. For the square flange/ round hole problem, I cut the top of the pipe in four sections, bent the edges down with vicegrips and everything from the pipe to flange had metal to metal contact - no gaps, and had a great load of patience assembling it after.
This time i ensured that I bolted the flange up to the exhaust manifold TIGHT, and then shoved the J pipe into it, that way I could bend it sideways or turn it easily. I tacked it when I leveled out the turbo flange, and all was good. I was kind of scared the turbo would run into the carb this way, but it wound up working out GREAT!
I then spent some time welding that together, then repairing the ends I cut off for fit. I snugged it down and it is WAY sturdier than the old pipe, and lighter too. The turbo sat on top of its flange and made no intentions to bend over or fall. It worked out fantastically.
Everything right now is just lightly bolted into place, except the J pipe - that is bolted onto the exhaust manifold like no one's business. I was also really happy to confirm oil spilling out of the turbo drain outlet, which is great - because that means there's oil going in it.
It hugs up to the motor a lot closer than the last setup as you can see.
I figured I made it too close and the wastegate add-on would not have room to swing the arm. Lo - and behold the arm stops at this position back, and only moves forward. The clearance is good. You'd think I planned this stuff... this was just pure luck.
The frontal part of the wastegate attachment got mounted. I noticed the turbo isn't sitting 100% straight on there fore to aft, but at this point, I think if it were, the wastegate arm would not clear, so I am happy with it.
In other news, the filter also now FITS, and clears the fan with tons of room.
Also the new pipe allows me to reattach the throttle linkage in the stock location and use the original kickdown rod, so fun times ahead.