Sorry if this is a dumb question...
Is it better to place the turbo closer to the head (shorter pipe) or further away?
I’ve run both ways on the same engine and found that further away, with a slightly smaller pipe, spooled quicker.
I’m asking because I am going with a larger turbine and wondering which is the better placement.
The engine bay may dictate where it goes, anyway... but if I had no limitations... which is better?

 

I’d have to say shorter/closer since there should be hotter,faster moving exhaust to give you quicker spool

 

Ideal is as close to the head as possible, less room for cooling means more pressure and faster spool. There is also less time, length, change of pressure, change of tube size and bends for pulse signals to blend, more pulse signal means faster spool.