Great thread, great help, this really is not a hard turbo to take off and it is a better place to have it instead of the front of the engine. I have removed rear turbos, built one system, with far less room, this car is easy!
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Note: If pulling the manifold or turbine housing for porting you can leave the whole turbo on the manifold and pull it out as one unit, I have done this several times, not much more work, I have done it from the top and under the car.
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5/16" is an 8mm, at least what I always use.
If are looking to buy tools, racheting wrenches are one of the best tools you will ever use.