Today I finally got my Diesel Vanagon TD project to the point that I
could drive it. My wife was sure that this day would never come as the
van has been parked in the driveway with no engine for over a year. I
bought it with a blown motor caused by a seized intermediate shaft. This
engine was a VW Canada rebuild with less than 10k miles according to the
seller. With no oil pressure, all of the big end rod bearings were
cooked and the cylinder walls were scored. I installed a 85 Jetta 1.6TD
motor with Quantum manifolds. The turbo cleared the left engine mount
due to the Quantum exhaust manifold having an offset mounting location
for the turbo. The engine starts easily and runs smooth. My question is,
is it harmful to drive any distance with no exhaust system attached to
the turbo? I would like to take it about 5 miles to a muffler shop to
have an exhaust system built. If they can't do it, I will then need to
drive it home. Am I risking anything?

TIA,
Mark