If I support the turbo properly with some fabricated brackets what are the draw backs (if any) to using a J pipe and the stock manifold? I have read Matt Cramer's blog and he is going with the setup, so I think it is at least possible.

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69 valiant

Make your J pipe from stainless. This is to keep interior rust from fouling the turbo blades. I did not do this, but intend to have my current mild steel set up duplicated this winter in stainless. It should work fine. It is advisable to give the turbo a brace of some kind.
Sam

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The biggest issue you will need to deal with when planning a J-pipe (or many other turbo setups) is the behavior of steel when heated red hot. It does two key things. One, it softens, so a pipe that's strong enough to support the turbo cold may be inadequate when heated up. Two, it expands and contracts, and if you brace the turbo without planning for that the braces can kill the J-pipe instead of the weight.

My planned setup will have the turbo mounted to the engine on a bracket, with a thermal expansion bellows in the middle of the J-pipe.

Also, the J-pipe occupies a bit more space compared to the cut and welded manifold I had or some headers such as the Jaegers Fabrication design. I'm putting the battery in the trunk.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair