I see a place locally that has elbows for cheap that would make project "cold air" be like $52 completely done. My only concern is that the elbows are plastic, not aluminum, would this be ok for just elbow coming off turbo so you can mount air filter element facing fender instead of parellel to fender?

As long as they are of a thick enough material that they will not collapse they should be ok. The only other thing I could think might be how is how they are in the cold, not sure what your winter is like but here it needs to survive -40.

air going to the turbo is the temp of what it pulls in. The only hot spot pre-turbo is at the clamp that attaches it to the turbo itself. I wouldnt think that spot would get more than 300F at a hot run

Thanks guys. I remembered I would need to drill hole for emissions stuff also. How much you think that would help my '98 have fair size open end filter (good reusable-not K&N either) over my factory filthy cone air filter thats in factory box? The homemade cold air would by open under hood, no boxes. Down the line I would fabricate aluminum plate blocking from engine compartment to attempt to shield heat.

I am looking at the same idea. Not sure on how much better it will be but I think it is an improvement. I would like some pics when done.

all i did was take the stock air box and stuff out and put a cone filter right on the elbow and let it sit. works great!

Here's what I did. Parts at www.intakehoses.com. Very inexpensive. I used rubber hoses and aluminum piping.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/garageimage.php?do=full&p=21448