Was just idly wondering if I'll ever build that 2.0 ZVH in the back of my mind...carbed on a suck-through or blow-through (38 DGMS I reckon) I've never had a turbo before...

Why is the induction part always (I think?) right next to the exhaust part? Couldn't the rotational energy be transmuted up to the inlet with something like a very heavy duty speedo cable, then the charge fan would be right next to the inlet, wouldn't get hot so wouldn't need an intercooler & lag would be reduced to a minimum?