How to start a 3.3 without the Air Filter?
 

Is it possible to start and run a 3.3turbo without the air filter or intercooler installed?

Without the air filter- yes, without the intercooler- no.

Unless you run a tube from the turbo to the intake.

I did that this morning while playing with my fuel mixture.
You have to remove the intercooler in order to remove the stock air cleaner. Once that is done you either have to re-install the intercooler or run a pipe from the turbo to the throttle body.
Had I seen this post one hour ago I could have put a picture on for you.

I know I ran a friends Turbo without the intercooler somehow last summer. If I remember, without the intercooler I heard a loud whistling while the car was turning over. I discovered the noise was coming from a small diameter vacuum type line. When I plugged the line, the motor would run. Hope that helps.
-Chris

It is capable of running if that's what you're after. I personally don't like having exposed openings that my tools can fall into while the engine is on.

Thanks guys