Also Shortround, I knew they had turbocharger control problems early on, I have an idea on how this might have worked with perfect hindsight.
Grumman sees tests on AP-4/P43 in 1939. Hey guys they are getting 1200 hp at 25000 feet with that. Grumman builds an F4F-3 with a turbo in the same position as the P43. US Navy is unsure about it, not trusting it yet. Grumman plumbs the production F4F-3 with the holes in the proper place, fuel tank curved on the bottom, radios behind the seat mounted up higher, etc. Essentially the bolt holes are there but the equipment is not installed, and it is shipped with the original P&W 1830 2 stage engine. But, it is set up so that if the Navy sees fit to change over to the turbocharged engine, it is a simple matter of installing the turbo, ducting, controls etc in the bolt holes provided.
It didn't happen, but at least that might be a plausible plan.
Grumman sees tests on AP-4/P43 in 1939. Hey guys they are getting 1200 hp at 25000 feet with that. Grumman builds an F4F-3 with a turbo in the same position as the P43. US Navy is unsure about it, not trusting it yet. Grumman plumbs the production F4F-3 with the holes in the proper place, fuel tank curved on the bottom, radios behind the seat mounted up higher, etc. Essentially the bolt holes are there but the equipment is not installed, and it is shipped with the original P&W 1830 2 stage engine. But, it is set up so that if the Navy sees fit to change over to the turbocharged engine, it is a simple matter of installing the turbo, ducting, controls etc in the bolt holes provided.
It didn't happen, but at least that might be a plausible plan.