V2Rocket

This is a bad picture and I apologize for the darkness but it's the best I have right now..

How necessary are these portions of the steel unibody? The two diagonal pieces I imagine only act as fender supports as the frame of the car is further in (where the bumper shocks mount).

The upper one is a layer of sheetmetal that runs underneath the header panel and is curved on the inside. (not visible)

Could I possibly remove these panels without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the car?

CarbonRevo

Why?

tifosiman

That poor car.

iloveporsches

I wouldn't go cutting apart the structural integrity of the car.

Johnny Johnny

Probably looking to install a larger intercooler, or v-mount intercooler/radiator, or maybe a custom front-end. In any case, I'm sure he has a good reason, and is looking for a real answer, rather than the usual Rennlist one-liners.

Sorry V2 - as you know Rennlist is notorious for these type of answers, as you can see by the first 3 responses. Burns my butt, too. I'm sure I'll get criticized too for even mentioning it.

Anyways, those pieces can be removed, however it would be best to weld in tubular steel supports BEFORE they are removed, that will clear whatever it is you are planning to do. This will ensure that you maintain structural integrity and chassis alignment. This is standard practice for car customizers regardless of whether it has a ladder frame, tubular chassis or unibody. Just take your time and focus on the preparation. Be sure to support first, then cut.

Burma Shave

You can cut out whatever you want and of course it will affect the structural integrity of your car in some fashion. Unibody is short for unitized body construction. This is very different than the old method of using a separate frame and body. Their is no real way for someone other than an engineer to determine how your mods will affect the crash worthiness of your car after modification. There are many things to take into consideration like crumple zones, etc. You can bet that if an engineer included a certain piece of steel in the construction of your car it is "necessary" for something or the bean counters would have made him leave it out. As for the reply posted by "Johnny" questioning Carbon's question - "why" is a perfectly valid question because the reason for the mods or the intended use of the car have everything to do with safety. If the car will be raced for instance a cage would be installed so he would be free to cut off much of the unibody structure.

Burma Shave

[QUOTE=Johnny Johnny;5696096]Probably looking to install a larger intercooler, or v-mount intercooler/radiator, or maybe a custom front-end. In any case, I'm sure he has a good reason, and is looking for a real answer, rather than the usual Rennlist one-liners.
QUOTE]

I'm sure a "larger" intercooler will work wonders on his n/a.

tifosiman

Don't let the door hit you on your way out.

500

I would say (as a pretty experienced engineer) that you will significantly reduce the torsional stiffness of the front part of the body if you cut into that central portion, which is a box section that ties the front rails together. I have previously disassembled my car to a shell and am quite familar with the structure.

The side portions will not have as significant an effect on the structural integrity, but I still would not do it.

Marcquito

Cut it off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's see some cool projects! V2, if you want to cut, CUT! Just keep in mind if stabilization is a worry to you, weld in some supports. If you're worried about a wreck, weld some huge mother hunchers in there that would destroy whatever hits you.

Good luck!

Yabo

[QUOTE=Burma Shave;5696397]Pretty sure his NA isn't going to be NA.

theedge

[QUOTE=Burma Shave;5696397]Look at his signature....

Id say dont cut those sections, they probably will weaken things. Perhaps get a long intercooler, and run it low in the front. Standard FMIC style.

V2Rocket

[QUOTE=yieldsign2;5696591] |
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Johnny Johnny

hehehe...evil grin

[QUOTE=V2Rocket_aka944;5696800]

Johnny Johnny

Pay attention (or enable sigs).

[QUOTE=Burma Shave;5696397]