I have a friend with a plasma-cutter that cuts through steel like butter. Can I take a lot out of the front cross-member or is it really that important ? If those rods didn't connect to it, I'd wanna take it out completly.

I know there is aftermarket ones, but they aren't in my buget or plans for the car.

Basiclly its pissing me off trying to run IC piping and DP.

 

no you cannot remove it, and cutting it can't be good either, although i once pounded the hell out of mine to put a turbo on, i didnt notice any problems from doing that.

 

i had to cut mine for my swap but i have recently got the jim fab and i love it i suggest saving and getting one of those

 

Jim fab

 

the front cross member makes a huge difference in how the car handles. I made major cuts in mine to fit my turbo and downpipe combo and when I drove the car it always felt very vague as far as turning was concerned. I switched to an aftermarket cross member and it changed the whole feel of the car.

 

I wouldnt chop out more than 25% of the width. If more is needed I'd be saving for a jim-fab or similar. Check around for a groupbuy, there seems to be one quite often for them.