Cutting frame rail ends for Intercooler clearance

[theultimatehero]

I'm in the middle of trying to mount up an FMIC on my s14. I've been searching around for IC location/pipe routing and I have to wonder why this is so uncommon. Everyone just chops up their bumper (I can understand that), but why mount the IC so far away from the rad support and mess with the bumper when we can use the space between the bumper and lower rad channel more effectively.

I want to cut the ends of my frame rails off. I have been looking at the front end of the car for hours and I feel like the best way to mount the intercooler and route the piping is by chopping off the ends of the frame rails and modifying the uprights for the headlights and hood latch.

Here are a few reference photos from my car.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag204/collinseib/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1924_zps8nwzsfsq.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/collinseib/media/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1924_zps8nwzsfsq.jpg.html)

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag204/collinseib/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1925_zpss2460gtc.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/collinseib/media/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1925_zpss2460gtc.jpg.html)

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag204/collinseib/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1926_zpslhrsqm3y.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/collinseib/media/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1926_zpslhrsqm3y.jpg.html)

Red bumper support installed.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag204/collinseib/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1931_zpsj868lp1u.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/collinseib/media/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1931_zpsj868lp1u.jpg.html)

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag204/collinseib/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1932_zpsgwqjwkki.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/collinseib/media/Janice%20S14%20Build/IMG_1932_zpsgwqjwkki.jpg.html)

As you can see the ends of the rail don't really do much. Don't mount the bumper or connect to anything else. I just want to cut them flush to the lower channel of the rad support. Then I will modify the uprights to clear the intercooler. I have a friend that will help me weld everything up once I get the car moving. We can easily box the ends of the rails and reinforce the uprights at that time.

Am I crazy? I can't imagine why no one seems to have done this in any other builds I've seen.

[theultimatehero]

This is the only example I have come across so far that has done what I'm talking about. Post #20.

http://240atlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?36738-Big-FMIC-on-s14&p=733706#post733706

Seriously seems legit. Any thoughts?

[marks14]

Looks like it should be okay. I would just cut in front of those spot welds because they may add some strength. IIRC that's what I did on my s14 and the FMIC fits behind the metal crash bar with minor trimming of the bar.

[theultimatehero]

Well I cut em! I'll post photos later

[Mister.E]

The Greddy FMIC kit tells you to cut them off. I had my cut and boxed in with some more sheet metal. probably more effective than the factory setup and it makes a bunch more room for the intercooler. Sorry i dont have any pics.

[supersayianjim]

good idea, iam going to try this..

[Mister.E]

Hey guys, I was finally able to get down to the shop where my car is being worked on and get a pic.

http://i.imgur.com/AaHmkxX.jpg?1