FINALLY decided on a body kit style and was told, with this particular kit, I would have to either remove or reduce the size of the reinforcement bar in the front of the Z (whatever the hell that is!) because the US reinforc. bars Z's are larger than those for Japan Z's, and the kit was based on the Japanese platform.
Anyone else run into this problem?...just wonderin'...

 

What kit are you referring to? People run without that reinforcement bar because of FMIC w/ no problems, so don't think you should have any issues, don't quote me on that though.

 

Weber's kit...what the heck is FMIC?!!!

 

FMIC=Front Mount Intercooler

I've heard of this happening with other cars, but I would not advise you to take it off for safety reasons. Most people who run into this problem will shave the bar a little.

 

majority of the kits, you'll have to remove it.. you gain net weight savings of like 2oz..

 

Oh! Got it - !!
Yeah, it was recommended to slim it down abit...have any idea how I ask a shop to do that?!! Please understand, I'll already be loosing respect as soon as I walk in, being a girl and all!! I typically prefer going in prepared and coming out idiot-tagged free!!

 

What type of "reinforcement" support does this bar really provide?

 

You'd have to go to a body shop that does custom work. Other body shops that just do body repair will be hesitant to modify anything that would affect the safty of the car.

 

The bumper bar? If your insurance catches wind of that being off your car you could be up a creek. Thats bar absorbs alot of impact that would prevent direct contact with your motor causing it to come through your dash.

 

it should just require some shaving with the right equipment. hopefully your bodykit doesn't require you to shave off too much of it. As said earlier, you've got to go to a shop that does custom stuff. This bar is pretty important as it will probably help save your life from the engine being shoved in your face in case of accident

 

Can't be that bad, since the Japan Z's have one, just not as bulky...but I definitely agree NOT to completely eliminate it

 

I wouldn't get rid of it for a body kit.

 

should have done more research.... your insurance wont cover you if you get on a head on collision. also if you do your car will be smashed flat when that bar couldhave saved you thousands of $$. just remove the front bumper and the black foam piece and its a big peice of metal that goes across the front of the car to save your life during WTF moments

 

would it be possible to get a jdm bar?

 

this bar is a 5mph fender bender, safety measure to protect your bodyframe

 

Interesting...Involved with the body shop that's going to install a Buddy Club 2 front bumper fascia on my 350Z. The body shop refuses to remove the front bumper reinforcement, which in effect is actually the front bumper. Not only is it a safety issue, the structural integrity of the car is affected.

I'm lucky, the front bumper reinforcement can stay as is......

 

Dude...don't get rid of it...use it as an excuse to get the Top Secret Long Nose kit...yeah baby. Then you can probably add some more material to the bar to make the car safer...then you can go and tell people that your z is safer than a Volvo.

I'm sorry...what a useless post...I have to agree with the people who are saying don't take it out. Just find a different bumper.

 

+1 you would be f'd up a creek if i were your claims adjuster(which i am one) and i saw that

 

There have to be enough Z owners who have a FMIC's or imported body kits to have had to do some sort of modification like this. Quoting other members recommendations to buy an imported kit, and the Japanese cars having the bar, just a smaller/thinner = many other members have had this problem!

 

I haven't heard anything about it being a structural integrity issue at all.