I'm thinking of going with the power lab single turbo sometime soon. I was thinking of removing the center grille area on my Nismo V2 bumper. The H section and leave it wide open to show off the intercooler or as others would put it "Maximize Airflow". But really I just want to show that bad boy off.

I'm thinking if I remove the center grill area it might cause the bumper to weaken structurally. Not sure, but I'm curious, if anyone has done this?

 

I've wanted to know the same answer to removing the H section out as well. As for structural integrity, I don't think a front bumper was meant to hold high amounts of weight or withstand tons of force, its just aesthetic. So I wouldn't lose sleep at night wondering if that peice could somehow save my life in an accident or for whatever reason. I say remove it.

 

My real concern is that the frontmost section of the lower bumper would sag forward from no structural support.

 

I would think it should be fine, but I don't have the bumper so its speculation. Don't know unless you try. You get my vote to go for it, but I'm sure you could care less haha.

 

sag wouldn't be a problem if you drove like 5 - 15 mph... but who drives that slow?

If there are no structural support behind the FRP, the constant wind downforce from driving might actually cause it to crack... because most replicas and even the authentic is made of FRP fiberglass which with enough pressure.. will crack... Well atleast with the way I drive (avg. 80 - 100mph)

 

You=Fail

 

Are you proud?

 

Well, since I don't drive 80-100 avg. speed. I'll be fine. Maybe someone else will live a full life because of that. LOL!

I think that the size of the intercooler might actually help if it's pressed firmly against the back of the bumper. It would support that front end no problem.

So, has anyone been brave enought to do it yet?

 

Hey! I do a lot of freeway driving... especially at night.. so the freeway is pretty open.. if it's traffic or seems like it's going to be, I don't push it to that extreme, nor do I race people on the freeway...

I just enjoy the durability and strength of our cars... just like a person who has a 911 GT2... just not as expensive

 

if you glassed in some more support that might help. or maybe some thin metal brackets bracing the opening.

are you talking about removing the entire 'H' section or just the horizontal bar through the middle?

 

I'm talking about removing the entire H section and making a big open mouth.

 

IMO i think if you removed the H grill, overtime it will end up cracking or deforming because there isnt a arc support like other open mouth bumpers. like the JP type N and the Vertex kit where the top section is shorter than the bottom.

 

I think it will be fine because its not urethane...

 

Actually, the bottom is smaller than the top portion so it might work.

I'm also thinking of adding and fierglassing some supports on the inside of the bumper to reinforce it. Maybe it'll work.

 

where you cut out the grill you will need to reconnect the inner lip by glassing the holes shut. the way the bumper folds over itself in the grill area probably gives it alot of strength as long as it is connected. my V2 is pretty strong when picked up, doesn't wobble too much.

and maybe two metal strips vertically on either side will give it the bracing needed to keep from twisting (which is what I would worry about, not sagging).