does the front battery tray make the car "stiffer"

[der affe]

i am adding a remote oil filter adapter so that i can use my system1 filter and it looks like the best place to mount it is where the front mount battery tray is located. now since my car is a 91 325i, the battery is in the back, so this is just empty space with a metal shelf. i also need to cut a hole in the side of it that is over the inner fender well to sink in my breather/catch can that i made, so i can stop trying to burn oil vapor through my ITB's and putting crap on the back 2 throttle bodies and runners.

so what i need to know is, if i partially remove it will i get anymore body flex (i already have a sucky BMP strut tie bar), or is it irrevelent since there is no tray on the drivers side in the same spot.

[T Verdier]

Just get an x brace and a rear strut brace and be hardcore stiff.
But to answer your question I don't know.

[der affe]

already have RD front and rear sways and BMP front and rear strut tie bars. might built an Lcab or buy a mason one, but that will not help up top though. other option is to add cab strutt tower reinforcements to tie them to the fender, but that is getting deeper than i want to for this part of the project

[Dirtbleed]

cut a hole and don't sweat it. IMO

[nando]

I don't thnk that's structural at all.

also makes a great place to mount coil packs, or to relocate the ABS pump (something I've always wanted to do).

[delatlanta1281]

Perfect place for leaving tools as well.

[Hartge_H27]

Also a great place for a quart of oil.

[delatlanta1281]

and the ever so popular car alarm horn that never works right.

[NC325iC]

or you could put the ix washer bottle there and have some room on your fender, that is if you still have the washer tank in

[BillBrasky]

I always thought that thing was for holding a six pack while you're working on the engine.

[Unearth078]

i just use it to hold wrenches. i dont think thered be an issues cutting it.

[der affe]

good then, i will start cutting and welding. wait until you see the breather/1 qt catch can i made, i am pretty happy with the way it turned out. i will post up the pick after i get the AN fittings welded on this weekend.

[Stephen]

Ask colegrove


lulz

[thedeal]

i always thought that thing was for holding a six pack while you're working on the engine.

+1

[bmw325csi]

Also a great place for a quart of oil.

Bad idea, after a spirited turn the oil fall onto the headers and your now smoking from the engine bay like a madman thinking your engine is on fire.