Cut strut tower to make turbo fit... safe?
 

So I have a DSM t25 with the 90* neck compressor housing. The way it's clocked its rubbing on the front tab thats from the tower to the shelf. Now if I cut it and reweld the edge will be still strong? I know I can clock the compressor but I can't undo that snap ring and spin it so im stuck in this position. And my camra is still broken so no pics:mad:

i hacked off mine....

http://www.boostedmiata.com/blown_en...ssemble009.jpg

It doesnt seem optimal to modify the car to house something that you just "can't undo".
You could probably get it as strong as before with good welding, but try again to clock the turbo instead, or get another turbo. my .02

Braineack did you do anything to stiffen it or just paint over it?
and I have all the parts for this thing so geting new turbo is last resort.

OK speaking from a Mech Engineer general viewpoint (have not done this to my Miata), if you cut it off the way Braineack did you should be fine. I'll bet if I ran an FEA on that structure that most of the lines of stress are not within that protruding corner. In other words if you cut it off such that there was still a 45 deg angle of brace material between the top of the strut tower and the edge of the engine bay shelf you would be fine. I would check to see that there will still be several spot welds (or whatever they use) holding those pieces together after you remove the material. Remember you also need room for the engine movement.

That being said (token disclaimer) this is not a recommendation. Proceed at your own risk. If it breaks and you die it is not my fault.

EDIT: OK should have read this closer. You are talking about the front piece, not the rear one. I just looked at my car and it is already at a 45 deg angle like I described above. Hmmm... Just make sure you leave some welds in place like Brain did, and paint it over to prevent rust.

no problem just do it as Brain has i did it the same way

Or maybe you could buy a pair of snapring pliers and do it correctly.

There are 9 Northern Tools in Minnesota.
http://www.northerntool.com/stores/minnesota.htm

The T25 snap rings sometimes are pretty ridiculous to get out. Take it to a local shop, give the guy 20 bucks cash and let them do it. Most serious mechanics have a beast set of clamps that will remove them. Putting it back in is the "easy" part.

the suspension doesn't put any load up there...which is why you don't see many front tower braces in miatas....Abused it for 3 years like that, no issues.

I think that's the wonderful thing about a $3k car - you can cut it up all you want and not shed a tear. Then come back and weld whatever you want where ever. :D If you're not removing a primary structural piece, worst cast is going to be more chassis flex.

I just went and did it anyways cauz I see braineack did it and no damage so far. I have like four differant snap ring pliers and if was just a pain in the ass and and not get anywhere with it. The only I whould weld there is if it did shear but don't think I have to worry and another question is could I run a 45* fitting in the oil fedd so the oil line dont rub on the hood or just arc the line and clamp it down to make the angle work?