^You really need to test this while driving under WOT conditions and some hard shifting. Revving it on the driveway really doesn't tell anything.

You wouldn't have to remove the hood though... just rig up some sort of lever in the engine bay that the motor can push on. Move it over against the engine and go for a drive... when you get back, measure the distance it was pushed.

I'm guessing w/good motor mounts that it should probably rock over less than 2".

well.....the aluminum that was used is very thin (.025") and more importantly it's very light weight and will hopefully not need any other mounting points than the two valve cover bolts. the box shape helps give the shape some stiffness and should keep it from any "warping". i'm not an engineer nor a fabricator so i can't tell you how well it will hold up.......but my common sense tells me that it's going to work just fine.

sorry, i don't have any pics available and according to your post you're already done your shield. but.......that side comes down to seperate the heater lines and downpipe. just think 3 sided cube.

basically......i made the 3-sided box, reinforced it, and then just kept trimming away until it cleared the intake tube, turbo oil/water lines, and downpipe.

good luck.

Thanx...I did it, and also did the 3sided thing....but mine looks like assssss...Had to use a hacksaw...I know, I know...but hey it'll do till I just fork up for a blanket...