I was looking at some ls1 aftermarket subframe pictures and was wondering if I can just modify the stock fd subframe to fit the ls1. I saw on one of the diy subframe posts that he cut off the upper a arm mounts and boxed them then connected all four points with box tubing. My questions is instead of cutting all four mounts off can I just keep the front part of the stock subframe together (where the steering rack connects to) and then cut off the rear a-arm mounts so the rear sump will fit and then reconnect them back with tubing similar to the aftermarket ones. If I can do this I can cut down on alot of fabrication and keep most of the stock subframe which is required by drifting organization to keep the car legal for competition. Since aftermarket subframes like the one justin makes uses a straight tube to connect the front points, I don't see clearance to be a problem since the stock subframe seems to have the same clearance because it's fairly straight. Any input would be appreciated. Basically I'm trying to keep the stock subframe in tact as much as possible since the rule books states that oem subframe is required, but can be modified. Thanks in advance

This is how I did mine, it requires moving the engine back about 4 inches and the use of the vette bat wing pan and exhaust manifolds.

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so since you had to move the motor back 4 inches did you have to cut the fire wall? Also I just realized ....what if you cut off the mounts for the steering rack and weld them lower. This would then be essentially the same as the aftermarket subframes right? Would it clear correctly were you didn't have to move the motor back and also use the f bodied oil pan. Thanks for the pics on what you have done. Looks like a great alternative.

Yep, lots of firewall work. I cut a hole large enough for the engine and made new panels and welded it all together.

I can't say for sure if moving the rack down would be enough, I have never considered it. 1 of the primary reasons I did mine the way I did is so the rack would remain in the stock position.

More pics can be found in a thread titled 'introducing-ls1-t56 FD project' by color me gone

That is really nicely done!