Suby cradle, rethinking all conversion cradles. Options

[ruby914]

When I started my WRX914 ,I didn't want to modify the car to fit the WRX.
Before long I found myself cutting and welding quite a bit. Looking back, it will never be a stock 914 again.
So why did I use the stock 914 X bar mounts? Like most, I am sure, because they are there. I was basing my decisions off a model for a kit (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
They are great for plug and play but I have a welder.

Seems they are not in the best location for the WRX motor. It seems to me that the rear suspension inboard ears (Inner console) are just about the best location to tie into.

The Inner console would no longer be indirectly supporting the motor but directly supporting it reducing the load transferred to the tub.
It seems this would stiffen the Inner console as well.
When I originally did my "cradle" I did add a little extra tie-in to the ear but it is not taking the bulk of the load.
I am thinking, if I reinforce the Inner console and tap my x member 100% into the Inner console, I can remove all other "cradle" tubing.

Has any one else taken this route? Any thoughts why not? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[charliew]

One thing the stock suby has is the pitch mount or dogbone support on the top front of the tranny. You see them on all the tranverse motors also. I will be using one I'm pretty sure. I actually like the u shaped motor supports. I think they look cleaner but I am not sure if they prevent the front to back motion that 400ft lbs and fat tires will cause. Also the u shape might hinder turbo applications. My son's sti uses a external waste gate and it's crammed right up in that area. My application will try to use a lot of aftermarket suby motor stuff cause we have lots of left over parts and used performance parts for subys are pretty cheap.