how important is this to the body?

[gotsomegetsome]

I dont have any pictures right now
but if you look where the air filter should go...stock config
and where the windshield wiper fluid goes
there is paneling that separates the front area from the engine bay
its basicly sheet metal molded to a shape

i need to cut it away to fit my huge air2water intercooler
but i need to know how crucial that metal is to the body
i figure it isnt too important because its thing and doesnt have reinforcers

so...opinions, knowledge, i want to hear it all :]

 

[Kckazdude]

You mean this part?

[thumb]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/Kckazdude/headerp.jpg[/thumb]

If so then you only want take out what you need. That is the header panel and support for stuff like you hood latch and radiator. Leave as much as possible so it stays rigid.

 

[gotsomegetsome]

yea thats in the area
do you think if i reinforce it a bit after im done it will help?