Subframe reinforcement- removing bumper

[ACE_5150]

I am planning on skinning the front bumper or maybe just putting fiberglass on  instead. I was wondering if the front frame rails need reinforced since it looks like the backing plate on the bumper was a support system for the front end. I have a 360 putting out appx 415 hp and I dont want the frame to get twisted, but I dont want to be toting around a bunch of extra weight in the front  end either.
 
N E one have any ideas on this?

[4Cruizn]

No I wouldn't think the frame rails would need any extra support if you're just going to change the bumper.  They came with rubber bumpers and worked just fine!!    Hope this helps!! 

[ACE_5150]

yeah, I was thinking that the K-frame provided alot of support too. Im planning on using suframe connectors too to stiffen everything up. Going to be alot of fun welding those in. have to cut a slight channel through the floor pans behind driver and passenger. 

[ACE_5150]

Has Anyone done anything like this before?

[Grancoupe]

I ran my car without the front bumper for a while. Including on the track. No problems

[Street_Challenged73]

Ace, you shouldn't have any problems with rigidity as long as the K-frame is firmly bolted to the frame rails.  Had there been any rust problems around the mounting points of the K-frame, I would worry but you shouldn't have any problems with putting a fiberglass bumper on your car.  As for your subframe connectors, maybe you should look at something that is pre-fabbed to fit to the contours of the floor pans.  That way, you won't have to cut the floors and it'd look that much cleaner underneath.  Here's a link to the pieces I'm talking about:

 http://uscartool.com/Eframeconn/index.html