In my car i have a black cross brace that goes under the exaust and driveshaft right after the cat. how important is this? and what would happen if i removed it?

 

I can't see much happening as a result of removing it. It is just a thin piece of stamped steel - it can't do that much. I removed mine but I have a driveshaft loop in a nearby location. If its causing a clearance issue, go ahead and remove it. Otherwise, leave it on there for now. I can't see any gains (even weight loss) from removing it.

 

I took mine off 8 years ago when I replaced the exhaust. No problems in 175,000 miles.
Ron

 

Mine came of 9 years ago when I put a flowmaster exhaust on.. No problems. It would be interesting to know the real reason why it was there though, (i.e. NVH, structural, safety etc..)

 

it was put there to tie the floor pans together, A little imo that weak crap would flex bad under a side load so buy a aftermarket, make your own, or take it off.

 

If you look at the way its made, it is intended to keep the floor from flexing in the direction of "squeezing" the trans. tunnel. If you think it's "weak crap", take it off and try to bend it in that direction. I'll bet you can't.
GM would not have put it in there if there was not some reason for it. Why do you want to remove it? It can't be very heavy. How will your car be better without it?

 

I dont think mine will bend its made from 2'' square tube, and 1/8 plate. its still crap.

 

Mine was actually taken off by the shop that installed the exhaust. I didn't notice till months after that it wasn't reinstalled..

Personally I'd leave it on....

 

i want to remove it cause my exaust is hitting it

 

Put a few washers under it maybe?

 

Stronger one's are made by GMS $149. & they claim it stops body flexing.

 

I would figure out how much it needs to be lowered to clear the exhaust, get a piece of aluminum that is slightly thicker and make spacers. Or if you can't do that, use washers likw $hawn said.

 

I believe BMR makes a stronger version of that part too. Instead of being fairly thin, there is a metal tube spanning the trans tunnel. I still have mine in there and dont plan on removing it.