On where the radiator cover goes on the front of the car. How important is this to the actual strength of the front end? Would something like a STB compensate for the strength losses from cutting this off? Or would a bar be neccisary in order to restore the strength lost?

 

Well, my car was hit in the front drivers side and the support was broken where it connects to the bumper cover. I rigged it up to give it support otherwise it noticably sags. I do not think the actual support can be removed without sagging, only the reinforcements which if removed will cause a low speed accident to look like a high speed accident if you are hit

 

Depends on exactly what part you are referring to. There is a piece that bolts in that holds the headlights, but the part behind that is a structural part of the unibody. I wouldn't be removing that.