Rick: I know that you're saying, however considering this is a tension/compression-only member and I went up in section thickness by a minimum of five times, what I replaced the cut-out section with resulted in no loss of strength. Also, the area is at the crotch in the X in the frame, so the channel didn't do much more that support the driveshaft hoop. Good thinking, though. Dosen't hurt to question things.
Also, when you have unlimited access to lifts and trans jacks, it's a bunch easier to work from underneath . . . and it's faster.
By the way, I designed cars for a living, some of them race cars: Indy, IMSA, offroad, stock cars, ProStock, land-speed cars, even some production cars . . . too many to list. Even got close to the GT40. I have to admit, though. I've made mistakes, but please don't tell anyone. It's Ok if ERA uses my design.
