Bar to protect oil pan

[weenrock]

I have a TT5 s2000 with a swapped k24. In order to complete the swap, the OEM front subframe reinforcement bar has to be removed to clear the oil pan. It now sits about 3 inches lower than the OEM pan

This makes the oil pan vulnerable to bottoming out or getting damaged running over curbs. What I'd like to do is modify the existing bar and the OEM mounting locations to extend below the new oil pan to protect it. 

My questions are: 

1) can I modify the OEM front subframe reinforcement bar to extend below the new oil pan, which was the intended purpose. 

2) can a skid plate be used to provide additional protection? If so, what allowances are acceptable?

3) can a non OEM front subframe reinforcement bar be used as a substitute for OEM? 

For eample, see the attached picture. The black bar that runs parallel is the reinforcement bar in question. The oil pan sits 3 in below this bar.

The 6.1.3 rules for tt5 specify that nothing can be modified to the subframe.

1d) Modifications of non-subframe/non-suspension cross-members (other than the rear frame cross beam), transmission mounts, differential mounts, engine mounts, and radiator core supports are permitted. Notching of the OEM subframe/cross member for the specific purpose of engine swap fitment only is permitted. 

1g) Reinforcement of suspension mounting locations on OEM frame rails, Sub-frames/suspension cross-members, and unibody is permitted provided there is no performance benefit or relocation of the mounting points. Seam welding of the body is permitted.

[Greg G.]

It does say that notching of the OEM subframe/cross member for engine swap fitment is permitted.  It also says that modifications to non-suspension cross-members is permitted, although this one is bolted to the subframe.  You can send an e-mail with your proposed modification or non-OEM front subframe reinforcement bar and request an approval of this specific application.  If there is no evidence of any other purpose than to substitute for the bar that is there, but allow the clearance, it could be approved.  The skid plate may not get approved, because of the potential that it is an Aero Mod that is not permitted in ST5.