[curtis73]

It can be done if done carefully. The unibody car relies on rather complex (and wonderful) geometric stampings for strength instead of a full frame like older cars. Cutting the wrong panel might cause a rather profound weakness. I like the idea of bolting in a subframe for the front suspension and engine. Then you aren't subtracting, just adding which can almost always help. Cut the tunnel for the driveshaft and hump for the tranny and you're almost home.

You may also find some help with the corvette driveline setup from the C5/C6. They use a live driveshaft coupled to a rear transaxle. As a bolt-in unit, you would get the benefit of less stuff up front to fit in the small compartment, a smaller driveshaft hump since you don't have to make it big enough for a swinging shaft, and more weight in the back; not to mention a pre-engineered independent rear suspension. You would also have a remotely operated shift mechanism that might be easier to adapt where you want it instead of a fixed position shifter like on a traditional tranny.

Another option would be to place a FWD transaxle in the rear of the car. It would require more cutting (always a dangerous) and some more fabrication, but it could prove a suitable alternative. You could then move things like the battery, fuel tank, and other items toward the front. Imagine shocking your friends when you open the hood and there is just a nicely fabricated trunk.