Subaru Conversion Engine Bay Prep

[herukano]

I have seen a few subaru conversions where people have cut a piece out of the panel holding the front to back water pipes .. As i'm in the process of prepping the engine bay for the new engine i would like to get this bit cut (if i have to) before i offer the engine up and therefore not spoil my nice new rust free painted engine bay ! can anyone help me out ? Richard at Rjes said i will have to cut my pipes as well to move them behind the bulkhead ? anyone done this conversion on a Diesel Van can give me a few pointers ?

Thanks
tim