I recently upgraded my CPU from the 6600k to the 8700k plus I wanted to test the waters with the EVGA CLC 280mm AIO. I already had the Kraken x61 for almost 2 years and it has served me well. I figured that I would grab the Kraken g12 gpu bracket and mount the Kraken AIO to my GPU. After having seen idle and prime95 temps from both 280mm AIO solutions the EVGA takes a slight lead with a 2c idle/5c load decrease over the NZXT model. Was happy that I finally got my 8700k running at 5.2ghz stable(highest clock I have ever personally had on a computer), but the extra 100mhz was not worth the $119 plus the extra $45 I sprung for 2 140mm EK Vardar fans. The fans that come with the EVGA AIO are ridiculously loud and if you are running a heavy OC then please replace them. They are not bad, but once over 1500rpm, the noise can be annoying. The EK fans at 100% full time are whisper quite. 
 
Anyways, Called EVGA and was told no beuno on getting the GPU mounting bracket without buying the entire kit. Denied, after spending $325 on a GTX 970 FTW 2 years ago, then gave em another $1,000 for a GTX 1080ti FTW3 at the beginning of this year. Meh, guess loyalty doesn't buy loyalty. Figured since I just bought the EVGA 280mm AIO then I'd have the ability to spring a few more dollars to get a GPU bracket/shroud. Seems like a dumb decision to not allow the shroud/bracket to be sold separately from the hybrid kit. I know the tubes on the hybrid kit enter on the side, but the shroud can be left off to accommodate the top inlet water block. The EVGA and NZXT AIO use the exact same mounting kit so they would both work. Even though 280mm is probably a bit much for a GPU, there is no reason not to use it since all it will do is collect dust. 
 
So my questions are,
 
1) Is there anyone that has experience with the NZXT g12 GPU bracket and the 1080ti FTW3. The compatibility list does not have the FTW3 listed and I have read that it does not fit and also that it does fit.
 
2a) Does using an AIO solution to water cool a GPU mean that the mid-plate(the black plate that contacts the VRM/Mosfets) has to be removed in order to fit?
and if so,
2b) Will using aftermarket VRM/Mosfet heatsinks be just as sufficient for cooling those components? Since power draw is pretty big on the 1080ti FTW3 I want to make sure that there is adequate cooling for each.
 
3) I am decent with CAD's, have the 3d printer and have the ability to make a well designed custom shroud. However, I am a bit shy when it comes to the actual mounts that need to be made in order to secure the pump/water block to the GPU. I have a friend in the area with his own machine shop, so that is not a problem. Does anyone have any ideas? I would like to have this part made with metal, but I can easily print a  teethed retention ring with holes measured out to the distance between the 4 holes that surround the GPU chip and then just use 4 1-inch m3 screws and just tighten this down. I am just worried that I would run the risk of putting to much pressure on the actual GPU chip. With using the NZXT g12, the bracket has already been tested by that company and designed per specs. 
 
Thanks for reading and Any help would be great! 
 
 
 
 

Thank you for the help and letting me know that it fits. I have been over my buddies machine shop all day and we finally came up with an idea. We made prototypes out of some old stainless steel and now we are waiting for the Flat Stock pure copper plates I ordered. I was not much help, but damn my buddy created a few magnificent brackets. Also has designs for a mid-plate and back-plate once the copper arrives. The Kraken g12 would be the simple solution and I highly doubt there will be much difference temp wise, I just like the idea of having a mirror finished copper back-plate with the RGB lights flashing. Plus the g12 is about 4 inches shorter than the FTW3 PCB. The idea is simple, the brackets will have cutouts to perfectly allow the VRM/Mosfet heatsinks to be fitted. So far I am tinkering with the shroud CAD. I will be adding mounting holes for 2 90-92mm PWN fans with the AIO bracket right in the middle. Basically the way the stock FTW3 shroud is except with the AIO taking the spot of the middle fan. Thanks again for the help and I'll post some pictures up step by step once all parts are machined and printed. If it becomes to much of a headache then I'll just grab the g12. Thanks again!

Looking forward to some pictures when you mods are done to your GPU

You shouldn't worry about the AIO just cooling the GPU chip as that's how it's setup with typical AIO coolers. For EVGA the hybrid also cools the memory chips. From my experience of using AIOs on GPU (more than 7+ years) it hardly makes a difference since mosfets, memory chips, etc. are all rated to run at high temps. On air cooling and stock heat sink you should see those temps on load around 60-70*C, you should see the same or lower when you put heat sinks on them and have a fan blowing over them.

Have a look here, this guy seems to have done it and had good results: 
 
edit: looks like I can't post links :/
 
Search on these forums for "1080ti FTW³ + Kraken G12 + Arctic Liquid Freezer 360" and it should find the post