1x > 1x PCI-E cables, but with the data-side filed off to be open-ended to allow plugging in cards wider than 1x, such as graphics cards. They are electrically the same as 1x > 16x but cheaper and much easier to plug into a graphics card.
PCI-E to PCI-E power plug splitters, such as this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812198018Lower prices.
I'll have to dig out the dremel & dust mask again and see if that can be taken into account. The manually modified cables were more versatile, if a bit ugly and messy.
Thanks for the advice
