Wireframe model to reference for structure

[gaphtape]

Hey there,

So, I need to generate a structure for an irregularly shaped object.  In the past, I would import to vanilla CAD a low res, 3d line drawing from .obj or .ma, or something, and then build the model in CAD or MDT.  Now, I want to do that in Inventor.  

If I import the wireframe to Inventor as a 3d sketch, it's way to heavy to use and bogs down the usually speedy system. I usually can break down the object into layers and only view what I need at any given time, but a part of this sketch could be hundreds of lines and that seems to be to much for IV.

Does anyone know I might go about having a wireframe (or similar) 'reference' in IV to be able to build a structure within?

Thanks

~t

oh, I'm using IV 2010 Pro on XP