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Losing weight?

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Old May 1, 2009 | 02:50 PM
  #1  
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Default Losing weight?

Although I myself may be the single heaviest part of the car other than the engine block, I am wondering what I can do to thin down a 69 Coupe?

Sure, leaving off the T-Tops and rear window is a good start.

Honestly, as I go through it in my head, I can't think of much other than aluminum radiator and heads to shave off weight.

Any ideas? Or anyone know of a parts list that shows weight?

Thanks,
Chris
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Old May 1, 2009 | 03:39 PM
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There are multiple topics on this subject that you should be able to find on the forum. Here are some off the top of my head (I know that there are more):

1. Remove the spare tire and tire carrier (get AAA) or switch to a later model GM "donut" spare.
2. Use lighter weight wheels
3. Replace the rotors and calipers with aftermarket (Wilwood, Strange, SSBC, etc).
4. Use aftermarket seats or later model C3 seats
5. Remove the A/C (compressor, fan, etc.) and/or Heater core/ductwork
6. Aluminum heads, intake manifold, water pump, radiator
7. Custom trans cross member (tubular)
8. Fiberglass rear spring or coilovers
9. Coilovers/front mono spring in lieu of the steel springs
10. Aftermarket fiberglass hood
11. Tubular a-arms vs. stamped steel
12. Aluminum steering arms
13. Tubular sway bars
14. Eat a salad
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Old May 1, 2009 | 03:41 PM
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I am assuming that you want to do this by not affecting the appearance and safety features of the car.

A few I can think of...
Lose the spare tire
Replace the stock manifold with headers
Lighter wheels
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Old May 1, 2009 | 04:09 PM
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remove the side and rear glass
sand all the paint off the body
remove those heavy chrome bumpers
inflate tires with helium
remove the air cleaner
throw out the passenger seat and heavy seat belts
t-tops... cut the whole freakin roof off
remove the exahust

hope that helps
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Old May 1, 2009 | 07:10 PM
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[QUOTE=gatorbcn;1569925164]There are multiple topics on this subject that you should be able to find on the forum. Here are some off the top of my head (I know that there are more):

1. Remove the spare tire and tire carrier (get AAA) or switch to a later model GM "donut" spare.


Dont use the donut on the rear. The spare has to be the same height as the other rear tire or you could damage your rearend.(the vette's not your's)
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Old May 1, 2009 | 07:28 PM
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My friend wanted to do this and this is he ended up doing...

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Old May 1, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by rajsid
My friend wanted to do this and this is he ended up doing...

Would this be considered cold air intake?
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Old May 1, 2009 | 09:05 PM
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[QUOTE=Attfay Elleybay;1569927584]
Originally Posted by gatorbcn
There are multiple topics on this subject that you should be able to find on the forum. Here are some off the top of my head (I know that there are more):

1. Remove the spare tire and tire carrier (get AAA) or switch to a later model GM "donut" spare.


Dont use the donut on the rear. The spare has to be the same height as the other rear tire or you could damage your rearend.(the vette's not your's)
Yes, you have to find a spare that matches the diamter of the tires that you have. There was a post a year or so ago about some people running around with the "space saver" spares from older Monte Carlos, Luminas, etc. They are 26" - 27" diameter. I went the AAA route with mine.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 08:32 AM
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Take a look at this thread. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-to-start.html There is nothing too drastic but it will give you some practical ideas.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisMiami
Although I myself may be the single heaviest part of the car other than the engine block, I am wondering what I can do to thin down a 69 Coupe?

Sure, leaving off the T-Tops and rear window is a good start.

Honestly, as I go through it in my head, I can't think of much other than aluminum radiator and heads to shave off weight.

Any ideas? Or anyone know of a parts list that shows weight?

Thanks,
Chris
How much money can you invest in the project?

Because there are different grades of attacking weight and all of them (but a few) have a cost...the more you go ahead the more money you'll need to finance the weight losses.

Also, consider that weight savings not only will make your car quicker but it'll be also safer and pleasant to drive.
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