3380 lbs with 20 gallons
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
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From: California
'68 not '67.
I have no idea where the extra weight is other than the crash bars in your doors and 5 one inch wider rims, bu those are aluminum aren't they? A few frame gussets and I'll bet the front and rear bumpers along with the all the associated hardware weigh a bit too.
I need to get my '68 weighed to see how close it comes to the shipping weight.
Just remembered, I believe the shipping weight was only including a couple gallons of gas compared to your 20 gallons.
I have no idea where the extra weight is other than the crash bars in your doors and 5 one inch wider rims, bu those are aluminum aren't they? A few frame gussets and I'll bet the front and rear bumpers along with the all the associated hardware weigh a bit too.
I need to get my '68 weighed to see how close it comes to the shipping weight.
Just remembered, I believe the shipping weight was only including a couple gallons of gas compared to your 20 gallons.
I put on the thinner fiber glass front end and hood which lost 150 pounds. I got rid of all the front end steel and vacuum tank and replaced the supports with aluminum struts and brackets. I got rid of the heavy opening head lights and put in the Eklers square fixed.
Aluminum water pump. 6 1/4 ATI lighter damper Crank shaft that save 10 pounds. Flywheel that saves 20 pounds. Fiber seat that saves 25 pounds.
.
Aluminum water pump. 6 1/4 ATI lighter damper Crank shaft that save 10 pounds. Flywheel that saves 20 pounds. Fiber seat that saves 25 pounds.
.
I weighed in with the scale at my local racetrack. My car is pretty bare essentials, but is still a full interior car. Aluminum heads, no vacuum hoses (still have all the actuators though). No extra interior insulation, no spare tire, fiberglass springs front and rear. Also manual brakes, steering, windows and locks. I still have a radio, wipers, and flip up lights. I could probably drop a few more pounds if I got some aluminium control arms and brakes.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
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From: California
My car also weighed 3380lbs but with a half tank....that was when it was completely stock and original other then having a composite rear spring and no spare tire. AC, PS, auto.
Now it is 3515lb with a steel head BB, aftermarket AC, lots of Dynamat, 1/4 tank. 3700lbs with me in it at the track.....she's a porker....
Now it is 3515lb with a steel head BB, aftermarket AC, lots of Dynamat, 1/4 tank. 3700lbs with me in it at the track.....she's a porker....
Before I did any mods at all, iron heads L48 all the original stuff there mine was 3360 with me in it ( big fat head 200lb desk jockey at the time ) and a half a tank of gas.
I probably dropped a few hundred, matter of fact I am gonna go by the dump tomorrow and weigh it again
I probably dropped a few hundred, matter of fact I am gonna go by the dump tomorrow and weigh it again
..... year? wish i was there...Thanx for weighing your 79! I am also surprised by the numbers for the C3's especially the late 70's one since the numbers seem way too high based on what I know about the these cars.
My 78 has no A/C compressor, no AIR pump and associated hardward, no cast iron exhaust manifolds (shorty headers), aluminum intake (L-82), aluminum radiator, aluminum water pump, composite rear spring, SLP aluminum 17 in wheels, no spare tire, and no cat (especially the OEM lead weight cat). I calculated about 3250 for my 78 L-82 4 speed before I saw your figures and I think that I may have been correct.
78 weight distribution was published as 48% front and 52% rear in stock trim!
My 78 has no A/C compressor, no AIR pump and associated hardward, no cast iron exhaust manifolds (shorty headers), aluminum intake (L-82), aluminum radiator, aluminum water pump, composite rear spring, SLP aluminum 17 in wheels, no spare tire, and no cat (especially the OEM lead weight cat). I calculated about 3250 for my 78 L-82 4 speed before I saw your figures and I think that I may have been correct.
78 weight distribution was published as 48% front and 52% rear in stock trim!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 845
Likes: 54
From: Bangor, Northern Ireland
I like this thread. I'll get mine weighed soon
'71 'vert
Ali head SBC, ali water pump, ali flywheel, air gap, 5 speed Tremec, 17" v40's
glass springs front and rear, offset arms, borgeson conversion (power), strut brace, sidepipes.
No aircon or radio, manual windows, spare, stock brakes.
My friend owns a scrap yard with a weigh bridge
I always thought the back end was light, thats how it feels and it seems to handle better with the spare in place, more testing needed
'71 'vert
Ali head SBC, ali water pump, ali flywheel, air gap, 5 speed Tremec, 17" v40's
glass springs front and rear, offset arms, borgeson conversion (power), strut brace, sidepipes.
No aircon or radio, manual windows, spare, stock brakes.
My friend owns a scrap yard with a weigh bridge
I always thought the back end was light, thats how it feels and it seems to handle better with the spare in place, more testing needed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,459
Likes: 979
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Quote:
Originally Posted by jb78L-82
Thanx for weighing your 79! I am also surprised by the numbers for the C3's especially the late 70's one since the numbers seem way too high based on what I know about the these cars.
My 78 has no A/C compressor, no AIR pump and associated hardward, no cast iron exhaust manifolds (shorty headers), aluminum intake (L-82), aluminum radiator, aluminum water pump, composite rear spring, SLP aluminum 17 in wheels, no spare tire, and no cat (especially the OEM lead weight cat). I calculated about 3250 for my 78 L-82 4 speed before I saw your figures and I think that I may have been correct.
78 weight distribution was published as 48% front and 52% rear in stock trim!
Go weigh it, bet it will be more, i was a little disappointed, I was hoping for 3200....
I would still bet on 3,250-3,300 on my 78 since besides all the items listed above the t-tops are another 35 lbs alone (riding without them in the car) and my car was ordered new with basically no options other than the L-82, 4 speed, and Gymkhana suspension-No rear defroster, power windows, power door locks-no options! Even if the 78 auto weighs in at 3,500 and figuring a pretty loaded 4 speed was 3450, I still think with most of the heavy items gone (and there are a lot of them), I easily have shaved 150 lbs off the car and add running with no tops-3,250-3,300, no more.
One more item to consider is that the newest batteries today are significantly smaller and lighter than the batteries from the 70's-How much for that 10 lbs? 15 lbs?
Now trying to get a later C3 down to 3,000 libs or under would require much more extensive weight reductions!
Anyone know what the weight savings are going from cast iron heads to aluminum heads?
Originally Posted by jb78L-82
Thanx for weighing your 79! I am also surprised by the numbers for the C3's especially the late 70's one since the numbers seem way too high based on what I know about the these cars.
My 78 has no A/C compressor, no AIR pump and associated hardward, no cast iron exhaust manifolds (shorty headers), aluminum intake (L-82), aluminum radiator, aluminum water pump, composite rear spring, SLP aluminum 17 in wheels, no spare tire, and no cat (especially the OEM lead weight cat). I calculated about 3250 for my 78 L-82 4 speed before I saw your figures and I think that I may have been correct.
78 weight distribution was published as 48% front and 52% rear in stock trim!
Go weigh it, bet it will be more, i was a little disappointed, I was hoping for 3200....
I would still bet on 3,250-3,300 on my 78 since besides all the items listed above the t-tops are another 35 lbs alone (riding without them in the car) and my car was ordered new with basically no options other than the L-82, 4 speed, and Gymkhana suspension-No rear defroster, power windows, power door locks-no options! Even if the 78 auto weighs in at 3,500 and figuring a pretty loaded 4 speed was 3450, I still think with most of the heavy items gone (and there are a lot of them), I easily have shaved 150 lbs off the car and add running with no tops-3,250-3,300, no more.
One more item to consider is that the newest batteries today are significantly smaller and lighter than the batteries from the 70's-How much for that 10 lbs? 15 lbs?
Now trying to get a later C3 down to 3,000 libs or under would require much more extensive weight reductions!
Anyone know what the weight savings are going from cast iron heads to aluminum heads?
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jun 26, 2010 at 08:52 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I really have no way to verify that scale at the dump.....they weighed me in the car, I know I weigh duce and a quarter....225.....and they called out 3525 so 3300 for the car.....I forget just exactly how much gas was in the car, not empty, not just filled, so lets call it a conversational 1/2 tank....
at some point I need to think to weigh the car again...i'ts near my doc's office,
it's a '72 vert, custom grill, custom body by p/owners, but I have no spare, '89 vette wheels/tires, plastic rear spring, but went from muncie to 200 4r auto now, the 700 is outta there....
LT1 induction on L98 engine....headers...aluminum radiator, electric fans, power windows for years now....hollowed out hood under the BB Bulge....must have been 500 lbs of freeking glass, I can NOW lift it off with ease....
at some point I need to think to weigh the car again...i'ts near my doc's office,
it's a '72 vert, custom grill, custom body by p/owners, but I have no spare, '89 vette wheels/tires, plastic rear spring, but went from muncie to 200 4r auto now, the 700 is outta there....
LT1 induction on L98 engine....headers...aluminum radiator, electric fans, power windows for years now....hollowed out hood under the BB Bulge....must have been 500 lbs of freeking glass, I can NOW lift it off with ease....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
My 72 LT-1 with aluminum heads weighed 3180 a few years back when I did the corner weights on it. I was 48%F/52%R and within 80lbs side to side when done (added 200lbs to driver's seat when setting cross weights.)
Take the T-tops off, pop the rear glass out of a 68-72 Vette and the weight is pretty decent. One thing I have noticed, the 73 and later SMC T-tops seem to weigh about 10-12lbs less than the earlier stuff.
Easiest place left for my Vette to lose weight is with the driver
Take the T-tops off, pop the rear glass out of a 68-72 Vette and the weight is pretty decent. One thing I have noticed, the 73 and later SMC T-tops seem to weigh about 10-12lbs less than the earlier stuff.
Easiest place left for my Vette to lose weight is with the driver
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,931
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
My 72 LT-1 with aluminum heads weighed 3180 a few years back when I did the corner weights on it. I was 48%F/52%R and within 80lbs side to side when done (added 200lbs to driver's seat when setting cross weights.)
Take the T-tops off, pop the rear glass out of a 68-72 Vette and the weight is pretty decent. One thing I have noticed, the 73 and later SMC T-tops seem to weigh about 10-12lbs less than the earlier stuff.
Interesting info. I wasn't aware of that.
Easiest place left for my Vette to lose weight is with the driver
Take the T-tops off, pop the rear glass out of a 68-72 Vette and the weight is pretty decent. One thing I have noticed, the 73 and later SMC T-tops seem to weigh about 10-12lbs less than the earlier stuff.
Interesting info. I wasn't aware of that.
Easiest place left for my Vette to lose weight is with the driver
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
wanted to do this for a long time, so i was passing this weigh station and thought what the heck.... so, $10 later and I find out just how fat i am....
3380 total pounds with a full tank of gas... so dry i would think about 6 lbs per gallon which would equal about .... say 120 lbs...so dry about 1260 lbs.....
how do they give the weight on new cars? dry? empty?
f/b was 1660 front and 1720 back, 49+% front, 51-% back....
1979 4 speed, power everything and A/C....weight mods would be composite spring, R&P, Aluminum M/C, Alu radiator, no spare, Alu intake, headers Alu water pump.
Beejay... what you weighing?
3380 total pounds with a full tank of gas... so dry i would think about 6 lbs per gallon which would equal about .... say 120 lbs...so dry about 1260 lbs.....
how do they give the weight on new cars? dry? empty?
f/b was 1660 front and 1720 back, 49+% front, 51-% back....
1979 4 speed, power everything and A/C....weight mods would be composite spring, R&P, Aluminum M/C, Alu radiator, no spare, Alu intake, headers Alu water pump.
Beejay... what you weighing?
Bee Jay
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
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From: California
thoes are the next items on the list anyway....
I think 3100 dry is doable, but where in the heck are you going to find another 100 after that?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
The documentation I got from GM gave a base weight and then added weights for each option. I don't recall the exact numbers but my loaded 4 speed 79 came out around 3700 lb. I expect this must be correct because the 225 hp L82 car performs about the same as my 135 hp 280ZX which was around 3000 lb.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
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From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
hey buddy.... im 3260 dry...you are 100lbs lighter, bet i could reduce that with the new wheels and tires... or close maybe? naw.... 25 lbs a wheel is to optimistic I think.... but add the willwood aluminum calipers and I bet thats over 100lbs savings.... and someone mentioned the new lighter batteries.... about 25lbs there alone....
thoes are the next items on the list anyway....
I think 3100 dry is doable, but where in the heck are you going to find another 100 after that?
thoes are the next items on the list anyway....
I think 3100 dry is doable, but where in the heck are you going to find another 100 after that?
Late model plastic master cylinder
Lightweight hood
aluminum radiator
aluminum rear end with aluminum driveshaft
Plexiglass rear window
remove the gaurd beams from my heavy *** doors
Aluminum upper and lower A arms
OK, here is the big dream, aluminum Gen I 396 or 427 small block
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Hey Bee Jay, any thoughts to swapping over to C5/C6 brake system? Dumping the cast iron brake calipers for aluminum has got to get some weight off the wheels. I know there is a complete change in technology of the calipers but I am pretty sure folks have already done this swap so there may be good info on how DIY it is.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Future weight reductions:
Late model plastic master cylinder
Lightweight hood
aluminum radiator
aluminum rear end with aluminum driveshaft
Plexiglass rear window
remove the gaurd beams from my heavy *** doors
Aluminum upper and lower A arms
OK, here is the big dream, aluminum Gen I 396 or 427 small block
Late model plastic master cylinder
Lightweight hood
aluminum radiator
aluminum rear end with aluminum driveshaft
Plexiglass rear window
remove the gaurd beams from my heavy *** doors
Aluminum upper and lower A arms
OK, here is the big dream, aluminum Gen I 396 or 427 small block
The good thing was the LG motor sports 750 hp 2010 C-6 ZR1 Vette won the event. Fast time of the event was a full Viper on slicks. Where the rules required at least 100 tread ware tires.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
Hey Bee Jay, any thoughts to swapping over to C5/C6 brake system? Dumping the cast iron brake calipers for aluminum has got to get some weight off the wheels. I know there is a complete change in technology of the calipers but I am pretty sure folks have already done this swap so there may be good info on how DIY it is.
Bee Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,459
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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
The documentation I got from GM gave a base weight and then added weights for each option. I don't recall the exact numbers but my loaded 4 speed 79 came out around 3700 lb. I expect this must be correct because the 225 hp L82 car performs about the same as my 135 hp 280ZX which was around 3000 lb.
I have the Dec 1978 Car And Driver magazine write up on the 79 L-82 Corvette and they list the weight as 3,480 Lbs with the L-82, 4 speed, gymkhana suspension, 255/60/15 tires and rims, HD battery, AM?FM radio with CB, tilt and telescope steering wheel, rear defogger, Convience group and sport mirrors.
I also have the 1978 Road and Track Summary tests for all the cars they tested in 1978 and a 78 Corvette L-82 4 speed does 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds (not bad in 78) and stopped from 80 MPH - 0 in 244 feet.
In the same magazine, the Datsun 280 Z does 0-60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and stops from 80 MPH in 221 feet.
Same Road and Track Summary, a 1978 Porsche 911SC does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 secs and stops from 80 MPH in 248 Feet.
The only cars faster than a 78 corvette 0-60 in 1978 was the Porsche Turbo (5.0) and a Ferrari 512 Boxer (5.5). Lamborghini Countach is 6.8.
From these figures, I would surmise that the corvettes weight is closer to 3,500 lbs especially when you look at the Porsche figures since the 911SC is about 2,900-3,000 Lbs with less horsepower.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jul 1, 2010 at 07:16 AM.