Weighed my 82
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
Weighed my 82
I posted the weight of my 82 on another thread and there was some question as to the accuracy. I descided to try it again.
I used some barbell weights and myself to check the scales first. I weighed 170 lbs on 3 of them and the 4th was 'toggling' between 168 and 170 (it reads in 2lb increments). Then I stacked 190 lbs of weights on 1 of the scales and got 190 lb reading.
Then I drove the car on the scales.
Left front
Right front
Left rear
Right rear
Filled the gas tank and drove 1 mile to my shop
Total weight is 3064 with 1490 on the front and 1574 on the rear.
This is approximately 48.6% front to 51.4% rear.
Following changes:
Aluminum radiator
Aluminum water pump
Electric headlight actuators
AC delete
Heater delete
Emissions delete
Catalitic converter delete
Power steering delete
Removed 700R4, installed Borg Warner Super T10 with 621 bellhousing
Spare tire and jack delete
Carl
I used some barbell weights and myself to check the scales first. I weighed 170 lbs on 3 of them and the 4th was 'toggling' between 168 and 170 (it reads in 2lb increments). Then I stacked 190 lbs of weights on 1 of the scales and got 190 lb reading.
Then I drove the car on the scales.
Left front
Right front
Left rear
Right rear
Filled the gas tank and drove 1 mile to my shop
Total weight is 3064 with 1490 on the front and 1574 on the rear.
This is approximately 48.6% front to 51.4% rear.
Following changes:
Aluminum radiator
Aluminum water pump
Electric headlight actuators
AC delete
Heater delete
Emissions delete
Catalitic converter delete
Power steering delete
Removed 700R4, installed Borg Warner Super T10 with 621 bellhousing
Spare tire and jack delete
Carl
Last edited by V8Ranger; Nov 5, 2011 at 11:43 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
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From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Would like to discuss your T-10 change over and all the fun you had with it. Bout to do the same with my 80 model, just looking for someone to share the grief with b4 I start. Any pointers/comments?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
I researched, searched and gathered all the components needed and it went very smooth. The only thing that I wasn't prepaired for was the starter, its different with the 4-speed. Had to order one thru the local parts store and pic it up the next morning. That is another item I intend to change - that darn thing is the biggest/heaviest starter I have ever seen! A later model lighter starter has gotta be worth another 10 or 15 lbs.
You won't regret the change, MUCH more fun to drive!
You won't regret the change, MUCH more fun to drive!
Last edited by V8Ranger; Nov 8, 2011 at 04:26 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Yes, the mini starters do shave quite a bit of weight and look much nicer.
Are you still running the L83? Aluminum heads and the starter will easily get you into the <3000 lb range. It's amazing they chopped so much weight off these cars by 82. My 78 has alum heads, composite rear spring and no spare tire and came in at 3400#.
Are you still running the L83? Aluminum heads and the starter will easily get you into the <3000 lb range. It's amazing they chopped so much weight off these cars by 82. My 78 has alum heads, composite rear spring and no spare tire and came in at 3400#.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Nice job! 
I've done several of the same things on my '69.
I'm curious about T-top weights on the later C3s. I've heard conflicting claims on whether the later T-tops are lighter (or the same weight) compared to the earlier tops. Would you mind giving us the weight of your tops so I could compare them to mine?
Thanks!
I've done several of the same things on my '69. I'm curious about T-top weights on the later C3s. I've heard conflicting claims on whether the later T-tops are lighter (or the same weight) compared to the earlier tops. Would you mind giving us the weight of your tops so I could compare them to mine?
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Hi Carl,
I weighed my wife's stock 82 vette on the SCCA sales at Laguna Seca with I believe half a tank of fuel and to the best of my recollection it weighed 3,250 lbs. I don't know if that helps you or not.
Rob
I weighed my wife's stock 82 vette on the SCCA sales at Laguna Seca with I believe half a tank of fuel and to the best of my recollection it weighed 3,250 lbs. I don't know if that helps you or not.
Rob
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
Yes, the mini starters do shave quite a bit of weight and look much nicer.
Are you still running the L83? Aluminum heads and the starter will easily get you into the <3000 lb range. It's amazing they chopped so much weight off these cars by 82. My 78 has alum heads, composite rear spring and no spare tire and came in at 3400#.
Are you still running the L83? Aluminum heads and the starter will easily get you into the <3000 lb range. It's amazing they chopped so much weight off these cars by 82. My 78 has alum heads, composite rear spring and no spare tire and came in at 3400#.
Carl
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
Nice job! I've done several of the same things on my '69.
I'm curious about T-top weights on the later C3s. I've heard conflicting claims on whether the later T-tops are lighter (or the same weight) compared to the earlier tops. Would you mind giving us the weight of your tops so I could compare them to mine?
Thanks!
I've done several of the same things on my '69. I'm curious about T-top weights on the later C3s. I've heard conflicting claims on whether the later T-tops are lighter (or the same weight) compared to the earlier tops. Would you mind giving us the weight of your tops so I could compare them to mine?
Thanks!
Carl
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
Good info.. thanks. I bet that trans swap and removing the ac/heat knocked off the largest chunk of fat.
Yep, I think Alans 71 with BB, aluminum heads, alum intake, etc. weighs 3700 or 3800 lbs still runs high 10's ET's.
Yep, I think Alans 71 with BB, aluminum heads, alum intake, etc. weighs 3700 or 3800 lbs still runs high 10's ET's.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html
Unfortunely they have discontinued this product, but it was pretty simple. Just brackets to adapt Firebird actuators. Got the actuators and control module off ebay pretty cheap.
Killer Lights conversion kit
Left Headlight actuator w/rod (GM p/n 16516653)
Right Headlight actuator w/rod (GM p/n 16516654)
Headlight control module (GM p/n 16521297)
Connector for control module (GM p/n 12102775)
Connector for control module (GM p/n 12102776)
C4 Corvette Headlight switch (GM p/n 1995257)
Carl
Unfortunely they have discontinued this product, but it was pretty simple. Just brackets to adapt Firebird actuators. Got the actuators and control module off ebay pretty cheap.
Killer Lights conversion kit
Left Headlight actuator w/rod (GM p/n 16516653)
Right Headlight actuator w/rod (GM p/n 16516654)
Headlight control module (GM p/n 16521297)
Connector for control module (GM p/n 12102775)
Connector for control module (GM p/n 12102776)
C4 Corvette Headlight switch (GM p/n 1995257)
Carl
Le Mans Master
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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
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From: Merritt Island Florida
Safety Car
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From: Seattle Washington
I'd say its to much work to do for a 4 speed, but not to much for a 5 or better yet a 6 speed....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
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From: Merritt Island Florida
Carl
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
My 78 L-82 is a 4 speed and I have driven or been in many C3's over the years with the automatics and to be honest those cars are VERY different to drive versus the 4 speed cars. I would love to have a 5 speed as well but for the money involved and the few miles per year I drive, it is just not worth it to me. The difference between a 4 speed car and automatic is magnified greatly with cars with the L-82 since this engine is a mid to high RPM engine and is really wasted with an automatic since it needs revs to really move.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
My 78 L-82 is a 4 speed and I have driven or been in many C3's over the years with the automatics and to be honest those cars are VERY different to drive versus the 4 speed cars. I would love to have a 5 speed as well but for the money involved and the few miles per year I drive, it is just not worth it to me. The difference between a 4 speed car and automatic is magnified greatly with cars with the L-82 since this engine is a mid to high RPM engine and is really wasted with an automatic since it needs revs to really move.Carl