Upper control arm- drilling for weight loss

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Dec 23, 2015 | 06:01 PM

73C34me

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,131

Likes: 106

From: laingsburg MI

2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

Upper control arm- drilling for weight loss

Anyone drill holes in an effort to reduce the weight of stock upper control arms? They appear beefy, thinking of using a 1-1/2"ish hole saw to drill an area out of the center of the horizontal triangular area. Then perhaps. Couple of 7/-16" ish holes int the vertical lip area close to the cross shaft. I have seen this done years a ago and wouldn't do it on a daily driver. The aftermarket lite weight arms seem slightly flimsily and expensive for the minimal savings in weight. I have tubular lower arms with the mono spring conversion. I don't have a control arm near by to reference, so hole sizes are approximates. Thnx

Dec 23, 2015 | 07:56 PM

Sayfoo

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 4,226

Likes: 643

From: Orange County Ca

How much weight could you possibly save?
And what would that help?

Dec 23, 2015 | 07:58 PM

COOLTED

Pro

Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 681

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From: Nebraska

I've seen it done on some drag cars, but I can't imagine it would save more than a few ounces.

Last edited by COOLTED; Dec 23, 2015 at 07:58 PM.

Dec 23, 2015 | 08:07 PM

Kacyc3

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 1,990

Likes: 183

From: Port St. Lucie Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by COOLTED

I've seen it done on some drag cars, but I can't imagine it would save more than a few ounces.

doesnt sound safe, why not look into those alum arms one of the vendors has?

Last edited by Kacyc3; Dec 24, 2015 at 09:23 PM.

Dec 23, 2015 | 08:15 PM

ddawson

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 5,738

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From: Lincoln, CA

"minimal savings in weight"

Its several pounds difference from stock to the aluminum.

Bee Jay shows a difference of 13.5 pounds each, 27 total.

Dec 23, 2015 | 09:08 PM

AW IR C3

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Philly Area NJ

Dec 23, 2015 | 10:48 PM

3JsVette

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 14,950

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From: NYC NY

I can't imagine the weight savings is worth the possible safety risk especially on a street car. Aftermarket arms I think would be a better way to go if you feel it's a must.

Dec 24, 2015 | 02:12 AM

454Luvr

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 823

Likes: 57

From: Austin TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73C34me

Anyone drill holes in an effort to reduce the weight of stock upper control arms?

Bubba has done this.

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Dec 24, 2015 | 02:23 AM

slickfx3

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 4,022

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From: Los Angeles CA

it's cheaper than willwood calipers

one saves your life the other may get you killed

Last edited by slickfx3; Dec 24, 2015 at 02:23 AM.

Dec 24, 2015 | 04:21 AM

#10

kenmohr

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,537

Likes: 178

From: NE Ohio

2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickfx3

it's cheaper than willwood calipers

one saves your life the other may get you killed

Dec 24, 2015 | 07:55 PM

#11

vettefred

Skip Shift

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 2,031

Likes: 419

From: Citrus Hills, Florida

Check out a set of tubular arms. Compare the weight of one of those to the stock arm. I think you will see a slight weight savings. Certainly more than drilling the holes in a stocker and much safer for you.

Fred

Dec 24, 2015 | 08:05 PM

#12

Shovels and Vettes

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 9,063

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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

How about not eating a Big Mac before you go driving, and you will be better off.

Dec 26, 2015 | 10:47 AM

#13

1974CorvetteJimCr

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 205

Likes: 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73C34me

Anyone drill holes in an effort to reduce the weight of stock upper control arms?

seriously ?!?!?!

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Dec 26, 2015 | 11:33 AM

#14

73C34me

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,131

Likes: 106

From: laingsburg MI

2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

Merry Christmas guys! Thnx for the input. I agree w/ all of you. Having said that, my whole car is "bubba'd". So I may place a couple of small holes... To add interest! Thnx. Someday lite weight arms for sure!

Dec 26, 2015 | 05:40 PM

#15

rcread

Race Director

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 10,628

Likes: 132

From: Duvall, WA

Any hole you put in the control arm will compromise structural rigidity. Don't do it.

Dec 29, 2015 | 06:20 PM

#16

BOOT77

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,216

Likes: 113

From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddawson

"minimal savings in weight"

Its several pounds difference from stock to the aluminum.

Bee Jay shows a difference of 13.5 pounds each, 27 total.

VBP a-arm 4.5 each
stock 9 each

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-install.html

Figured I'd save someone from being mislead.

Last edited by BOOT77; Dec 29, 2015 at 06:20 PM.

Dec 30, 2015 | 04:13 PM

#17

71coupe

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 2,429

Likes: 14

From: CA

I put a pair of these on my car a few years ago.

Best single improvement to date for handling & lighter too. I think my caster is between 6-7 deg now + the modified lower roll center.

https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...owItem&ID=3697

Last edited by 71coupe; Dec 30, 2015 at 04:59 PM. Reason: link

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