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Lightening a C3... Random thoughts.

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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 01:59 PM
  #21  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (ZD75blue)

Didn't see anybody mention an aluminum flywheel !!!!! You get a double payoff, reduced weight plus the acceleration efficiency of the lower rotating mass..... For onyl a meer $500 ????????? :steering:

Bob
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (ZD75blue)

Ill weigh them right now just got home.
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 02:05 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (Bullshark)

Didn't see anybody mention an aluminum flywheel !!!!! You get a double payoff, reduced weight plus the acceleration efficiency of the lower rotating mass..... For onyl a meer $500 ????????? :steering:

Bob
Hacksaw blades are less expensive... hehe! Better to take off... more cost effiecent :jester
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 02:06 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (patsnitrovette)

Ill weigh them right now just got home.
Thanks :hurray:
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 02:07 PM
  #25  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (patsnitrovette)

c5 seats weigh in at 15 lbs no tracks, and the stock 73 c3 seats weighin at approximately 27 lbs,maybe more didnt want to sit exactly on scale,id say close to 28.
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 02:39 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (patsnitrovette)

c5 seats weigh in at 15 lbs no tracks, and the stock 73 c3 seats weighin at approximately 27 lbs,maybe more didnt want to sit exactly on scale,id say close to 28.
Thats a good amount of weight about 20+ pounds. :eek:
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 02:55 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (Bullshark)

$$$$$$$$$$$500 for an aluminum flywheel---------------NO WAY!!
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 03:02 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (redvetracr)

$$$$$$$$$$$500 for an aluminum flywheel---------------NO WAY!!
That and not enough stored momentum to REALLY rip the tires loose... :jester
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 03:04 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (redvetracr)

$$$$$$$$$$$500 for an aluminum flywheel---------------NO WAY!!


OK, What do they cost??? I was at Effingham in sept for the Funfest and a vendor there had them at ~$380+++... can't remember exactly.

Bob
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 04:22 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (Bullshark)

The simplest way to save weight on a C3 is to drain ALL fluids....and

fill the entire car, all cavitites with.....


helium!!!!


or hydrogen...the ultimate fuel!!!

GENE
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 07:08 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (ZD75blue)

A 68 with a small block weighs in at 3,200 and a 75 with a small block weighs in at 3,700... but an 82 with its "standard optioned" block... weighs in at 3,200 again!
thats very upsetting since i own a 75. How the heck did they manage to add 500 pounds to the blasted thing? I know about the low speed bumpers and they're heavy, but 500 freeking pounds?

you sure they didnt change from net weight to SAE weight? :lol:

but seriously what is in the 75 thats not in the 68 that would add THAT much. Are all the body panels heavier. The frame, engine, differential, suspension parts, and tranny are all the same damn parts.

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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 08:11 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (turtlevette)

A 68 with a small block weighs in at 3,200 and a 75 with a small block weighs in at 3,700... but an 82 with its "standard optioned" block... weighs in at 3,200 again!


thats very upsetting since i own a 75. How the heck did they manage to add 500 pounds to the blasted thing? I know about the low speed bumpers and they're heavy, but 500 freeking pounds?

you sure they didnt change from net weight to SAE weight? :lol:

but seriously what is in the 75 thats not in the 68 that would add THAT much. Are all the body panels heavier. The frame, engine, differential, suspension parts, and tranny are all the same damn parts.
Well...

To list a few:

They changed the front bumpers
They changed the rear bumpers
They added side impact support bracing

Then... If you take into acount all the options and what not... You rack up a heavy weight car :cheers:

Luckily... The 75 that resides in the garage has been hit in the front... repaired poorly and all front bumper material removed... Not an NCRS top flight to say the least :crazy:
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 08:15 PM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (turtlevette)


but seriously what is in the 75 thats not in the 68 that would add THAT much. Are all the body panels heavier. The frame, engine, differential, suspension parts, and tranny are all the same damn parts.
Cats, smog stuff.... you know, stuff that was removed as soon as the original owner got home. :smash: :lol:
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Old Jan 9, 2004 | 08:58 PM
  #34  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (ZD75blue)

They added side impact support bracing
That makes me feel a LOT better. You never know when the kid next door is gonna get totally out of control on that moped. :lol:
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Old Jan 10, 2004 | 12:10 AM
  #35  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (ZD75blue)

When I eventualy come to the point where I'll be installing new lightweight buckets, I want to be selfish and ditch the heavy tracks in favor of some custom fabricated aluminum brackets. My seats won't be adjustable, but I don't see how that affects me driving it.

About the bumper. I may cut that out.

I wonder how harsh the ride would be with aluminum body mounts.

I also wonder how harsh it would be to ditch the engine mounts.

Is it possible to get lexan formed? (IE replacing the rear glass)

Are there any one piece front ends (bumper included) that don't have that integrated super low spoiler thing going on?
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Old Jan 10, 2004 | 01:10 AM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (applevette)

I have always thought it would be the coolest thing if someone could fab up rotors and calipers right on the spindle that goes into the differential. So you have less unsprung weight. I saw it done on some old race cars and thought it was awesome. I will do it some day when I have alot of money. :lol:
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Old Jan 10, 2004 | 05:32 AM
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (CrossedFlags77)

jaguars have that and indeed the unsprung weight reduction is nice but think about it, loosing a 1/2 shaft, u joint or anything after the stub/rotor and you have NO brakes on the rear wheels.
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Old Jan 10, 2004 | 07:31 AM
  #38  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (CrossedFlags77)

Just switching to the Steeroids rack and pinion will save maybe 10 pounds.

Gene will love this one. If you really want to save weight!

Find a manual steering (1982-198X?) Cavalier or Sunbird rack and pinion. Use the Steeroids mounting brackets, tie rods, tie rod adapter plate, and intermediate shaft. Now you will be up to about 15 pounds over the stock power steering system.

BTW, don't even think about using one of those manual steering Corvair aluminum or the cast iron Vega recirculating ball steering gears. They were only designed for those real light weight front ends.

The standard (non-adjustable) steering column is about as light as you want to get. Don't gut it. It is designed to telescope and absorb energy in a severe frontal collision. Just what a serious racer might need.


[Modified by Jim Shea, 7:40 AM 1/10/2004]


[Modified by Jim Shea, 8:25 AM 1/10/2004]
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Old Jan 10, 2004 | 08:58 AM
  #39  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (applevette)

When I eventualy come to the point where I'll be installing new lightweight buckets, I want to be selfish and ditch the heavy tracks in favor of some custom fabricated aluminum brackets. My seats won't be adjustable, but I don't see how that affects me driving it.

About the bumper. I may cut that out.

I wonder how harsh the ride would be with aluminum body mounts.

I also wonder how harsh it would be to ditch the engine mounts.

Is it possible to get lexan formed? (IE replacing the rear glass)

Are there any one piece front ends (bumper included) that don't have that integrated super low spoiler thing going on?
My figuring on the engine... is that if everything is balanced and in tune... and you have a decent harmonic balancer, that when it hits "peak operating RPM" IE when your bumpity rumpity cam shaft quiets down the motor shouldnt shake to bad... Just look at import motors (sacrilidge...) and how they stay in one spot after they are started. Almost like they arent running.

:cheers:
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Old Jan 10, 2004 | 08:59 AM
  #40  
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Default Re: Lightening a C3... Random thoughts. (Twin_Turbo)

jaguars have that and indeed the unsprung weight reduction is nice but think about it, loosing a 1/2 shaft, u joint or anything after the stub/rotor and you have NO brakes on the rear wheels.
Ok... I have scratched off building a hotrod with a chromed jag rear... thanks twin, talked me out of it! :yesnod:
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