One of my major goals with Vette is lightening it. Here's what I've done so far:
Removed the a/c
aluminum radiator
aluminum water pump
aluminum heads are on order
aluminum intake (performance aftermarket engine)
headers and dual 2.5" exhaust(not sure this takes away weight)
fiberglass front spring and tubular control arms
fiberglass rear spring
mini-starter
removed the tire tub
I have superlight gauges, but don't think they are any lighter than stock
tubular trans crossmember (200R4 trans may be heavier?)
removed most of the bumper crap and replaced with fiberglass bumpers
After the aluminum heads and roller cam, the next big purchase will be aluminum drive and half shafts(same weight as carbon fiber, but cheaper-I had the opportunity to compare all three this weekend)
I plan to go with aftermarket brake calipers and build a carbon fiber console and remove the e-brake handle.
I also plan to build an aluminum radiator support
What I really want to know is this- did the '80-'82 have aluminum rear bumpers(behind the body-like Groovyjay has) AND will it mount up to the '79? Also- what about the options for the front?
I don't want to take out the vacuum headlights, but I'll see if I can make it lighter
I don't want to take away so much from the car that it is uncomfy-I NEED a stereo....
Any other suggestions?


[Modified by 79VetteMike, 7:42 PM 4/7/2004]

 

what does the thing weigh?

 

I managed to take about 50 pounds off the front end by removing parts from behind the new fiberglass bumper and drilling everything else. The vacuum tube gave up 19 pounds alone. The lights operate fine right off the motor.
Double click to enlarge

 

I don't know what it weighs, but I've weighed most of the parts I've removed or replaced with lighter parts. Norval, isn't the front vacuum tube integral to the integrity of the chassis?

 

[Modified by 79VetteMike, 9:13 PM 4/7/2004]

 

It's a bolt in frame extension, the only strutural supprot it provides is as an impact bar in case of a head on collision.

 

I understand that you are looking everywhere to save weight, but how much weight is saved from changing out a plastic console panel for a carbon fiber one? Other than lightening your wallet a little...

In 80 they used thinner door glass to help save weight.

As far as the rear bumper goes, I really doubt they were made of aluminum. Not to say they weren't, just doubt it.

 

As far as the rear bumper goes, I really doubt they were made of aluminum. Not to say they weren't, just doubt it.


Under my rear pumper cover is a large rectangular piece of aluminim. Yes aluminum so it didn't get any holes. Might have to rethink that :lol: :lol:

 

go on a diet... :crazy: just kidding :lol:

 

I plan to remove the ebrake and associated cover and the side panels. That piece of plastic and ashtray crap weigh a little more than you think. You are right though- I don't plan to save a ton of weight there, just tossing out ideas of what I have planned. I wonder how much lighter the door glass is? I know that Groovyjay has a different than stock rear bumper- for some reason, I thought he mentioned it being from a later car- I could be way off though. I don't plan on doing anything dumb or tacky. I am also a detail freak- I want it to all look nice and cost is always a factor(unless you ask my wife), so some things aren't feasible or cost effective.

 

I am 33 years old-5'8" and 170 lbs. I run a couple of miles a day, bike and workout, so I'm doing my part-now if the car just wouldn't cost so much to slim it down... :crazy:

 

If you want to lighten it up, put a 4 cylinder under the hood. :D

 

Yup, same for 80-82. Remove that absorption stuff 9the square blocks or plstic stuff) and you will find an aluminium bar under it. Still, it weighs quite bit... time for soem holes ;)

 

I have also removed the power steering equipment,you don't need it at speed...john :lol:

 

then get rid of the brakes too...if you want to maintain speed brakes are not needed :D :lol:

 

I've gotten rid of nearly everything on my 79.

When I had my roll cage installed they had to rip out the rear carped and sound insulation. I also ripped out the rear speakers and holders. The rear panel and the draw cover. probably 50+ pounds

I replaced it with fireproof aluminized matting and had an appolstry shop redo it all with thin fire resistant carpet. That put back in 12-15 pounds.

79's have rubber stops on all four corners near the springs.

I also removed the brake dust covers to decrease unsprung weight.

I would not mess with the steel top radiator cross piece Quote:I also plan to build an aluminum radiator support It actually holds the fenders apart and makes the front end more ridged.

My 81 Daytona TT front end and hood took off an instant 150 lbs.

 

What are you actually trying to do with the car?

 

:withstupid:

 

the light weight calipers arent so much for weight savings, but more for less unsprug weight, therefore helping the suspension.
You coudl put some lighter rims on it.
I know that the carbon fiber driveshafts/half shafts will actually hurt the accelertation. Though they are lighter, they are wider, and it is that that makes them take more energy to turn, but it isnt noticeable. The half shafts wil lreduce unsprung weight, but not drivetrain weight. We had someone on the forum work it all out. Im not sure about the aluminium though, those might be thinner. Im sure there is alot of small things under the dash and hood that you dont use that coudl go, perhaps the carbon can.
I plan to rip alot of stuff out of my car this summer, and sell what i can.

MAtt

 

Just add N.O.S and stop pulling appart your vette.