2500 lb C4
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
I am one to never say never, and to that believe with the right resourses, a 2500lb street legal C4 is possible.
However, I think 2700-2900 is probably quite doable and retain some relative driving comfort . . . particularly with carbon fiber body panels and lexan - along with all the other typical weight reduction methods.
However, I think 2700-2900 is probably quite doable and retain some relative driving comfort . . . particularly with carbon fiber body panels and lexan - along with all the other typical weight reduction methods.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 3
From: Mount Vernon OH
Originally Posted by Fubar569
the 84's curb weight was 3100 & change....so i'd think it could be attained using an earlylow option C4 and getting it on a basic diet of lightweight parts and of course using an all aluminum motor with lightweight components...
My car just happens to be a 1984 that is not optioned and is getting lots of go fast super light weight parts. I will not make it to 2500 lbs this year but I know that the lighter my car is the faster it becomes and a side benefit is that the car is much easier on parts the lighter it becomes. The heavier the car the harder the strain on the drivetrain.
NitrousSam
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 3
From: Mount Vernon OH
Originally Posted by LT-4 CE
I am one to never say never, and to that believe with the right resourses, a 2500lb street legal C4 is possible.
However, I think 2700-2900 is probably quite doable and retain some relative driving comfort . . . particularly with carbon fiber body panels and lexan - along with all the other typical weight reduction methods.
However, I think 2700-2900 is probably quite doable and retain some relative driving comfort . . . particularly with carbon fiber body panels and lexan - along with all the other typical weight reduction methods.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Originally Posted by NitrousSam
I was talking with an owner of a C4 who is a road racer and he tells me
that there are many C4 race cars that weigh 2500 lbs or less
(without driver).
that there are many C4 race cars that weigh 2500 lbs or less
(without driver).
or less".
If you bump into the fellow again, ask him for some specific
examples. There is a thread in C4 General currently with pics of cars
from the C4 era. With bridgework and componetry like this underneath,
there will be a toll at the scales.
Those cars happen to have LT5's, but I think they're still valid
examples.
NitrousSam, I need to go back to review your great posts in the
past describing what you've achieved to date in the area of weight
reduction. If 2500# is possible, I believe you'll be the one to get
there. I'm just not confident that RR's are going to be able to help
as much as maybe drag racers.
.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
You can easily have a 2500 lbs c4. 84 curb weight is3087 auto and 3060 manual. I think you can shave off 560 lbs easily:carpet,passenger seat,stereo(heavy magnets),storage bins,spare tire,carbon fibre hood,plastic targa,plastic rear window,glove box, take off that stupid bread loaf,heavy headlights,air pumpand hoses,smaller pulleys,change to lighter wheels and tires,cigarette lighter,ash tray,plastic side windows,winsheild washer fluid bottle,coolant reservoir,put in lighter racing gas tank,staight pipe exhaust, the list goes on and you would easily be 2500 or less.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 34
Originally Posted by 89Corvette6spdFX3
Any pics of that ZR1?
http://corvette.nl/specials/snake.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
The ZF(in so-equipped models) would need to be swapped out for another brand of manual trans. Somewhere here in Tech, there was a discussion about this.
The hoods do weigh a ton.
Aluminum blocks are like $6,000.00 (!!!)
Lightening is one thing, and I have done that, but my greatest challenge is weight distribution. Since the "diet" my car has much more oversteer and the ride height did come up. Would love to corner weight it someday. I have the weight of a 10 point mild steel cage written down somewhere.....gotta go dig it up. I have the chrome moly version as well.....will try to find those numbers.
Good thread guys.
The hoods do weigh a ton.
Aluminum blocks are like $6,000.00 (!!!)
Lightening is one thing, and I have done that, but my greatest challenge is weight distribution. Since the "diet" my car has much more oversteer and the ride height did come up. Would love to corner weight it someday. I have the weight of a 10 point mild steel cage written down somewhere.....gotta go dig it up. I have the chrome moly version as well.....will try to find those numbers.
Good thread guys.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 36,453
Likes: 2
From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Well, it's not a C4, but...
Stan Whitney & Su Brude's B-Prepaired C5 tips the scales at about 2600 pounds with an A4, IIRC. It's built specifically for Prosolo racing and is nowhere near street legal. However, it CAN be done.
Stan Whitney & Su Brude's B-Prepaired C5 tips the scales at about 2600 pounds with an A4, IIRC. It's built specifically for Prosolo racing and is nowhere near street legal. However, it CAN be done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 0
From: Beltsville Maryland
I would have to question many who are saying that a 2500lb C4 is easily doable. How many of them have actually done it? What is often overlooked is that there will be offsetting weight added back to the car for safety and rigidity. If you plan on racing the car, then it will be mandated depending on how fast the car is and the sanctioning organization (NHRA,IHRA,SCCA, etc) . Some of the add ons could include 6 point rollbar or full cage, halon system, parachute, wheelbars just to mention a few.
I also question whether a carbon fiber hood is lighter than a stock hood. Stronger...yes, but lighter...hmmm. I know someone with a CF hood. I will ask them.
I also question whether a carbon fiber hood is lighter than a stock hood. Stronger...yes, but lighter...hmmm. I know someone with a CF hood. I will ask them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Bradford Pa
Originally Posted by wheelsup
I would have to question many who are saying that a 2500lb C4 is easily doable. How many of them have actually done it? What is often overlooked is that there will be offsetting weight added back to the car for safety and rigidity. If you plan on racing the car, then it will be mandated depending on how fast the car is and the sanctioning organization (NHRA,IHRA,SCCA, etc) . Some of the add ons could include 6 point rollbar or full cage, halon system, parachute, wheelbars just to mention a few.
I also question whether a carbon fiber hood is lighter than a stock hood. Stronger...yes, but lighter...hmmm. I know someone with a CF hood. I will ask them.
I also question whether a carbon fiber hood is lighter than a stock hood. Stronger...yes, but lighter...hmmm. I know someone with a CF hood. I will ask them.
ummm...what have you been smoking?
between the CF race hood and the lexan rear hatch is sometimes over 100lbs off the car right there! of course it's lighter...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 0
From: Beltsville Maryland
Originally Posted by Fubar569
ummm...what have you been smoking?
between the CF race hood and the lexan rear hatch is sometimes over 100lbs off the car right there! of course it's lighter...
between the CF race hood and the lexan rear hatch is sometimes over 100lbs off the car right there! of course it's lighter...
Last edited by wheelsup; Jun 12, 2006 at 07:43 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Bradford Pa
Originally Posted by wheelsup
I might be smoking, but you are on drugs. There is no way a CF hood and a Lexan rear hatch will save you 100lbs. Like I said....you are probably one of the guys I'm talking about. I'll concede that the CF may be a little lighter than the OEM, but not significanty lighter. I have an aftermarket fiberglass hood that is much lighter than the CF hood. Do you know what a OEM hood or glass hatch weighs? Lets start there and see who's smoking what. You need to stay in school until you can do simple math. A CF hood + a lexan rear hatch does not equal a weigh saving of 100lbs.
then reference EM's website...since i think they know what they are talking about
C5000 CARBON FIBER HOOD ONLY 28.5 POUNDS!
This material is extremely strong, yet ultra lightweight. That is why Formula 1 teams choose to use this material on their cars. Depending on the hood configuration, carbon fiber can save 50-75 Lbs. of weight off the front end of your Corvette. Both raised or stock replacement hoods are available.
C5300 LEXAN REAR WINDOW
Put your Vette on a diet by installing light weight rear glass. Less vehicle weight will allow your car to brake faster, increase cornering capabilities and accelerate faster. Made from Mar Resistant 5000 material . The rear window uses the factory hinge and latch mechanism to give it that unsuspecting look. When combined with the carbon fiber hood, your Vette will have trimmed off more than 100Lbs. Thats amazing
-----------------
ok...so it does...50-75lbs from the hood and another i'm guessing 25 from the hatch...that's right around 100 isn't it? now who can't do math...
i'd consider it significantly lighter and at least that much in savings of weight...not calling the woman in thier pics small but if she can do that with one, it's gotta be damn light considering it takes 2 people to move my stock 84 hood due to heft...
Last edited by Fubar569; Jun 12, 2006 at 08:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
I thought I remembered that 100lb figure some where so I looked it up. I think it was here. (Edit) You beat me to it. http://www.exoticmuscle.com/webpage....TS&CATSEL=BODY
Last edited by rickneworleansla; Jun 13, 2006 at 11:36 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
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From: Database Error Indiana
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 0
From: Beltsville Maryland
Student, you should believe everything, because your parents are paying for it.
If you believe the EM ad then should just fall for TPIS's claim that installing a MR will gain you 95hp. You want to discuss that too...rookie?
Done the MR upgrade as well. So, what kind of direct experience do you have with this weight deduction issue?
If you believe the EM ad then should just fall for TPIS's claim that installing a MR will gain you 95hp. You want to discuss that too...rookie?
Done the MR upgrade as well. So, what kind of direct experience do you have with this weight deduction issue?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 870
Likes: 23
From: Alexandria VA
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 3
From: Mount Vernon OH
Originally Posted by 89 Paul in Cal
The ZF(in so-equipped models) would need to be swapped out for another brand of manual trans. Somewhere here in Tech, there was a discussion about this.
Aluminum blocks are like $6,000.00 (!!!)
Good thread guys.
Aluminum blocks are like $6,000.00 (!!!)
Good thread guys.
