How much difference does weight make?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
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From: Yakima WA
How much difference does weight make?
There is a lot of talk about the car's weight when figuring out acceleration, etc.
I am wondering how much of a difference weight makes. ie- if Car A is 300 lbs heavier than Car B (all else being equal), what would that equate to in say 1/4 miles times? 0-60 rating, etc? Any significant difference?
I am wondering how much of a difference weight makes. ie- if Car A is 300 lbs heavier than Car B (all else being equal), what would that equate to in say 1/4 miles times? 0-60 rating, etc? Any significant difference?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
weight is a huge difference, same power with a lower weight equals lower times
I believe i read on Beach Bum's website that he let a skinnier friend test his modded car and the guy ran at least a tenth better.
I believe i read on Beach Bum's website that he let a skinnier friend test his modded car and the guy ran at least a tenth better.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
There is an equation on my site that relates weight and HP to trap speed.
For my 3,360lb Vette at 300hp, 80lb = 10hp = 1mph.
In your example, considering a similar weight & HP, the lighter car should have a trap speed nearly 4mph faster.
To realy get a feel for such parameters and to help select shift points, etc. get a copy of Drag2000. With it you can vary torque curve, weight, shift points, launch rpm, TC lockup, traction, etc. For about $50 it's pretty useful.
For my 3,360lb Vette at 300hp, 80lb = 10hp = 1mph.
In your example, considering a similar weight & HP, the lighter car should have a trap speed nearly 4mph faster.
To realy get a feel for such parameters and to help select shift points, etc. get a copy of Drag2000. With it you can vary torque curve, weight, shift points, launch rpm, TC lockup, traction, etc. For about $50 it's pretty useful.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,644
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From: Texas, GOOD OLE USA
Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
Weight is indeed a huge factor. Placement of weight (front or rearward) can make or break a street car in handling and a race car in traction. Use to be that 100 lbs off a car was worth 1/10 of a second in the 1/4 mile. I think that is still true today. Hope this helps :seeya
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
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From: Yakima WA
Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure. Hell, I removed the spare tire/jack just to free up 45lbs, then thought I was an idiot thinking that it made any difference. I know, what if I get a flat? Well, my thinking is, if I get a flat on my $320 tires. I am calling a AAA. and towing it straight to Les Schwab :)
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
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Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
One of my first mods was the "spare tire delete"; I carry a cell phone and plastic along with a puncture repair kit and a pair of plyers.
I also run with about 1/2 tank of fuel (1/3 tank at the strip). Consider that, at 6lb/gal., 1/2 tank is worth another 60lb (nearly another 1mph).
Also lowering the rear 1 1/4" shifted a little weight from front to rear to aid traction.
I also run with about 1/2 tank of fuel (1/3 tank at the strip). Consider that, at 6lb/gal., 1/2 tank is worth another 60lb (nearly another 1mph).
Also lowering the rear 1 1/4" shifted a little weight from front to rear to aid traction.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
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From: Yakima WA
Re: How much difference does weight make? (65Z01)
Yes, I have been thinking about the gas thing, in fact. I am at half tank now and was going to gas up, but decided to wait a bit. Does that Fix a FLat in a bottle really work? Maybe I can use that if I get a flat, then just drive to the tire shop.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
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Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
I only fill up just before a long trip; around town I like 1/3-2/3 tank, just for fun. Also, consider the effect of having your girl or a buddy along before accepting that traffic light challenge.
I was told by a tire repair guy that the liquid stuff sucks. In fact I tryed it on my IROC and the guy dismounted the tire to clean all that sutff out of the tire.
I carry the small kit with needle, tube of glue and several soft rubber plugs. I had to use it several years ago on one of the IROC's tire and still holding.
I was told by a tire repair guy that the liquid stuff sucks. In fact I tryed it on my IROC and the guy dismounted the tire to clean all that sutff out of the tire.
I carry the small kit with needle, tube of glue and several soft rubber plugs. I had to use it several years ago on one of the IROC's tire and still holding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Memphis, Tn
Re: How much difference does weight make? (dbwade36)
Also depends on whether the weight is rotating, such as tires and wheels. 100 lb of rotating weight has an even bigger effect on 1/4 miles times than 100 lbs of static weight.