What I learned on the Forum today so far...

[1] Aftermarket wheels probably weigh more than magnesiums
[2] Divorce is eminent, but adds horspower
[3] This is going to be harder than I thought

All joking aside, this is great info, thx all for contributing.

 

I just added more items to the thread I referenced earlier. I also did a quick estimate of how much weight could be saved by getting rid of the airbags, seat belts, A/C, AIR, radio, front speakers, some trim, side windows, window motors, floor mats, trunk covers, cd changer and headlights. Also replace stock parts with long tubes with cats, Ti mufflers, lightweight battery and Exedy clutch/flywheel.

So far I'm at 170 lbs, but you're left with a track-only car, so you might as well keep going and...

Get a plastic windshield, cf body panels, cf driveshaft, newer torque tube, 2-piece front brake rotors, or Ti rotors, no cats, delete the windshield wiper system, remove all carpeting and insulation, remove door side-impact protection bar, remove airbag sensors, cf seats, Ti or Al fasteners, cf steering wheel, remove rear speakers and all radio wiring, remove all lightbulbs and wiring, aftermarket shifter with Ti ****, remove headlight motor and hardware, remove foglights, coil-over suspension with Ti springs, Ti lugnuts and Hoosiers. As for the engine, Ti or Al connecting rods, Ti valves, Ti valve spring retainers, Ti pushrods, magnesium or cf valvecovers and aluminum pulleys.

Do all this, and you'll lose hundreds of pounds. Now you're left with a hardcore track-only car. If you went all out, I'd guess you'd be damn close to 2,000 lbs. Add a hundred or so pounds for a rollcage, harness, bigger radiator/oil-cooler combo and Accusump.

If you're building a drag car, you could also put skinnies on the front, remove the ABS system, remove power steering, remove AH/TC sensors and remove front (and rear??) sway bar.


NJblackrose92, you asked if this would change your suspension dynamics. This is a no brainer, but yes, removing over 1,000 lbs from any car will change the suspension dynamics. At the very least, if the spring rates aren't changed, the car will look like a 4x4, and shocks will have to be tuned accordingly. If all these mods are done, the polar moment of inertia will be much less, the center of gravity will be lower, and there will be MUCH less rotating and unsprung weight. I can't even imagine what driving a Vette like this would be like, but I'd love to find out!

 

I got rid of my wagon wheels and got a set of the forged thin spoke(y2k) wheels. There was a noticeable difference in weight when I held them. I looked it up and if I remember right it is almost 10 lbs. per wheel.

**EDIT** Sorry, just noticed you already got the magnesiums

 

IMO, you would be better off modding the car for more HP and swap out old parts with lighter pieces that provide more HP. A C5 in stock form runs a ratio of 9.28 lbs per 1 HP... after all my mods I am at 4.39 lbs per 1 HP... even with the car picking up 180 lbs from a S/C and Roll Bar.

VR

 

As you can see, we need to know your ultimate goal. Much weight can be removed from the car, but it will make it not very driveable on the street if you go too far.

 

Maybe slimfast!!!

 

stop eating the money saved could then be used for weight saving mods

 

I know his post is for FRC (MN6) but also for the A4 guys there is a real nice weight savings getting rid of the stock convertor. I think my weight savings going to a SY3500 was like 25lbs.

 

This is awesome info...I think I'm going to be very careful in how much weight I take off the car - I need to strike a balance between performance and drivability. When you come to my neck of the woods, the beers are on me.

 

That's a good question. I have little or no interest in 1/4 mile runs. I want something that's very drivable, but at the same time fun (and safe) on a road course. Nothing too serious, but competitive nonetheless. I know I have the right platform, sounds like I need to choose my options wisely and where it makes sense against performance.

 

Remove the passenger seat, carpet, door panels, only put 1 gallon of gas in the car & stop drinking beer. That should do it.

 

Personal diet is great.

but ON OR IN THE car

Remove stock seats and put in racing seats. Save over 50 pounds.
remove speakers ( 5lbs each I bet)
take out the airconditioner core and the ac unit.
Carbon fiber body pannels - 10 lbs savings on the hood alone
Wheels - get rid of the GM wheels or knock offs. OZ and BBS have magnesium racing wheels but at $10 Large a set, OK maybe not.

But CCW wheels will save you some weight.


Run flats are very heavy tires go with DOT R compounds.

Lexon windows - save over 50% of the weight of glass and safer too.
http://www.melroset-tops.com/lexan_windows.htm

There are a few Ideas.

 

Add more HP and it will make weight loss on a car negligible.

Taking out the radio, AC, carpet will give you a really unpleasant car. In the end you shaved off, 30 lbs, and on a 3150 lb. car, thats barely 10%.

Add more HP, it's easier and a lot more fun.

 

Thanks for the link. Forced me to finally check them out. I thought all they did was rebuilt tops. It's the first time I've seen prices on a fuel cell for the C5, didn't even know there were adjustable upper a-arms for the C5, and there racing rotors look interesting although probably very expensive as well. Those a-arms look like they might be a good way to get more camber into the front wheels.