Advanced Weght Reduction

[Maeda]

I'm a firm believer in dieting. You can compensate for a heavy car going forward and backward with some power, but the effects of gravity will always be there...

So I did the gutted interior thing (behind the drivers seat), no carpet, smaller battery, no washer fluid, no spare, no jack, no tools, shaved, lost some weight, got a haircut...

I'm at a loss as how to lighten up my vehicle further... Is there anything toward the front of the car that im missing?


BTW, does anyone know what the 17 inch 350Z wheels weigh in at?


(I would go carbon fiber hood, & light weight seats, but for now I don't have the money to justify spending 400$ on a hood, or 300$+ on seats... if I had buckets of money I COULD get some carbon fiber doors, and titanium bolts, lexan all around :D :D :D)

[kandyflip445]

Take out the engine and put in a 2-stroke Honda engine....:goyou:



What about a different material for the windows? I'm not really up-to-date on the materials they use now. Lexan comes to mind, but I think that's the one that scratches easily. There is another type but I forget what it's called at the moment.

[Maeda]

Originally posted by kandyflip445
Take out the engine and put in a 2-stroke Honda engine....:goyou:



What about a different material for the windows? I'm not really up-to-date on the materials they use now. Lexan comes to mind, but I think that's the one that scratches easily. There is another type but I forget what it's called at the moment.

BITE ME! KA Power all the way!

and lighter windows are REALLLLYYYYYY expensive. They're much more expensive the a new hood and some seats.

[kandyflip445]

Yeah, I didn't think you would like the 2-stroke idea...:D

The hood and seats would be cheaper but lightweight windows would take a LOT more weight off of the car. Also it would take the weight of a HIGHER point in the car. So you get less body roll.(To a certain degree)

[240Dave]

ac compresser and power steering can go...dono if you want to lose PS but the ac compresser is pretty heavy.

[old_s13]

I would remove the PS before removing the spare tire, thats just me.

There's been too many times where I need a spare, jack, tools, etc..

..there HASNT been too many times where I can say "I NEED PS."

- Mike

[sykikchimp]

what about the Sound dampening in the dash? did you get all that out?

[Negreac]

Sound deadening, radio and all associated equipment, a/c and heater equipment(vents blower, a/c core, heater core, etc.), heat shields for exhaust, all emmisions equipment, all seat belt equipment and associated wiring/units (just get harnesses), windsheiedl wipers and associated equipmet. I couuld go on and on for a while depending on how much convenience you wnat to give up for a lighter vehichle. What model 240 do you have?

[Steeles]

you dont KNOW what weight reduction is untill you talk to Russ. The volatile R ownz joo when it comes to weight reduction

http://www.240sx.org/atlanta/images/russ_front_hood.jpg

who else can stand in their engine bay with the car running? who removed like 15lbs of needless wiring from the car? thats right the hardcore lightweight.

[crioten]

where did it all go?

yeah thats pretty severe, what doesnt he have anymore?

[Steeles]

Originally posted by crioten
where did it all go?

yeah thats pretty severe, what doesnt he have anymore?

ebay mostly. the fuse box is tucked under the dash battery is in the trunk, all emissions gone ac gone.. this is actually an odler picture.. the engine bay is ALOT cleaner now. every unused line was removed holes plugged etc etc. front and rear bumpers removed it now sports a CF hood again and wide fenders. too much stuff gone on that car. :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[Chernobyl]

wow, looks like he even did the single wiperblade "conversion" to save what... 1lb? yea, that guy is pretty hardcore.

I had my s14 stripped for a few months last year, it was fun, but passengers hated the noise. I'll buy an s13 coupe one day and try to get it down to 2300lbs or something.

[240Dave]

Yeah, I was drooling over that car at lowes hyperfest. Very very clean. Too bad he didn't put it on track though :hammer:

IMO, theres hardcore lightweight and there's dumb, unsafe lightweight...removing the bumpers crossed that line. He may as well go around removing 1 of every 4 screws in his car...it'll hold.

[Maeda]

It gets to 110 degrees here in august. I need to keep the ac compressor or i'll die.

Power steering might be able to go depending on if I can still do an 180 degree turn at about 20 mph on a bank.

What kind of sound deadning is in the dash? :confused: I didn't see any when I was poking around doing my wiring...

Heat shields and such, radio stuff, and my rear seatbelts are gone. What kind of emissions equipment needs removing? My EGR is capped, I have no cats, and am running open loop 100% so those heavy O2 sensors are gone :D (dont ask).

I have an S14 btw.

[Steeles]

Originally posted by Chernobyl
wow, looks like he even did the single wiperblade "conversion" to save what... 1lb? yea, that guy is pretty hardcore.


the wiring was hardcore the wiper thing was a test fit of the part for either Jspec or Heavy Throttle.. cant remember who..


Yeah, I was drooling over that car at lowes hyperfest. Very very clean. Too bad he didn't put it on track though

Im sure he wanted to but he just put it back together from the convention incident so no money. the car two weeks before hyperfest;
(you have to look past Asad's money maker sorry its the only one I have online)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid79/pf14a362accf1e0480838d181c070d591/fb1575bc.jpg

[old_s13]

Originally posted by Steeles
who else can stand in their engine bay with the car running?

I can.


who removed like 15lbs of needless wiring from the car? thats right the hardcore lightweight.

I did.

- Mike

[old_s13]

Originally posted by Steeles
(you have to look past Asad's money maker

and his bigass nose.. hehe

[Zemus]

With that engine bay with no wires are you running a Fuel Managment system, if not, how do you hide all those dang wires

[720_datsun]

take out the back seats, and get roll down windows if you have power ones. take out panaling everywhere, all carpet,the center console.. dont need that crap.

[SlideStar]

I was reading about a "low" budget race car where
they compared what the top of the line product would cost
you and what you could make for really cheep. The
guy took out all his hood re-inforcement and just kept
it down with a few hood pins! haha That'll save you
400 bucks right there! Another cheep conversion was for
high priced InJen Intake.. the guy used a noodle cup w/ a
rag stuff in it! :loco:

[720_datsun]

Originally posted by SlideStar
I was reading about a "low" budget race car where
they compared what the top of the line product would cost
you and what you could make for really cheep. The
guy took out all his hood re-inforcement and just kept
it down with a few hood pins! haha That'll save you
400 bucks right there! Another cheep conversion was for
high priced InJen Intake.. the guy used a noodle cup w/ a
rag stuff in it! :loco: easy free cold air intake = cut off bottom of airbox.

[Zemus]

Or a better way is, buy a K&n filter used from anyone who is selling it, take your stock air box, look at it, and their should be a goldish horn looking thing, drill out the screws in the airbox, and it will fit right around the base of the k&n, and it will bolt right up to the intake, Free Adapter :-D, if you guys wants pics tell me

[old_s13]

"Or a better way is, buy a K&n filter used from anyone who is selling it, take your stock air box, look at it, and their should be a goldish horn looking thing, drill out the screws in the airbox, and it will fit right around the base of the k&n, and it will bolt right up to the intake, Free Adapter :-D, if you guys wants pics tell me"

I did that 6 years ago, it works but its not as solid of course, as a true adaptor.

hehe innovative, yes.

[zenkiDori]

AC, heater, power sterring, relocate battery to trunk. clutch fan, lightweight pulley.

i would be wary of a $400 CF hood. they usually weigh as much as a fiberglass equivalent.

[andrave]

make your own fiberglass one, you can make it as thick/thin as you want it for under 100 bucks...

[Zemus]

Originally posted by old_s13
"Or a better way is, buy a K&n filter used from anyone who is selling it, take your stock air box, look at it, and their should be a goldish horn looking thing, drill out the screws in the airbox, and it will fit right around the base of the k&n, and it will bolt right up to the intake, Free Adapter :-D, if you guys wants pics tell me"

I did that 6 years ago, it works but its not as solid of course, as a true adaptor.

hehe innovative, yes.

I was just letting those know who dident.. know

[THX1138]

Im sure he wanted to but he just put it back together from the convention incident so no money. the car two weeks before hyperfest;

Damn, I really need to finish scanning my convention pics and get 'em posted. I've got shots of the crash site, with no crazy rump-shakin' engineers in the way.

[mixxamike]

Oh,oh, I've got it. Why don't you just go on a diet??? Unless you can't lose anymore weight because you're already really skinny, I think this is the most efective way. I know some people on here could probably afford to lose ten or twenty pounds, some maybe more. Hell, It's free, will actually save you money on food, and make you a healthier person.


-Mike

[old_s13]

Because some people have fallen into the FAT catagory.. where you dont control the fatness, IT controls you.

[Steeles]

Originally posted by old_s13
who else can stand in their engine bay with the car running?

I can.


who removed like 15lbs of needless wiring from the car? thats right the hardcore lightweight.

I did.

- Mike

so theres 2 of you! hahaha Mike have you seen Russ new enigne bay? what little wires are left in there all go through the firewall in one little spot behind the intake mani. just above the heater core on the inside. its sick. you really cant see anything in there anymore. and its STILL too cluttered for him.

[adey]

Get a light weight (motorcycle) battery (even better, an Optima Redtop or similar gel cell) and relocate it to behind the passenger seat. If it's "only" a motorbike batt, you'll need a box. This way you don't need all the 1- or 0-gauge wires heading all the way back to the trunk. (save yourself a few lb right there) ... also this will improve the balance of your car -- more weight to offset the driver, as well as more weight behind the front axle, lower down, and towards the middle of the car.
-AD

[sykikchimp]

I wouldn't put a battery inside the car with me unless it was sealed like the optima's.

[Maeda]

got myself i lighter hood ^_^ I LOVE IT! Less body roll, and more responsive steering input, and twice the bling!
:rolleyes:

I was thinking about a optima battery, but a battery IN the car kind of scares me, even if its sealed and dry.....

[TokyoNights]

whatever you do dont cut out the reinforcements from the hood because it will flutter at speed even with hood pins..

[oOdextaOo]

BTW, does anyone know what the 17 inch 350Z wheels weigh in at?

23lbs. according to wheelspecs.com (http://www.wheelspecs.com/specs/wheelmodels/1747)

[adey]

one more thing... whatever you do, if you'll be driving this car on the streets, DO NOT REMOVE THE FRONT (or rear) BUMPER REINFORCEMENTS!! The front weighs probably a good 20 - 30lb (at the front of the car, this may help noticably in reducing understeer) but it's not worth the damage that you'll do in the event of a front end collision, even at low speeds.
Trust me, I found out the hard way. :(

[JeromeS13]

Yeah, that Russ kid, I heard he even turned to dating 14 year olds. Apparently, they weigh a little less than the girls that are 'of age'. Man, I can't stand that kid.


hahahahahaha

j/k Russ. I had to throw that in there.

[S14lover]

BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.......perv

[Grandpa]

Front bumper reinforcement? Isn't that what a FMIC is for? :cool:

-john

[old_s13]

Russ' car is amateur. Anyone who rewires their relays and fuses UNDER the dash has too much time on their hands. The right way to do it, is to wire everything in the trunk.. atleast its accessible there.

That no good Russ.. someone needs to bitch slap him. :)

[Steeles]

Originally posted by JeromeS13
Yeah, that Russ kid, I heard he even turned to dating 14 year olds. Apparently, they weigh a little less than the girls that are 'of age'. Man, I can't stand that kid.


hahahahahaha

j/k Russ. I had to throw that in there.

no no no remember that chick he picked up at MJQ that time?

[JeromeS13]

Originally posted by Steeles
no no no remember that chick he picked up at MJQ that time?

Hahahah. He said it Russ, not me.

[Steeles]

dont forget he's got the video to prove it too!

[Steeles]

dont forget I've got the video to prove it too!

woot super post whore double post SPL!!! hehe been awhile since I pulled one of those

[adey]

Originally posted by Grandpa
Front bumper reinforcement? Isn't that what a FMIC is for? :cool: Heh heh... I suppose it can be, except your stock bumper support (reinforcement) costs 30 bucks whereas an FMIC costs more like $800. :) I'll gladly take an uprated SMIC and keep the front bumper reinforcement!!

[bchumley]

I know this is an old thread, but I was hoping that I could get a hold of Russ, or anyone else that has done a similar project with relocating wiring/fuses to the interior. Besides the wiring for the lighting, what wiring from the driver side harness must still go to the engine bay? I'll post pictures of my engine bay soon so that you can see the look that I am trying to keep.

[JeromeS13]

If you're asking that question, I'd recommend NOT rewiring your car. All you need is an FSM, wiring know-how, and lots of time. Depending on what you've removed from the car, you can remove LOTS of wiring. Basically, you just need the wires for the important things.

[blu808]

Take out everything except the dash to start with. Then you will notice a rubber looking substance on the floor called sound deadening material. Take a hammer, Chisel, and dry ice if you can and spend a couple days chipping all that crap off, (Seriously if adds up to like 45-50lbs) Then redo the inside wiring harness and lenthen it so you can run the wires through the panel in between the quarter panel and interior panel for a cleaner look. Then paint the inside of your car to the color of your choice so you dont look like a poka dotted rice mobile. Then you should start considering putting at least the drivers seat back in the car. If you have harnesses feel free to cut out the metal from the inside of the car in between the body panels. The areas you canot cut drill large holes in. Also wiring is also very heavy so eliminate your sterio system, antenna, ecu (kidding), Move the battery to the trunk ( run the wires under the car for a cleaner look). Remove inner fender liners, bumper reinforcements fr and rr. ac, condensor, smog crap, evap,

You will have some holes inside your car from the rear seat. I reccomend plugging them with a welder, bondo, or jb weld.

This all may sound crazy but I have built a couple SCCA world challenge civic coupes (not hatches) and they weighed in at 2050lbs with the driver, no fuel, a fire system, phat roll cage, and a b16-18 motor. thats light. but then again they had plexi windows, cf hoods, fiberglass doors, bumpers, and trunk lid. but hey. every bit helps.

[Zemus]

Very nice lil right up, but people like to see #s. I know that sound stuff is like 50lb, then all the ac stuff and all that wiring, and how much to stock seats weight.

I think what we need to do is find out all the weight of the stock stuff so that we can get aftermarket lighter stuff. Like seats and stuff.

[bchumley]

Don,

Thanks for the helpful input. I'm already about 1/2 done with all of the sound deadening. The dry ice technique is new to me, but I hear it works quite well. I'm not too worried about doing the wiring, since I worked as a car audio installer for over 3 years. I'm considering eliminating the heater and all related parts also. Not sure how much the girlfriend would appreciate that though...

[blu808]

You might want to keep your heater system since it is basically a second radiator. But you could allways eliminate the ac stuff. Also if you feel fine doing the wiring, then you should do it. Your car will look much cleaner. Also I will have my 240 finished with the weight reduction process next week and will get it weighed and post it up here. I believe the stock seats are around 25-30lbs with the rails. The stock seat belts in the s13s are also heavy.

Good luck. Luke
( Dons my nickname )