Shaving weight

[FTA1995]

What's the best way to cut a Firebirds weight down?

already shook most of the stock heat shields down where i dont need them,

thinking about rear seats and replacing the front seats as theyre worn to hell anyways.

Lightweight glass?

Carbon fiber?

Any input would be great, thank you!

[Injuneer]

Depends what the end use is. You can get fiberglass body panels, hatch, dashboards that weigh next to nothing. Full replacement Lexan window/windshield/hatch kits are available. The entire interior can be stripped. A huge amount of wiring can be removed. But in the end - is it street driven? - what are the rules set by any racing organization you may choose to participate in (NHRA, SCCA, etc.)? Even events like the GM High-Tech EFI shootouts require full interiors (rear seat delete OK, but area must be carpeted), matching front seats, no Lexan, etc.

The serious 4th Gen racers are under 3,000# race weight (including driver).

For a daily driver, there's a decent list of weight saving on LS1tech.com:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/drag-racin...y-updated.html

Big problem is a lot of what is required to go fast adds a lot of weight. 6-pt roll bar can add 100# (save 1/3 of that with chrome moly). A 10-pt cage adds even more. Heavy duty suspension parts add weight. From my experience, I was adding weight faster than I was removing it.

My list:

front bumper support - 19
hvac vacuum reservoir - 1
front air bag sensor - 1
horn #2 - 1
front sway bar and brackets - 17
cruise control box and cable - 9
AIR pump/lines - 7
steering wheel/air bag - 20
a/c compress/lines/condensor - 40
radio - 4
bass amplifier - 2
speakers-front doors - 4
speakers-hatch - 3
speakers-bass/side - 3
cd player (aftermarket) - 5
hatch cover -3
hatch carpet/liner - 3
T-top storage brackets - 2
rear bumper support -19
antenna - 1
spare tire - 15
jack - 10
rear seat - 20
rear seat harnesses - 10
drivers harness - 4
passenger harness - 4
Corbeaq driver's seat - 10
Braille battery - 10
sun visors - 2
remove Mufflex 4" catback - 45
floor mats -5
misc carpet insulation - 5
EGR - 3
EEC - 4
brake dampers - 4
Exhaust heat shields - 3
front license plate mount - 2
Weld Prostars/slicks/skiinnies - 100
CVR starter - 5

Weight adders:
roll bar, chrome moly
nitrous system components
aftermarket electronics
8-coil ignition
rear sway bar
torque arm
Gear Vendors O/D
12-bolt
second fuel pump
all braided SS fuel lines
TH400 vs T56/Twin Disc - ??????
Gauges/tach
shock tower brace

After stroker, most mods, roll bar, in street trim, with virtually no weight reduction it scaled 3,760# w/ me (180#) in it on the certified scale at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. Last time I weighed it it was down to 3,560. Doesn't seem like much savings for all the stuff I chopped out.

[FTA1995]

Ah, thanks, I already took care of most of that,
Plus I have some adders as well...

Thanks!

[Injuneer]

Ah, thanks, I already took care of most of that,
Plus I have some adders as well...

Thanks!

If you've already done all the stuff on the two lists, why didn't you include that info in your original question? The end result was I wasted a huge amount time trying to help, when in fact you apparently had all the answers. Not the first time you've pulled that stunt. Extremely inconsiderate of others.

[Nightrage]

Fred, have you seen Taubr Unit's Camaro over on LS1tech.com?

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt...ootin-10s.html

[Injuneer]

Thanks for the link.

[FTA1995]

If you've already done all the stuff on the two lists, why didn't you include that info in your original question? The end result was I wasted a huge amount time trying to help, when in fact you apparently had all the answers. Not the first time you've pulled that stunt. Extremely inconsiderate of others.

Sorry, I only have about 12-15 of those things you listed.



Just looking for some custom ideas....

Heres what I have from your list
a/c compress/lines/condensor - 40
cd player (aftermarket) - 5
T-top storage brackets - 2
spare tire - 15
jack - 10
EGR - 3
EEC - 4
brake dampers - 4
Exhaust heat shields - 3
front license plate mount - 2

And not from the list
Various tubular components
No Cats
Wiper fluid components and reservoir

My original question was focused more on the body of the vehicle;
Lightweight glass,
Carbon fiber,
the advantages of a rear seat/harness deletion,
and the replacement of both the driver and passenger seats.

Your list is very helpful and I'm sure everyone who views the thread interested in obtaining this information will put it to good use.

I admit I have a very disorganized mind but I am by no means a deliberately inconsiderate person.

Thank you for helping in the past and with this subject.