Fox Body Weight Reduction / Diet

[tulowd]

Been looking at other forums and builds to see where weight can realistically be saved without purchasing titanium drilled bolts and carbon fiber parts, lol

Besides the obvious, the OEM '79 ce Car aluminum rear crash bar is interesting, as are these fiberglass parts - especially the dash:
http://www.artfiberglass.com/auto/ford/mustang/7986mustang.html

Please chime in with your experience and knowledge, thx

[Tailites]

somewhere nobody looks is inside the rocker panels for mud...you wouldnt believe it

must have taken out 5-10 lbs of crap in my car...rear seat delete of course...thats when I found it

[Tailites]

helpful hints here..http://www.theturboforums.com/threads/284890-weight-reduction-on-fox-body

Ive seen your build...btw & a heavy convertible wouldnt have been my first choice

also...you would not believe the difference in weight between wheels...eg...Welds are feathers

as opposed to other wheels...so theres a huge weight savings there,,,& of course unsprung weight

but you knew that

how much does your car weigh now?

[tulowd]

convertible = best cruising and street car - waaaay better than anything else I've driven or owned , so that was the platform of choice.

Currently car weighs 3630, with iron heads, full of fuel, with my ass in the drivers seat. The measurements below were taken with 110 lbs of ballast in the trunk, full tank and me in it. Note the almost perfect cross corner weights and the pretty decent F/R weight bias. Extending wheelbase by 1.5" will improve that, thinking about doing 1" engine setback as well. Victor Jr heads will shave almost 50 lbs, front MM kmember and A arms app another 35#. If I do fiberglass fenders that's another 15-20 lbs off.

Current wheels weigh 25 lbs front 9" and 26 lbs for the rear 10.5". The lightest wheels available are Enkei RPF01's which come in at 16 and 17 lbs respectively; so there is maybe 40 lbs still to lose there; but they are not as strong when apexing over the red n white curbs, they like to bend according to some pals who road race heavily.

If I can get the car drivable, with monster sound system, half a tank of fuel and me (170) below 3500 lbs, I will be ecstatic.

My guess is the car has at least 20 lbs of bondo, chicken feathers and other assorted horseshit in the less than DaVinci quality paint, lol

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg582/tulowd/87%20Vert%20TU%20LOWD2/IMG_5204_zps6550e66e.jpg

[hsousa88]

Pulling out my rear seats today just to see what kind of rear seat delete I can mock up. Interested to see whats under there. A small fortune would be nice.. a pot of gold maybe.

[HyperGT]

alum heads, mm k member, light wheels (rotating weight x 3 as a rule of thumb = sprung wieght), lightweight seats, no stereo, tires (not all created equal), alum rear control arms, take all power accessories out and replace with manual. Can get radical and remove havac system. If exhaust is SS go to alum.

[hsousa88]

Also.. whats that cruise control box thingy worth in weight?

[Intmdtr]

You could remove all the convertible motors etc if you just put the top up and down manually?

[tulowd]

thought of removing all the side glass and entire roof and accessories.....lol then I woke up. I want it to remain somewhat streetable for the time being.

[MEANMCHN]

Ditch all of the stereo equipment, I took about 30 lbs out of my car doing that, it was crap any way.

[Tailites]

you have a ton of suspension parts under it too...I would have configured it completely different...

not dissin you at all...I just do stuff my way...Im shooting for under 3000 lbs...

right now my car has few creature comforts...but I wanted a race like car that is street driven

theres so much to this topic...brakes for example...if you could take 500 lbs out of the car

now tell me Fox brakes are inadequate...just simple physics...theyre still junk btw...

but the car stops better & accelerates better...Ive probably taken 160 lbs out so far..maybe more

even the steering wheel with the air bag weighs a ton

the fan & clutch on the motor weighs a ton

the seats are heavy...lots of comfy lighter ones

I could have used the 3G alt...but the stock one did the job...its a lot lighter & the motor likely turns it easier too

I ditched the AC too...all the under padding is gone from everywhere...it has no roll cage...(Im on the street)

steel brackets for the accessories are drilled out aluminum extrusions instead of heavy steel pieces...etc

[tulowd]

car is going to have a 2500 Watt Rockford sound system with at least one 15" woofer, shooting for a pair, lol

already ditched EFI, A/C, power steering, heater, OEM steering wheel and seats; no spare tire or jack; dropped dog bone on rear end, have alum driveshaft.
Cobra Brakes all around, coilover fronts; MM/GW rear suspension
Glass hood, alum rad

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg582/tulowd/87%20Vert%20TU%20LOWD2/IMG_6291_zpsbfa086ef.jpg

[Tailites]

one other thing...the car will do everything better when its lighter

the Brits knew this many years ago...Lotus for example

look at the new muscle cars...over FAT turds...with big motors...junk!

light nimble & tons of power...Carol Shelby got it right many years ago

[Tailites]

heres more stuff,,,steel panel under steering wheel

steel panel in roof of hatch...gone in my car

yes my car has an aluminum DS & no dog bone...it has 355s

even the exhaust can be lightened substantially

do you REALLY need 3 in when 2 & 1/2 will do?...mufflers all weigh differently too

[Tailites]

Pulling out my rear seats today just to see what kind of rear seat delete I can mock up.

just cut some carpet to fit...I think it took out about 56 lbs

take out the tubing bolted to the floor & the seat belts

& remove the sound deadening behind the plastic

[HyperGT]

That said, if it is a true street car who cares about some extra 100lb or so. Enjoy the ride, its fast enough. If you wanted a full out race car, like others said, it would not be a fox vert. - this from a fox vert guy!

[tulowd]

Yup - building my version of the ultimate street/track car. Has to be enjoyable the 98% of the time it's on the street or in a parking lot; but still have the ability to be pounded upon on the road course or the 1/4

[Tailites]

Yup - building my version of the ultimate street/track car. Has to be enjoyable the 98% of the time it's on the street

my enjoyment comes from the fact that my car has no comfort

eibachs tokicos...slammed...no radio...no AC...does have power window & mirrors (Id rather listen to the engine & gear whine anyway)

its actually pretty quiet tho

or maybe the car has damaged my hearing

[Ponyryd]

Fiberglass doors, fenders, front/rear bumper rebar will all make a huge difference. Obviously make the sub and amp a quick-remove item for track days. As well I agree that wheels are a huge factor in reducing weight, the Enkeis are very light and should be strong enough for what you need, plus they looks great and aren't common at all on foxes.
The glass dash would help but the dash isn't heavy enough to justify the cost/install time to make it work. Fiberglass stuff is nice, but I'm sure you know it likely fits poor and is not very easy to work with, not to mention it will do nothing for you in a crash.

[Tailites]

it would be interesting to find out how much the glass weighs

eg the sunroof is pretty heavy

[TurboFox]

fiberglass dash wont save you any weight. The stock dash shell weighs nothing.

I'll prob be weighing my car this saturday. Im predicting it weighs around 2900lbs (hopefully I dont eat those words).

I think you are going to find it tough to keep it a "street" car and shed that much weight without making sacrifices.

I shed about 40lbs of wiring from switching to an aftermarket chassis harness but I did that for different reasons and it was alot of work. The weight savings was just a bonus.

Ive got a corbeau seat up for sale...that weighs nothing. You can shed some weight there too as well.

If you get a set of CCWs they will be able to take a beating and they are featherweights as well.

[Slope]

it would be interesting to find out how much the glass weighs

eg the sunroof is pretty heavy

Rear glass in a Hatch is a tick under 40lbs.

[1BAD92LX]

Just weighed my car at the MTO scales
1520 kg or 3351 lbs
92 notch, MM max grip package, stock heads, a/c, no pl or pw and heavy ass replica cobra rims
Half tank of gas and me in the car

[Slope]

Just weighed my car at the MTO scales
1520 kg or 3351 lbs
92 notch, MM max grip package, stock heads, a/c, no pl or pw and heavy ass replica cobra rims
Half tank of gas and me in the car

Good real-world info.

Appreciated.

[Tailites]

Just weighed my car at the MTO scales
1520 kg or 3351 lbs
92 notch, MM max grip package, stock heads, a/c, no pl or pw and heavy ass replica cobra rims
Half tank of gas and me in the car


dude...if you weigh 375 lbs...that means your car is under 3000 lbs...awesome!

[Tailites]

Rear glass in a Hatch is a tick under 40lbs.

lexan?

[TurboFox]

Going to the dump to weigh my car on Saturday, will update this thread. Super curious to see the weight on mine

[tulowd]

We should make sure we compare apples with apples. Everyone who posts numbers should please indicate the following:

year and body style
weight with Full tank of fuel and driver (indicate weight) aboard.

I am curious about your LS powered Fox.

[TurboFox]

So am I because of the fully aluminum engine.

The problem is the turbo alone weighs 50lbs and Ive got a big TH400 and steel driveshaft in the car.

[1BAD92LX]

So add 30L or 45 lbs to fill my gas tank and take 150 lbs off for me
Grand total of 3246 lbs car

Only weight reduction I plan on is aluminum heads... one day

[Slope]

lexan?

5-10lbs.

Lexan is not for street/daily use. Scratches/fogging/yellowing.

The rear of the Fox is not where the weight needs to come off.

[TurboFox]

Just got back from weighing my car.

Full tank of gas and ~5 gallons of methanol. 18" wheels and 13" brakes front and back.

3050lbs

[Tailites]

Just got back from weighing my car.

Full tank of gas and ~5 gallons of methanol. 18" wheels and 13" brakes front and back.

3050lbs

pretty light...

whats with the meth tho?

[Tailites]

The rear of the Fox is not where the weight needs to come off.

so an all aluminum LS motor would take weight off the front? :sarcasm:

[tulowd]

Just got back from weighing my car.

Full tank of gas and ~5 gallons of methanol. 18" wheels and 13" brakes front and back.

3050lbs

Congrats Dean; that should make ya happy. I need to lose 450 lb and gain 200 hp

[Slope]

so an all aluminum LS motor would take weight off the front? :sarcasm:

Not to mention he's got a 50lb. turbo + associated piping under the hood...

[TurboFox]

pretty light...

whats with the meth tho?

Its just alot of fluid. Its a 7 gallon container so i thought id mention it cause the fuel tank itself is only 11 gal

[Slope]

Its just alot of fluid. Its a 7 gallon container

F*cking serious!?

[TurboFox]

F*cking serious!?

Ya man.....dont wanna run out lol

[Slope]

Ya man.....dont wanna run out lol

"Hey, fill up the Meth and check the Gas, Hank!"

[svo1990mustang]

Damn I was thinking of going 2-2.5 gallons, 7 gallons, holy shit!

[Slope]

Damn I was thinking of going 2-2.5 gallons, 7 gallons, holy shit!

You need to up your game Darryl.

...and the nozzles for that matter.

[TurboFox]

Im running 24.5 GPH at the moment...garden hose lol

[tulowd]

From another board: actual weights of Fox/SN95 components removed.

Actual Weights:

Stock 302 Shortblock with crank, rods pistons but no cam, no timing chain, no timing, no timing cover and no oil pan was 184.85 pounds.

Stock 302 Bare Block w/ Main Caps (http://stat.dealtime.com/DealFrame/DealFrame.cmp?bm=519&BEFID=96477&acode=529&code=529&aon=&crawler_id=1912695&dealId=3VX5PDYIacGVCa3c9HNuGg%3D%3D&searchID=&url=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-57618-1854-0%2F2%3Fkwid%3D1%26mtid%3D570%26crlp%3D1_240251%26 linkin_id%3D%7Blinkin_id%7D%26sortbid%3D%7Bbidamou nt%7D%26fitem%3D301218434678%26mt_id%3D570%26mpre% 3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fitm%252Flike %252F301218434678%26mid%3D446528%26sdc_id%3D%7Bsdc _id%7D&DealName=Engine%2C%20Bare%20Block%20W%2Fmain%20Cap s%2C%2098-05%20Vw%20Golf%2Fjetta%20Vr6%202.8l%204v%20Bdf&MerchantID=446528&HasLink=yes&category=0&AR=-1&NG=1&GR=1&ND=1&PN=1&RR=-1&ST=&MN=msnFeed&FPT=SDCF&NDS=1&NMS=1&NDP=1&MRS=&PD=0&brnId=2455&lnkId=8070676&Issdt=141114050346&IsFtr=0&IsSmart=0&dlprc=495.0&SKU=301218434678), 125.70 LBS (http://mustangforums.com/forum/#)

World Class T5 out of 85 SVO, not FULL of fluid but I think it still has some in it 71.55 LBS

Passenger Seat out of 85 SVO, cloth style, with seat track & manual lumber inflators, 44.25 LBS

SVO (might be same or similar to other 79-86 bumper reinforcement?), Steel Bumper Reinforcement (http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=8395&m=1068677513&q=n&rdgt=1415970576&it=1416402576&et=1416575376&priceret=99.99&pg=~~3&k=e26290695203e11cd48de95d8753c02c&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eamericanmuscle%2Ecom%2Ffron t%2Dbumper%2Dreinforcement%2D8793%2Ehtml%3Futm%5Fc ontent%3Dfront%2Dbumper%2Dreinforcement%2D8793%26u tm%5Fcampaign%3DPGBasicFitmentV1%26utm%5Fsource%3D PGrabber%26utm%5Fmedium%3DShopping%26AMID%3Dfront% 2Dbumper%2Dreinforcement%2D8793%2D1990%2DBaseFitme nt%26year%3D1990%26model%3D&st=feed&mt=~~~~~~~~n~~~), 30.70 LBS

79-90 Fender, no moldings or anything, 13.70 pounds

Front Bumper Mount Shock (http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=704713) deals with bolts, 10.75 pounds

Steeda Drag Front Sway Bar (http://viglink.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fviglink.pgpartner.com%2F search.php%2Fform_keyword%3Dfront%2Bsway%2Bbar&mode=) for 79-93, has the bushing mounts but no endlinks, 13.30 pounds

Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Head fully assembled with Crane Energizer 1.6 Roller Rockers, no port work, 33.65 pounds, 30.05 pounds bare

E5 Head fully assembled with stock rockers, no port work, 53.85 pounds

Crane Energizer 1.6 RR's with Poly Locks, 7.05 pounds

Stock 87-93 Hood with latch and not much paint, 41.05 pounds

85 SVO Leather E Brake Handle, no hardware, 2.05 pounds

Weighed the center arm rest (http://www.bizrate.com/arm-rest/index__af_assettype_id--4__af_creative_id--3__af_id--[AFF-ID]__af_placement_id--[AFF-PLACEMENT-ID].html), 6.90 pounds, the 87-93 center console without the armrest and missing the ash tray door & shifter bezel is 5.45 pounds, 12.35 total with arm rest (http://www.bizrate.com/arm-rest/index__af_assettype_id--4__af_creative_id--3__af_id--[AFF-ID]__af_placement_id--[AFF-PLACEMENT-ID].html). Thats including the power mirror switch, ac bezel and radio frame.

SVO Steering Wheel, no leather wrap on the wheel itself, 5.55 pounds

Griffin Circle Track Aluminum Raditor, part number 1-26272-X, 15.45 Pounds

Stock HO Intake (http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=704713), nothing in it but a couple of sensors and the TB studs, 33.15 LB's

Edelbrock (http://www.bizrate.com/edelbrock/index__af_assettype_id--4__af_creative_id--3__af_id--[AFF-ID]__af_placement_id--[AFF-PLACEMENT-ID].html) Performer 5.0 Intake, bare, 38.90 LB's

Smog Pump with the first part of line to the valve thing, no other piping, 8.45 LB's

Horns, 1.35 LB's

Windshield Wipers, 1.30 LB's

Wiper Arms under cowl panel, 1.85 LB's

Wiper Motor, 3.95 LB's

Cruise Control Canister thing up in the fendor, 2.50 LB's

AC Compressor w/ Small AC Bracket, 18.00 LB's

Cargo Cover, 4.90 LB's

94-95 Factory Strut Tower Brace, no hardware, 7.20 LB's

Factory 92-95 Mini (http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=704713) Starter, 7.80 LB's

Harwood 3 Inch Pin On Cowl Hood, 15.70 LBS

Cobra R SVO Bolton Hood, no latch, unknown brand, 29.75 LBS

Insulation in hatch (not including attached to carpet) on 87-93 hatcback car, right at 10 LBS

PA Super Comp C4 w/ SFI Bellhousing, no fluid, 116.8 LBS

Continental 3800 Stall Converter, 30.75 LBS

Some stuff from a 95 GT:

Spare, 19.85 LBS

Jack, 5.75 LBS

Insulation in trunk, 1.70 LBS

Lug Wrench, 1.65 LBS

T56 out of a 93 Z28, probably similar weight to one for a Mustang Im sure, no bellhousing, no fluid, no clutch fork, 119.20 LBS

97 Cobra Wheel 17x8 (http://viglink.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fviglink.pgpartner.com%2F search.php%2Fform_keyword%3Dcobra%2Bwheel%2B17x8&mode=), 22.45 LBS

Weld Pro Star 15x8, 5 Lug, 14.05 LBS

Stock T5 Bellhousing, 10.85 LBS

FMS Aluminum Driveshaft, 13.70 LBS

Stock H Pipe w/ 4 Converters, 33.65 LBS

Offroad H Pipe, 17.35 LBS Front fog light bar, with lights - 20lbs A/C compressor - 17lbs 10 hole wheel with 235/60/15 SLX5000 tire - 46lbs MM Strut Brace - 8 lbs __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________


At the track you can take out passenger Seat

Weight Transfer
-Remove Front Sway bar (http://viglink.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fviglink.pgpartner.com%2F search.php%2Fform_keyword%3Dfront%2Bsway%2Bbar&mode=)
-Relocate Battery


list of what stuff weighs after its taken off __________________
Racing is an Addiction cured only by Poverty

[onDjuice]

Weight lost is great. But the car becomes a tin can.
So my old 89 black coupe. 2780lbs on a MTO scale in caledon hills. Glass hood, tfs heads,electric fan,tubular front end,welds,
aluminium ds, rci seats,carpet insulation out, all of the black tar on floors removed,battery in trunk,armrest delete,light steering wheel, all engine brackets were lightened, pulleys, I'm sure im missing stuff to. Best pass on the motor 12.01@115mph.

[Tailites]

Weight lost is great. But the car becomes a tin can.
So my old 89 black coupe. 2780lbs on a MTO scale in caledon hills. Glass hood, tfs heads,electric fan,tubular front end,welds,
aluminium ds, rci seats,carpet insulation out, all of the black tar on floors removed,battery in trunk,armrest delete,light steering wheel, all engine brackets were lightened, pulleys, I'm sure im missing stuff to. Best pass on the motor 12.01@115mph.

decent...what motor?

[onDjuice]

^^^ 5.0 with 260k on the bottom..

[Tailites]

^^^ 5.0 with 260k on the bottom..

the loose stock stuff always run better...

[tulowd]

looking for ideas and specifics on losing weight on a Foxbody. Appreciate the tin can comment - there must be other reductions/replacements someone has done like tubular swaybar; lighter brakes, etc etc.
All relevant comments welcome, thx

"Adding Lightness" is what Colin Chapman said; Audi and McLaren currently use this as their mantra....rotating mass is even more important.

Going to make the lighter 9"/10 " wide Enkei RPF01 wheels (16/17 lbs respectively, vs 25/26 currently) a greater priority for a 36 lb rotating mass savings.

[TurboFox]

You can save about 5lbs per corner if you pony up the dough for some 2 piece rotors with aluminum centers..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y188/iamdean17/EDF2EBC3-6BB2-475E-A0AC-CFC7A3FE0F40-8095-000009793CA12468_zpsa21990bb.jpg

[tulowd]

wow, they are that much lighter than the one piece units? At $600/pr I guess they oughta offer something.
Have you weighed one rotor assembly with hat and hardware or was this from Wilwood? Also - I assume you mean the 2 pc iron rotors, not their new carbon ceramic setup? lol
http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeKitListFront.aspx?mincatdesc=AERO6%20WCCB%20C arbon-Ceramic%20Big%20Brake%20Front%20Brake%20Kit

[TurboFox]

wow, they are that much lighter than the one piece units? At $600/pr I guess they oughta offer something.
Have you weighed one rotor assembly with hat and hardware or was this from Wilwood? Also - I assume you mean the 2 pc iron rotors, not their new carbon ceramic setup? lol
http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeKitListFront.aspx?mincatdesc=AERO6%20WCCB%20C arbon-Ceramic%20Big%20Brake%20Front%20Brake%20Kit

I remember reading that there was a 5lb weight savings on the front brakes when I bought mine. I don't remember where I saw that though (I quickly looked online for the info). When I put them on I didn't bother weighing them but they are definitely MUCH lighter than a regular 13" cobra rotor.

ya I meant iron and alum....not ceramic lol

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeKitsProdFront.aspx?itemno=140-9107-DR&year=2003&make=Ford&model=Mustang&option=Cobra

[tulowd]

Full Tilt Boogie released a 2 pc rotor that weighs under 15 lbs complete - the OEM Cobra 13" Brembo/similar are app 19 lbs

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?627369-Two-piece-13-quot-Cobra-front-rotors-now-available-in-two-versions

[TurboFox]

Ok so that is in the ballpark

[tulowd]

Ok so that is in the ballpark

For sure: On MM website, the rotor weights are between 14 and 19 lbs depending on the application and diameter. The Stoptech s are 19 lbs but are apparently the ultimate setup in terms of fade free stopping power.

The carbon rotors only weigh about 8 lbs each but cost $850 USD each....lol

[tulowd]

found an interesting page about engine and vehicle component weights on Vorschlag Motorsports Website: these guys are very serious and share plenty of good data. Includes LS1, SBF etc etc data

http://www.vorshlag.com/weights.php

[ZR]

Wt sure adds up quick.

[tulowd]

Interesting read here - Don the Birthday Boy should enjoy this little snippet over a coffee, lol

http://www.w8ji.com/rotating_mass_acceleration.htm