Hi,

After seeing Best Motoring "the 350Z shock" i saw that the cubby had a structural function.

So if removed, it must be replaced by some tubing if we don't want to loose rigidity..

I was wondering if it was worth it to remove it, and replacing it by 2 cross tubes... How much weight gains, if we remove the weight of the 2 cross tube we'll have to put to have the same rigidity...

Although one reason which is making me considering removing it it the place : with it removed it will be easier for me to put my track wheels in the car when i go on the track...

 

Removing that structure will make the car ineligible for many race classes like NASA's Spec Z and SCCA Touring. It's a lightweight section of stamped metal and does strengthen the chassis in a key location. Adding tubes to replace it just defeats the purpose of lightening the car. Just not worth the effort IMO.

 

Yes, it seems it's not worth the pain, but in Europe we see some Z with the cubby removed to gain weight...But i think it can only be done if a rollcage is installed to add rigidity...

What is the total weight of the cubby ? 15-20 kg or less ?

 

The word "cubby " is used for other components in the car. Looks like you are referring to the rear strut tower

 

No -the enclosure behind the seats, with the glove box and speakers. The was a guy on here a few years ago who cut it out and installed G35 coupe seats for his dog.

 

I'm referring to the speaker and glove box behind the seats. I thought english speaking people called it "the cubby"

 

If the car is going to be fully caged and you don't care about SCCA Touring or Spec Z, get rid of it. The entire section only weighs about 27-28lbs.

 

I totally read this as the rear strut bar, and was wondering why the hell you would call that a cubby

 

I was thinking he was talking about the space above the radio... that's the cubby to me. Weight savings of plastic box = 6 oz maybe?

 

I thought removal was now legal in Spec Z????

 

I was tracking the rear shelf removal was legal this year as well for spec Z. Either way he is in France so no sanctioning body on this side of the pond cares if the shelf is installed.

It further removes more weight from the rear of the car which is an issue with the weight distribution moving further forward. I've got mine removed in prep for the cage install. and also relocated the battery back there now.

It was around 18 KG of weight.

 

No idea how he is getting 18kg, unless he is counting every ounce of plastic, etc. It was closer to 26-27lbs on mine.

 

Plastics, some wiring, sound deadening. That was not just the metal shelf.