Less weight = more power; Have you lightened your Z?
02-20-2007, 09:35 PM
#422
It depends on which carbon hatch you go with... some of them are built strong enough that they will be able to support the stock wiper assembly and stock glass, those are also the ones that probably aren't much lighter than stock and would be more for cosmetics than weight savings.
When I purchased my hatch, they specifically asked if I was planning on running stock glass, or even a spoiler, that's how light/thin it was made! They could make it thicker for those that plan to run a wing or stock glass but need to know ahead of time which way you want it because it will make a significant difference.
When I purchased my hatch, they specifically asked if I was planning on running stock glass, or even a spoiler, that's how light/thin it was made! They could make it thicker for those that plan to run a wing or stock glass but need to know ahead of time which way you want it because it will make a significant difference.
02-20-2007, 09:43 PM
#423
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Originally Posted by 03Z33
It depends on which carbon hatch you go with... some of them are built strong enough that they will be able to support the stock wiper assembly and stock glass, those are also the ones that probably aren't much lighter than stock and would be more for cosmetics than weight savings.
When I purchased my hatch, they specifically asked if I was planning on running stock glass, or even a spoiler, that's how light/thin it was made! They could make it thicker for those that plan to run a wing or stock glass but need to know ahead of time which way you want it because it will make a significant difference.
When I purchased my hatch, they specifically asked if I was planning on running stock glass, or even a spoiler, that's how light/thin it was made! They could make it thicker for those that plan to run a wing or stock glass but need to know ahead of time which way you want it because it will make a significant difference.
02-20-2007, 09:51 PM
#425
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Originally Posted by 03Z33
Fiberimages. They're one of the last few companies who still make everything local and have decent quality.
02-26-2007, 06:06 PM
#426
What do you guys think of removing all the plastic under paneling......... I didnt remove it purposely.. Thing is Jiffy Lube is a bunch of dumb asses and forgot to tighten the underpaneling and the **** flew the **** off when I hit the highway... I looked under and bam.. Gone.. Even some of the fender well was slightly damaged..... I then went and made jiffy dumb asses pay me for the underpaneling quoted at 220 at nissan.. After chewing their asses they paid me...
Bottom line,.........has anyone removed there underpaneling? There are a bunch of underpaneling that could add up to a few pounds...
Bottom line,.........has anyone removed there underpaneling? There are a bunch of underpaneling that could add up to a few pounds...
Last edited by Jay'Z; 02-26-2007 at 06:29 PM.
02-26-2007, 06:24 PM
#427
Originally Posted by 03Z33
I've already removed the rear "speaker box" and I guarantee you on the coupe it is nothing like the rear strut brace. You actually don't save much weight by removing it though, it's mostly just to clean up the look of the car and to make more room for a better roll hoop mounting location.
02-26-2007, 10:32 PM
#428
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Originally Posted by jonb7007
What do you guys think of removing all the plastic under paneling......... I didnt remove it purposely.. Thing is Jiffy Lube is a bunch of dumb asses and forgot to tighten the underpaneling and the **** flew the **** off when I hit the highway... I looked under and bam.. Gone.. Even some of the fender well was slightly damaged..... I then went and made jiffy dumb asses pay me for the underpaneling quoted at 220 at nissan.. After chewing their asses they paid me...
Bottom line,.........has anyone removed there underpaneling? There are a bunch of underpaneling that could add up to a few pounds...
Bottom line,.........has anyone removed there underpaneling? There are a bunch of underpaneling that could add up to a few pounds...
It's always better to take of weight from the top of the car rather than the bottom (taking weight off the bottom of the car raises the CG of the car), and in the case of the Z, it's better to take weight out of the front of the car rather than the back. It's a lot easier to take weight off of the back of the car, but in terms of traction and weight distribution, you want to remove as much weight from the front. Personally, when I was tracking the Z, I noticed that I had less traction when I took weight off of the back, and my lap times suffered.
02-27-2007, 05:05 AM
#429
Originally Posted by spf4000
The plastic paneling does serve a purpose in making the car more aerodynamic, so I wouldn't remove those pieces just to save a few pounds. The most you'll be saving is 20lbs, and with the weight being at the lowest part of the car, you'll see no actual benefit from losing that weight. The chances are you'll notice the negative aerodynamic effect more than the effect of lightening the car.
It's always better to take of weight from the top of the car rather than the bottom (taking weight off the bottom of the car raises the CG of the car), and in the case of the Z, it's better to take weight out of the front of the car rather than the back. It's a lot easier to take weight off of the back of the car, but in terms of traction and weight distribution, you want to remove as much weight from the front. Personally, when I was tracking the Z, I noticed that I had less traction when I took weight off of the back, and my lap times suffered.
It's always better to take of weight from the top of the car rather than the bottom (taking weight off the bottom of the car raises the CG of the car), and in the case of the Z, it's better to take weight out of the front of the car rather than the back. It's a lot easier to take weight off of the back of the car, but in terms of traction and weight distribution, you want to remove as much weight from the front. Personally, when I was tracking the Z, I noticed that I had less traction when I took weight off of the back, and my lap times suffered.
So are you telling me it would be in my best interest to re-purchase the underpaneling? Because as I posted, a mechanic novice didnt tighten up my bolts and my splash guard underneath got eaten up... I know your saying ill be more aerodynamic.. But I have read that wont matter unless im hitting upwards of 140mph.. Germany Autobahn speeds..... Oh, how i miss the autobahn!!
02-27-2007, 06:57 AM
#430
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FWIW, my underpanel was damaged and would rub when I pressed in my clutch so I removed it about 20k miles ago. While I suspect my aerodynamics might be suffering I have not had any other resulting issues with the panel off. I'd say it weighs a good 5-10 lbs for those of you curious.
For daily driving I don't see that panel being that big of a deal. It basically helps the aerodynamics, helps keep the heat from hot pavement from entering the engine bay, and it also helps keeps debris away. Important? You decide, but I'm ok with mine off. I wasn't at first but I am now. The last time my car was on a lift I checked things out and had zero damage where the panel goes. And it's been in rainy Oregon and sunny So Cal.
For daily driving I don't see that panel being that big of a deal. It basically helps the aerodynamics, helps keep the heat from hot pavement from entering the engine bay, and it also helps keeps debris away. Important? You decide, but I'm ok with mine off. I wasn't at first but I am now. The last time my car was on a lift I checked things out and had zero damage where the panel goes. And it's been in rainy Oregon and sunny So Cal.
03-04-2007, 10:39 AM
#431
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I want to lose some weight, but the task of corner balancing is something I never thought about.
What about this:
Empty wiper fluid: -10 lbs
Get light weight battery: -20 lbs.
Total of 30 lbs out of the front end.
Remove spare and tools: -40 lbs
Total of 40 lbs out of the rear.
So, no real need to corner balance?
What about this:
Empty wiper fluid: -10 lbs
Get light weight battery: -20 lbs.
Total of 30 lbs out of the front end.
Remove spare and tools: -40 lbs
Total of 40 lbs out of the rear.
So, no real need to corner balance?
03-04-2007, 11:51 AM
#433
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dang I was reading the begining of this thread it was back in 04', it even mentioned that someone should have come out with a carbon fiber hatch, I read that then said wtf, then looked at the date. You 350z guys are lucky, I have to take out my passanger seat, rear seats to save some weight.
03-04-2007, 01:31 PM
#435
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Originally Posted by goodkd
I want to lose some weight, but the task of corner balancing is something I never thought about.
What about this:
Empty wiper fluid: -10 lbs
Get light weight battery: -20 lbs.
Total of 30 lbs out of the front end.
Remove spare and tools: -40 lbs
Total of 40 lbs out of the rear.
So, no real need to corner balance?
What about this:
Empty wiper fluid: -10 lbs
Get light weight battery: -20 lbs.
Total of 30 lbs out of the front end.
Remove spare and tools: -40 lbs
Total of 40 lbs out of the rear.
So, no real need to corner balance?
03-24-2007, 08:18 AM
#436
I saw a 350Z race car this week that weighs in at only 2470 lbs. !!! This gives me a lot of motivation to keep at this, especialy since he's still running the stock windshield, fuel tank, full cage, big heavy 18" wheels and most of the stock dash.
03-24-2007, 09:52 AM
#437
Originally Posted by 03Z33
I saw a 350Z race car this week that weighs in at only 2470 lbs. !!! This gives me a lot of motivation to keep at this, especialy since he's still running the stock windshield, fuel tank, full cage, big heavy 18" wheels and most of the stock dash.
03-24-2007, 11:57 PM
#439
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Originally Posted by reallyredZ
I think some practical stuff like:
Lighter rims
Flywheel, exhaust.
Seats could also be a biggy. Leather is pretty heavy. Some nice looking sparco or brides could save about 20 pounds each. That electric seat mechanism is pretty heavy. So you're going to lose about 60 with the seats and it still looks good and functions just as well. As for the battery... I would get a re locator kit and put it in the rear. Less weight up front and more in the back means better weight transfer. It isn't all about weight reduction, but weight transfer as well.
Lighter rims
Flywheel, exhaust.
Seats could also be a biggy. Leather is pretty heavy. Some nice looking sparco or brides could save about 20 pounds each. That electric seat mechanism is pretty heavy. So you're going to lose about 60 with the seats and it still looks good and functions just as well. As for the battery... I would get a re locator kit and put it in the rear. Less weight up front and more in the back means better weight transfer. It isn't all about weight reduction, but weight transfer as well.
