Weight reduction.

[mp5jeff]

^^bad idea about the battery, better to keep it up front to keep the weight from it on the front wheels for traction..

 

[Brian MP5T]

I know, I just think it sounds cool...

 

[mp5jeff]

haha

 

[xelderx]

^^bad idea about the battery, better to keep it up front to keep the weight from it on the front wheels for traction..

Actually the weight distribution on the Proteges is already front heavy. If all you do is go in a staight line then keeping the weight there is ideal, but not for handling. I've already moved my battery to the back. It's a pretty easy mod.

 

[mp5jeff]

yea, why i said keep it up front for "traction"...was implying drag racing, i suxor

 

[xelderx]

yea, why i said keep it up front for "traction"...was implying drag racing, i suxor

yea it's amazing how you have to set up a car so much differently for drag vs handling. My car suxor at the drag. Too much negative camber makes my bicycle have a better contact patch going in a straight line.

 

[mp5jeff]

^^yea, my car isn't the best in twisties anymore, specially after the big drag radials

 

[showtege]

How hard is it to remove the AC? the rest of my car is gutted back seats out sound material spare tire ect. also have racing seats. I plan to put the entire GTspec bracing in and harnes bar. but i want to remove the AC. it was no problem in my Integra, but honda motors are mutch simpler.

 

[xelderx]

It's no problem in the Protege either. The condenser is in front of the radiator. Just unbolt it along with the collector on the drivers side and the compressor attached to the motor. You will need special fuel/AC disconnect tools for the two lines going into the firewall under the cruise control, but they are pretty cheap. Saves you 22 lbs off the front of the car. I made a thread somewhere that had the length for the belt you will need to keep power to the powersteering. You'll need to search for it. I think it is under "A/C removal replacement belt" or something like that.

 

[twilightprotege]

removing weight from the car is pretty easy. i took out 80kg (aka 176lbs) without much trouble at all. still had both front seats in and all door trims etc

if the weight reduction if the drag racing, take everything out. if it's for circuit, take everything out, but then add counter weights back in so you can balance the car for better handling.

 

[melicha8]

I'm fairly certain with all the stuff I have replaced on my car I've lost at least 150 lbs. Aftermarket parts have tendency to be lighter and stronger so more power to em. I prob lost about 50 just from the exhaust system.

 

[Installshield 2]

also don't rule out our stock hood...I read on here about a year ago that our stock hood weighs just under 50lbs on its own...without the hinges and fire retardant matting...And most aftermarket CF pieces are closer to 11-15lbs total...that is a huge reduction right off the front half of the car...more so than the AC...

 

[xelderx]

also don't rule out our stock hood...I read on here about a year ago that our stock hood weighs just under 50lbs on its own...without the hinges and fire retardant matting...And most aftermarket CF pieces are closer to 11-15lbs total...that is a huge reduction right off the front half of the car...more so than the AC...

Very true. I wish I could replace my hood and stay legal in the class I race in.

 

[toucci]

also don't rule out our stock hood...I read on here about a year ago that our stock hood weighs just under 50lbs on its own...without the hinges and fire retardant matting...And most aftermarket CF pieces are closer to 11-15lbs total...that is a huge reduction right off the front half of the car...more so than the AC...

it's too bad most of the CF hoods out there are for ricers and many of them really aren't that lightweight at all. most people have no idea how light body panels can be using high tech pressure and composites. I find it funny how nobody even asks the weight of the CF hoods, they could all be OEM hoods with CF wrapped around for all I know

 

[Installshield 2]

haha good point...

I want one...but only for the weight...and like you mentioned some can be very heavy...AutoRnD sold a limited run of Fiber Image hoods a while ago, and although it was expensive...they claimed it was just over 10lbs with the latch installed...But yeah everyone else never mentions it or asks...half the companies put these crazy big scoops and s*** on them like its an STi or something...or some are carbon fiber outside, with a steel frame underneath...effectively saving roughly 8lbs...

I never cared for the look of a CF hood on anything other than a white stripped race car...the hoods look good on those IMO...but a black car (my P5) with a bad fitting CF hood isn't happenin' for a while...at least until I see what I can run with the new engine...The good news is that we may have the option of getting some Autoexe and other JDM brand hoods soon (there was a thread mentioning that they would be releasing one soon)...and the best part is that these quality lightweight hoods will only be like $13,000 plus shipping...

 

[twilightprotege]

paint the CF hood. that's what i'd do if i ever get a CF hood....and nobody would ever know

 

[xelderx]

paint the CF hood. that's what i'd do if i ever get a CF hood....and nobody would ever know

I would know...and winning by cheating just doesn't work with my conscience. Especially not for a $5 trophy.

 

[twilightprotege]

i was more meaning for those that dont like the look of a CF bonnet but want the weight advantage. personally i think they look out of place.

 

[xelderx]

i was more meaning for those that dont like the look of a CF bonnet but want the weight advantage. personally i think they look out of place.

Ah yes...carry on.

 

[Installshield 2]

yeah I agree...but could never justify the price above other mods I want...500 bucks plus painting is well on your way to forged internals you know...haha...or a standalone...