How do I reduce my Vipers Weight

[jp]

I would like to do some serious Weight reduction (the Viper). Were do I start, Hood, crossmember, Bumper reinforcment???
The car is a RT/10 1995

Thanxs

 

[Afy]

Get rid of the engine.. that will save a lot of weight..

(Sorry just couldnt help my self..)

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Another legitimate question that comes up once in a while. My first guess is to get a carbon fiber hood, doors, etc.

In my case, I need to loose about 50lbs around the belly.

 

[Tom Friend]

I'm with Chuck. Start by pushing away from the pizza. Cheap and very high bang for the buck.

 

[GTS Dean]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jp:
Were do I start,...???
The car is a RT/10 1995

Thanxs

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Switching to a Gen2 makes it real easy.

 

[phiebert]

OK, so which parts of the GEN II were changed from the GEN I making up the weight difference. Is it mostly engine or what?

 

[JonB]

Hood. Save lots

Gen-2 tube headers save 26 lbs

Interior panels save 15 lbs.

Lighter wheels save rotating mass and weight

Lighter rotors save 7 lbs. Factor higher due rotational

Alum flywheel save 29 lbs ROTATONAL !

Mufflers / cats save 10-15 lbs to hi-flow

A/C removal saves 30+

Heater etc saves 10+

Plexi windshield saves 15???

Radio/amp/speakers saves 10

Are you in the 10s yet???

 

[Gerald]

Doesnt' a GenII engine weight a few hundred pounds less?

G

 

[GTS Dean]

It's closer to one hundred than "a few." The suspension components are lighter - both wishbones and knuckles. Even the front hub bolts are hollowed out to save a few grams.

 

[AviP]

Here's my weight reduction list.

Remove:
- A/C and all hoses/tubing/vents
- Radio and speakers
- Passenger seat assembly
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Power windows.
- Carpeting / floor mats
- Cigarette lighter
- Glove box
- Ash tray

I'm guessing 200 pounds saved.

Change to:
- Lighter wheels.
- Suspension components.
- Carbon fiber bodywork

Another 200 pounds perhaps?

This is an interesting exercise.

-Avi

 

[jp]

I have done the following in saving weight;
Headers
No cats (straight 3")
Alu Flywheel
Purner Wheels
No Spare
No speakers
No Stereo

Following is added in weight to meet NHRA rules;
Rollcage (modifed Bar)
Clutch and Flywheel shield
Loops for Drive shafts and the "main" shaft

The car now weights race ready 3673 Pounds (including Driver and Gas) (driver 158 Pounds)

So according to the above advices is this what easily can be done to save weight;
AC removal
Lighter Hood (Carbone fibre od Glas fibre)
Take away the reinforcement inside the Bumpers
Fabricate a front Aluminum Crossmember

Have I missed something?

Jon, yes I'm in the 10s now...still learning, and making progress, let you know soon. Pictures on www.venomusracing.com

 

[Bob Woodhouse]

jp: Big weight first: Stock hood and brackets weighs 87#s, fiberglas autoform is 27, kevlar is 12. Doors, remove completely, install aftermarket fiberglas by autoform, reasonable cost, saves about 40#s each. Reason, door beam gaurds etc. Use original aluminum hinge and latches.
Drop 20 lbs each with racing seats. That's 200lbs, what was the objective? Forget the little stuff, like crossmembers, too little gain. Want more? Let's talk brake rotors, but $ per pound is beginning to climb now.

 

[jp]

Wow Bob! Thanxs, this is great information, now do I sure know what will be done this winter...