Lighten the Load

[Marauderer]

Anyone know of a carbon fiber or fibergl*** fabricator that can make us new hoods and trunk lids?

[amerikan]

Carbon fiber costs a lot of money.. what you mentioned is going to be probably around 2k if it is custom made... might as well do the S/C and save.

[Marauderer]

Was actually thinking of it for "after" the SC! From what I can see, there aren't very many areas on this car to try and save weight. And I know, I know, it is a 4,000 lb. car and it is never going to be a Mustang (had this discussion on the old Lincoln Mark VII boards), but I have seen what shaving a few pounds here and there can do.

Lighter Rims (even though I would feel like a heretic)
Lighter Tires
Lighter Rotors
Lighter TC
Lighter Drive Shaft (don't think this applies too much to our cars)
Lighter Hood and Trunk Lid

Added up, these things can account for a significant weight savings that doesn't negatively affect the stock "ambience" of our cars (well except maybe the rims, as they have to be some of the most attractive ever made).

However, back to the point, I didn't mean to start a debate, just looking for a vendor.....

[drobin]

Don't forget about less weight using a mini space saving spare tire.. I priced just the rim and it was over $200.00, don't know what tire cost would be. I believe total weight is 28lbs versus 52lbs for full size spare... Does that sound about right????

Donald

[MAD-3R]

I just take the spare out whe I go to the track.

[drobin]

I'm mainly referring to doing it all the time since every lil bit help with these cars. Am I going overboard here???


Donald

[MAD-3R]

Well, The spare in the back isn't going to make that much differance concidering the spare in my middle. :)

[Marauder57]

Originally posted by MAD-3R
Well, The spare in the back isn't going to make that much differance concidering the spare in my middle. :)

When I first read this I thought this was going to be a thread about the Atkins Diet or something... :D

I can understand the desire for speed....but getting into the minutia of auto weight loss is a little too much for me.....it is a four door sedan....if I wanted a Shelby Cobra I would have bought one.....well wait a second....can't afford that....If I wanted a Mustang Cobra I would have bought one....

But I would have needed a whole lot of butter and a running start to "slide" into that thing to fit comfortably.... :D

[Marauderer]

I took out my spare and jack, since my wife is always available with her car and together they totaled 42 lbs. (mini spare). I also found that our wheels weigh 23 lbs. each and found some really nice ones that weigh only 13 lbs. each. The rule of thumb that I have always heard is that each lb. you take off the wheel is like taking 4 lb.s off the body. Still I haven't ever had the combination of funds, car, and a track within driving distance to prove this out. But all that has changed......... I just don't know if I would want to give up these beutiful rims for a little bit of time. I might just end up buying a set to use for the track or whatever after I get my SC.

[jgc61sr2002]

marauderer - I would keep the stock rims although a set for then track is a good idea. I my racing days I had a set of M&H cheeter slicks mounted on spare rims which were used at the track.

[Slowpoke]

just mount the engine to a supermarket shopping cart and replace standard cart wheels with moutain bike bycycle tires.


That outa do it ....

[the fat bastid]

Lighter Drive Shaft (don't think this applies too much to our cars)

isnt there a company making a carbon fiber one? like acpt or something?

[vegasmarauder]

One of the things you could try but it's labor intensive is strip as much of the heavy sound deader pads out from under the carpet, floorboards, inside doors, hood pad, and under the dash. The CVPI have a lot less sound deadner in them and it's supposedely saves 150-200 lbs. I'll have to see if I can find a scale and put the MM and my nephews's CVPI on and see the difference (allowing for the different egines).

[RCSignals]

Which wheels only weigh 13 lbs each?

Our stock wheels are forged aluminum. lighter than cast, and strong.

[RCSignals]

It's true about sound deadening. I was told the Marauder has more sound deadening than any other model (except maybe the Town Car)

If I remember correctly, the 2003 CVPI weighs in at under 4,000 lbs curbside weight. (that's without all the Police equipment)

[Marauderer]

I'll post the wheels when I get home, they are in a magazine that a buddy brought over that goes through 200+ wheels and their specs. Lightest ones I found in 18" were the 13 pounders.

I would love to know where to get that driveshaft! I'm going to check the old board for my Mark VII and see if they have picked up on the Marauder yet.

[RCSignals]

Unless you are very finely tuned and dialed in, i don't think the spare is going to make much difference.

I know guys who go back packing and cut the handles off their tooth brush "to save weight" You can go too far with all this

[Marauderer]

Weld Racing
Racelite R/S
18x7
Offset 40mm
13.4 lbs.

[RCSignals]

I'll have to look up a picture. Are they a magnesium alloy or something?

[jefferson-mo]

Weld Racing "Racelite"...........sounds like off-highway only...........