OVER 200 LBS. IN WEIGHT SAVING IDEAS

[Moreno1]

Hey guys we have gotten a lot of PM's regarding advice on weight reduction options from members over the last two years and thought it be a funny idea to create a weight reduction thread were we can share and discuss different options on reducing perhaps some additional weight off the Z/28 as I know understand that GM is catering to the enthusiast market and this would be a topic of interest. We can discuss from mild changes that could be easy reversed to the more aggressive changes for the guys who aren't concern with collectibility factor 40 years down the road.

Perhaps you guys could share what your weight drop goals are and we can discuss different options on how to get there.

So lets start and here some of the ideas, pros, cons, etc.......

Perhaps this might become a "sticky" thread for other members to benefit down the road so lets try to keep it on topic!

[LehmanZ06]

No washer fluid

Take off Z/28 emblems !

Toss flow tie

Rip out radio.......

[Zfatuated]

Excellent thread idea

1. Ti cat-back exhaust. Save 40 lbs? That's a guess. Approx $3k-4k. Only con is $
2. LiON battery. Save 30+ lbs. Approx $1500. Only con is $. High-quality Lion exceeds lead acid in every way.

That is your quickest, easiest, biggest lb numbers. I would have zero interest in anything that compromises the structure/safety.

Maybe some kind of plastic/carbon intake, save 5 lbs? Big $$?

[brt3]

Originally Posted by Zfatuated

2. LiON battery. Save 30+ lbs. Approx $1500. Only con is $. High-quality Lion exceeds lead acid in every way.

Question -- is anything special required regarding charging, etc.? For some reason I recall this being an issue with first gen versions...

[Xlr8ion]

Go on a diet...

[Angrybird 12]

Strip the paint down to the bare metal then use a tinted clear coat over it. That might save a couple pounds.

[90503]

http://rearseatdelete.com/camaro5.html

I know the Z/28 has a lighter-weight rear seat as is, but this might be even less....

Pros: More cargo room.....(track tires)....

Cons: Not usable for passengers....(No seat belts)....

[Moreno1]

I haven't heard this one yet in the Z/28 section... CF one piece drive shaft. reduce some driveline weight, and at the same time you get rid of the slop that comes with a two piece.

OE wheels are beautiful, but not the lightest at 25-27lbs ea. We have forgeline Ga1R-OL and they are right under 21lbs ea IIRC

Optic Armor front and rear windshields will save 20 lbs off the top of the car.

all depends on how extreme you wanna go

[brt3]

Originally Posted by Angrybird 12

Strip the paint down to the bare metal then use a tinted clear coat over it. That might save a couple pounds.

Going all "Silver Arrows" on us, eh?

[Zfatuated]

Originally Posted by brt3

Question -- is anything special required regarding charging, etc.? For some reason I recall this being an issue with first gen versions...

None whatsoever. Out with the lead-acid, in with the LiON. I've done it many times on other cars.

Originally Posted by 90503

http://rearseatdelete.com/camaro5.html

I know the Z/28 has a lighter-weight rear seat as is, but this might be even less....

If this kit eliminates the seat frame then the engineers are are record that the frame is necessary to contribute to chassis rigidity. That is why they left it in. ABS plastic is no substitute in that case. That is not a compromise (weight/rigidity) I would want to make.

Originally Posted by Justin Moreno

I haven't heard this one yet in the Z/28 section... CF one piece drive shaft. reduce some driveline weight, and at the same time you get rid of the slop that comes with a two piece.

Optic Armor front and rear windshields will save 20 lbs off the top of the car.

all depends on how extreme you wanna go

Love the ideas!. However, I am under the impression non-glass (lexan/polycarbonate) windows are not street legal in the US? Am I wrong?

What would a drive shaft cost? Weight savings?

[Apex Paul]

Originally Posted by Zfatuated

Excellent thread idea


2. LiON battery. Save 30+ lbs. Approx $1500. Only con is $. High-quality Lion exceeds lead acid in every way.

we have LiON batteries for a lot less than that, around $300.

[brt3]

Originally Posted by Justin Moreno

I haven't heard this one yet in the Z/28 section: CF one piece drive shaft. reduce some driveline weight, and at the same time you get rid of the slop that comes with a two piece.

OE wheels are beautiful, but not the lightest at 25-27lbs ea. We have forgeline Ga1R-OL and they are right under 21lbs ea.

I've thought about the CF driveshaft as there was a group buy for these on the C5. I'm going with Finspeed wheels and I expect them to be very close to 20 pounds even. All 4 OEM wheels measured over 27 pounds when I weighed them during my recent tire switch...

[90503]

Originally Posted by Zfatuated

If this kit eliminates the seat frame then the engineers are are record that the frame is necessary to contribute to chassis rigidity. That is why they left it in. ABS plastic is no substitute in that case. That is not a compromise (weight/rigidity) I would want to make.

....I was surprised how "cheap" my stock SS rear seats were....There is no frame...They are more like couch "cushions"...lol...Don't think you will lose any chassis rigidity by changing them....

[Moreno1]

Originally Posted by brt3

Question -- is anything special required regarding charging, etc.? For some reason I recall this being an issue with first gen versions...

Well the $1500 ones will most likely have fail-safe computer tech in the battery to prevent full discharge, low/overvoltage, shorts, etc. Call lithium pros and they'll explain everything to you, as a lot of the tech is beyond me. LOL. from what I have seen, they have the most tech, and highest size/weight ratio... i.e. they are very light