Thread: Weight Reduction Tips

Hey guys! A big issue with our cars are the weight. I want to start a thread with weight reduction tips along with links to lighter items, or how to remove items we don't need. I will edit this as new ideas arise and add them to the list. Obviously some things on the list are luxuries that most people wouldn't want to get rid of. I want this list to have everything on it and people can pick and choose what they may consider doing.

If anyone has specs on the weight of our cars, and the weight of specific items it would be appreciated! I'd like to put the weight of the item next to it so it can be compared to aftermarket items for potential weight savings!

Thanks ahead of time for the help!

1. Removing the rear seats
2. Remove the passenger seat
3. Replace with lighter aftermarket seats
3. Lighter brackets
4. Lighter battery
5. Removing Audio equipment
6. Removing A/C
7. Remove Spare Tire/Jack
8. Hit the gym
9. Gut the trunk/doors/ car floor

Editing and organizing as time goes on!

remove Spare tire and hit the gym

Originally Posted by 01GTP

hit the gym

LOL. That thought hit my mind too and would be of huge benefit to me.

Gutted trunk here

Quicklynx, if you get a good list together, perhaps something in stages such as stage 1, stage 2, etc so as not to leave out those that want to do little things and to cover those that go to the track.

Make it reasonable starting with the easiest and working progressively to the more difficult to do and using methods that are commonly acceptable and practiced. Do that and I'll either sticky this or we can put it into the how to section.

If you could include some weights as well that would be awesome. For instance, pull this out and it reduces your weight by this much.

Originally Posted by SyntheticShield

Quicklynx, if you get a good list together, perhaps something in stages such as stage 1, stage 2, etc so as not to leave out those that want to do little things and to cover those that go to the track.

Make it reasonable starting with the easiest and working progressively to the more difficult to do and using methods that are commonly acceptable and practiced. Do that and I'll either sticky this or we can put it into the how to section.

If you could include some weights as well that would be awesome. For instance, pull this out and it reduces your weight by this much.

This is actually exactly what I wanted to get out of this. I need to figure out the weights of things. As I start to do some minor weight reduction I'll try to weigh some of the stuff. I even want to add links to products that are weight reducers, like smaller batteries (which I will put up later)

I already have an idea of how to work the stages. In fact, I think I'll make 2 seperate paths. One for daily drivers who still want their luxuries, and one for weekend warriors who don't need their A/C and seats for their family. I just want to get a legitimate list going before I start to diversify them.

Thanks for the input everyone, keep it coming and I will organize it as time goes!

what do you mean by "move the bumpers"

To each there own, I just don't know how people can completely gut there car, especailly a DD. A full race car I can see to a certain extent. Then again, i've always been around some decently fast cars with all the creature comforts too (some even 11 sec cars w/ A/C!), so i'm a bit biased I guess.

Oh well, i'll just keep my crash safety features, A/C, Cruise, spare, power everything, etc and be comfortable in my 1 sec slower car :-)

What I think he means is "removing the bumper support" which are behind your fiberglass bumper covers. You'll see...

^^^ ok i understand it now

This is merely advice and I would set up 2 paths so some people could keep their luxuries.

I, for one, would never think about taking out my spare or safety features. However, there are ways to reduce weight in the car by replacing some OEM safety equipment with other aftermarket safety equipment that is better.

Remove Onstar in trunk/wherever
Remove 1 dogbone and bracket and run just driver's side dogbone
Get an aluminum engine cradle
Remove motor pull brackets
Drop exhaust out for track
Switch to Grand Am brakes
Get a sawzall and start cutting

What year grand am brakes do you need? Any modifications needed?

If you would like, you can PM a write up to me. I will give credit to anyone and everyone that helps, and your write up, if used, will have your name branded on it, haha

FoSHO99, the dogbone idea I would have never thought of, in fact, would it be possible to make a modification to bolt a single dogbone in the middle of the 2 for support?

I don't know how much that would affect the protection of the engine though???

yea, im glad im only 150 lbs... i dont add alot of weight to ther car... im lookin to do something similar to this, but i dont wanna take out my back seats...

^ don't worry I'm on the search for a possible backseat replacement to cut weight and be safe and look good!

do it man! haha glad your makin up a list because my car is a daily driver, and i need alot of those options

sorry guys, I've been extremely busy, but hopefully I'll get some time to work on this in the coming weeks, I haven't forgotten about it

Speed holes!!!