Official Weight Reduction Thread

[02NavyBlue]

I know every so often people ask how to reduce the weight of their GP. Well it's not really the easiest thing to do and have great results, but there are still a few things you can do that will help a bit. Might as well have a master list all in one place for future reference. Some are free, others aren't, and some are plain crazy. I've gathered a list of things I could think of, as well as a few ideas scattered around the site. It is open to suggestions, most will be in the racekar section I'm sure, since that's where you can go pretty far.

Weight reduction for a DD GP

Remove:
Engine cover
Hood liner
Firewall liner
Both engine lift brackets, engine cover bracket, LIM bracket, egr bracket
Alternator bracket/bar
Passenger side dogbone mount
Scrape rust from the underbody
Spare tire and jack
Old trans lines(if an independent cooler is installed)
Hit the gym

Advanced: (Meaning things must be bought/replaced)
Run an open cone intake
Fiberglass/Carbon fiber hood
Aluminum sub-frame upgrade
Lighter rims
Headers/downpipe
Racing battery
Swap bumpers for an aluminum from an Aztec/Rendezvous
Lighter brakes (Grand Am rear brakes)


Racekar:
Remove hood shocks
Remove wiper arms
Drain the washer fluid
Remove seats/carpet
Delete EGR
Delete HVAC system
Delete radio, and all speakers
Delete ABS
Delete Cruise control
This list will go on...


and possibly..

Weight Relocation:
Move battery to trunk, run new wire.

[redlinepontiac]

go on a diet..

[Jomamma]

There is already a thread like this.

[02NavyBlue]

A I mentioned there are lots of threads with ideas scattered around. There was one thread I found that was similar to this (as in the OP listing weight reduction ideas, NOT asking about it), but it's very old and the OP is probably inactive, and unable to keep a running list. Plus right off the bat he's mentioning removing seats wheres I've got it organized in categories so people can find what they're looking for a little easier.

So basically this is the only active instructive post about it. Don't confuse it with this post http://www.grandprixforums.net/weigh...ghlight=weight

[Max Cook]

You can delete the EGR on a DD. I did. No issues with that if done correctly. I would also not run a race battery like ZZP's on a DD.. and theres definitelly a lot more you can do to reduce racekar weight. I remember on alex's car even when it was already super stripped they still managed to shed another entire 50lbs of weight from just uneeded wiring.

Also Carbon Fiber Hood > Fiberglass Hood :P

[02NavyBlue]

Hmm well it can be controversial about what section some should be in, as some DD's have plenty of racekar stuff. I suppose it comes down to which state you're in and if it does emissions testing, as well as what you're comfortable with. You and I are in MI, so that would be acceptable. I wouldn't mind deleting my EGR system, especially when I replace my UIM and clean the LIM and don't want it getting all gunked up again. I'd just need to do it "correctly".

Thanks, I'll add the carbon fiber as an option.

[Iceman6669]

Best way to delete the EGR is to tap and plug the LIM and header/manifold.

[Max Cook]

delete EVAP too. also fine on a DD as long as its done right.

[02NavyBlue]

Are there any advantages to that at all?

[Iceman6669]

Won't leak?

[02NavyBlue]

I wouldn't do it. It basically just makes sure every drop of gas that goes in the tank gets burned. But I suppose it could be another 3 pounds off.

[smoke14]

Replace windows and windshield with lexan = racekar

[dezebe1]

replace the front crash brace with the Aztek/Rendezvous aluminum brace

[Timing]

Im pretty positive the alum oil pan weighs more than the reg one

[REDCRAPGP]

Don't some guys run Grand Am brakes in the back to save some weight?

[dezebe1]

it really boils down to trying to reduce as much weight from the front since our cars are so nose heavy to get the car better balanced. Ive currently got the LeMons car down to 2880lbs. but still close to a 65% front 35% rear balance....trying to get it a bit better, but can only go so far with this platform. you can see some of the mods done in my official LeMons car question and answer thread

[02NavyBlue]

Im pretty positive the alum oil pan weighs more than the reg one

You're right, I'll fix it.

[z3r0]

I dd'd a gtp with no carpet, headliner, rear seat or most trim

Btw there is a thread on club gp with the weight of most nonessential pays off a gp down to the hardware