2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

vert reinforcements on a hardtop

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 27, 2010 | 08:46 PM
  #1  
shampoop's Avatar
Thread Starter
Black 91 gxl
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
vert reinforcements on a hardtop

is it possible? would it actually help stiffen things up without adding much weight? searched and couldn't find anything on the subject.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2010 | 09:57 PM
  #2  
shampoop's Avatar
Thread Starter
Black 91 gxl
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
nobody?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2010 | 10:07 PM
  #3  
Spirit-RE's Avatar
Moderator
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,941
Likes: 39
From: Whitewater, WI
Is it neccessary? The coupes are pretty rigid as they are.


Also, consider that the verts weigh 4xx lbs more mainly from extra bracing, and they have some parts that are lighter than the coupes(window motors, wheels) to offset the overall additional weight. Anyways is it worth weighing much more?

Just my $0.02
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2010 | 10:13 PM
  #4  
That Rx-7 kid's Avatar
car fanatic
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: northern new jersey
I would understand if you were converting the coupe to a custom targa top but other than that it just seems like it would just slow down the car with the added weight. Why not just use strut braces and other suspension mods in that area to stiffen up the chassis without adding an uneccessary 4xx lbs of weight?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2010 | 11:21 PM
  #5  
clokker's Avatar
Cake or Death?
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,249
Likes: 64
From: Mile High
Originally Posted by nate91242

Also, consider that the verts weigh 4xx lbs more mainly from extra bracing...
Originally Posted by That Rx-7 kid
Why not just use strut braces and other suspension mods in that area to stiffen up the chassis without adding an uneccessary 4xx lbs of weight?
I doubt that even half of the weight difference is due to the extra reinforcements.
Verts have the heaviest seats (the batwing stereo headrest monstrosities) and the soft top itself weighs more than the coupe roof.
They also have a more elaborate interior.

At any rate, it's irrelevant to the OP because whatever the weight penalty, the vert reinforcements address a problem he doesn't have- lack of a roof.

With 20+ years of racing history behind them, our cars chassis is pretty well understood, fixes- from simple to elaborate- are fairly well known.

Shampoop, what are you doing that makes you feel the car needs "stiffening"?
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 01:07 AM
  #6  
jgrewe's Avatar
GET OFF MY LAWN
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 2
From: Fla.
I would say just about 250lbs is from extra metal on a vert. This is after weighing a coupe and a vert both prepared to the same class rules. There was about 290lbs between the cars and the vert didn't have a windshield.

Most of the extra weight is from the floor pan and rockers on the vert being twice as thick. There is also a couple extra layers of thick metal in the door pillar/ strut tower area. This is all the stuff nobody notices. The brace behind the seats is obvious as is the extra subframe behind the engine cradle.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 07:07 AM
  #7  
clokker's Avatar
Cake or Death?
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,249
Likes: 64
From: Mile High
Originally Posted by clokker
I doubt that even half of the weight difference is due to the extra reinforcements.
Originally Posted by jgrewe
I would say just about 250lbs is from extra metal on a vert. This is after weighing a coupe and a vert both prepared to the same class rules.
I stand corrected.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 08:41 AM
  #8  
Dltreezan's Avatar
My Bick is Digger
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,509
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh, NC
yeah I can totally tell the difference. I prefer my vert the way it is. On the 86 I have the entire under side of the car is bent to **** from jacking it up and the vert pan doesn't even flinch. Plus I am putting on the Rmagic wide front fenders and there is so much more fender reinforcements you would other wise never notice.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 01:13 PM
  #9  
rx-7 obsessed's Avatar
WTF is a Piston?..Anyone?
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 1
From: regina
http://www.corksport.com/autoexe-mem...for-rx7-1.html

better then adding the 2xx lbs i think. this would still help out alot
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 06:59 PM
  #10  
shampoop's Avatar
Thread Starter
Black 91 gxl
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
Originally Posted by clokker
I doubt that even half of the weight difference is due to the extra reinforcements.
Verts have the heaviest seats (the batwing stereo headrest monstrosities) and the soft top itself weighs more than the coupe roof.
They also have a more elaborate interior.

At any rate, it's irrelevant to the OP because whatever the weight penalty, the vert reinforcements address a problem he doesn't have- lack of a roof.

With 20+ years of racing history behind them, our cars chassis is pretty well understood, fixes- from simple to elaborate- are fairly well known.

Shampoop, what are you doing that makes you feel the car needs "stiffening"?
nothing yet. saw a CL ad selling the stuff. just got me thinking.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 07:07 PM
  #11  
jackhild59's Avatar
Rotary $ > AMG $
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 30
From: And the horse he rode in on...
Structural foam injection. See the sticky.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2010 | 07:42 PM
  #12  
Gene's Avatar
10 lb. boost, 5lb. bag
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 2
From: New York, NY
Pointless unless you're making a race car. And if you're making one a properly built cage will make it stiff beyond your wildest dreams.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MidnightOwl
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
1
Sep 25, 2015 10:24 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:15 AM.