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

vert reinforcements on a hardtop

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-27-10, 08:46 PM
  #1  
Black 91 gxl
Thread Starter
 
shampoop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Old 06-29-10, 09:57 PM
  #2  
Black 91 gxl
Thread Starter
 
shampoop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
nobody?
Old 06-29-10, 10:07 PM
  #3  
Moderator

iTrader: (25)
 
Spirit-RE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Whitewater, WI
Posts: 2,941
Received 38 Likes on 22 Posts
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
Old 06-29-10, 10:13 PM
  #4  
car fanatic

 
That Rx-7 kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: northern new jersey
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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?
Old 06-29-10, 11:21 PM
  #5  
Cake or Death?

iTrader: (2)
 
clokker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mile High
Posts: 10,249
Received 63 Likes on 53 Posts
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"?
Old 06-30-10, 01:07 AM
  #6  
GET OFF MY LAWN

iTrader: (1)
 
jgrewe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Fla.
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
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.
Old 06-30-10, 07:07 AM
  #7  
Cake or Death?

iTrader: (2)
 
clokker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mile High
Posts: 10,249
Received 63 Likes on 53 Posts
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.
Old 06-30-10, 08:41 AM
  #8  
My Bick is Digger

iTrader: (3)
 
Dltreezan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 3,509
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
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.
Old 06-30-10, 01:13 PM
  #9  
WTF is a Piston?..Anyone?

 
rx-7 obsessed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: regina
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
http://www.corksport.com/autoexe-mem...for-rx7-1.html

better then adding the 2xx lbs i think. this would still help out alot
Old 06-30-10, 06:59 PM
  #10  
Black 91 gxl
Thread Starter
 
shampoop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Old 06-30-10, 07:07 PM
  #11  
Rotary $ > AMG $

iTrader: (7)
 
jackhild59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: And the horse he rode in on...
Posts: 3,783
Received 24 Likes on 23 Posts
Structural foam injection. See the sticky.
Old 06-30-10, 07:42 PM
  #12  
10 lb. boost, 5lb. bag

iTrader: (1)
 
Gene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
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.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MidnightOwl
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
1
09-25-15 10:24 PM



Quick Reply: vert reinforcements on a hardtop



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:55 PM.