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

Weight reduction?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-25-06, 01:38 PM
  #76  
Crash Auto?Fix Auto.

iTrader: (3)
 
classicauto's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hagersville Ontario
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by photopaintball
Is there a place for fc3s weights?

FAQ for FC sticky at the top of this section.
Old 07-25-06, 01:38 PM
  #77  
Full Member

iTrader: (1)
 
SupraMikesRX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Me?

Photobucket album of the car so far.
http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/rmikemcd/RX7/
Old 07-25-06, 01:41 PM
  #78  
He who smokes bitches

 
cool_as_crap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: El Dorado County
Posts: 3,452
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by photopaintball
Is there a place for fc3s weights?

And cool as crap: we want more pictures of your car, outside and under. Or at least I do.
my car? i think you mean supramike's

as for the weights, if you search you will find a pretty good list. look under 'faq' for the 2nd gen spec sheet.

Originally Posted by mastermind
why do you say this? i agree but WHY? chassis is heavier? heavier gauge steel used? ridgity?
no, same everything, just the gxl/gtu cam with a lot more options than base models. such as power windows/locks, powersteering, cruise control, SUNROOF (thats the only advantage of buying the base model), etc.
Old 07-25-06, 03:26 PM
  #79  
Full Member

 
photopaintball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: bay area -cali
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Sorry, I did mean Supramikerx7

I'm going to shoot for around 2300 without me. Manual Everything. 86 sport

Are there aftermarket sunroof delete options available?
Old 07-25-06, 03:31 PM
  #80  
Rotary Freak

 
owen is fat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
no but if you find a nonsunroof car in a junkyard try to buy the roof or the shell and cut the roof (skin) off and cut off your sunroof roof skin, then weld the lighter sunroof-less roof skin onto your car.

Rxben had a bodyshop do that to his TII using a super rare FC model roof, lol but that FC was rusted to all hell so it was a good use of a lightweight roof skin!
Old 07-25-06, 03:33 PM
  #81  
Rotary Freak

 
owen is fat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the S5 dash and glovebox do indeed weigh noticable more than the S4 parts.

but the S5 parts have better build quality and less rattles and squeaks.
Old 07-25-06, 04:02 PM
  #82  
I'm your turbo lover

iTrader: (5)
 
MazterDizazter's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Marshfield, Massachusetts
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by owen is fat
no but if you find a nonsunroof car in a junkyard try to buy the roof or the shell and cut the roof (skin) off and cut off your sunroof roof skin, then weld the lighter sunroof-less roof skin onto your car.

Rxben had a bodyshop do that to his TII using a super rare FC model roof, lol but that FC was rusted to all hell so it was a good use of a lightweight roof skin!
How much did that cost? Because I got quoted $2500 to have a metal fab shop do that to a Datsun 280zx, and there's no way in hell. Just welding the skin onto the car wouldn't do anything for rigidity unless you added extra supports I don't think, so I'm wondering if it would be cheaper/better to just suffice with a FG sunroof and remove the motor and other crap.
Old 07-25-06, 04:32 PM
  #83  
'89 GTUs

iTrader: (1)
 
Omixeo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 953
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It would be a lot cheaper to do the welding yourself, or a friend who knows how to do it, just pay for the roof and materials. Im lucky that my car didnt come with a sunroof .
Old 07-26-06, 05:13 PM
  #84  
I'm your turbo lover

iTrader: (5)
 
MazterDizazter's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Marshfield, Massachusetts
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Since we're on the topic, did all S5 TII's come with sunroofs?
Old 07-26-06, 05:36 PM
  #85  
'89 GTUs

iTrader: (1)
 
Omixeo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 953
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, they all did.
Old 07-29-06, 06:07 AM
  #86  
Nar

 
GTU_FAN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I believe if you do the simple formula of curb weight/hp you get your power-to-weight ratio.
A 90 S5 GTU weighs: 2800 and has 160hp so 17.5 lbs/hp
A 91 S5 GTU weighs: 2787 and has 160hp so 17.4 lbs/hp
an 86 S4 SE weighs: 2625 and has 146hp so 17.9 lbs/hp

Am I missing something here? The S4 SE will have a better power-to-weight ratio IF you can make it more powerful then an S5 OR somehow lighten it beyond what you can with an S5.

Those facts aside on the same budget the cost-difference is enough that you could potentially make an s4 faster BUT with some sacrifice from the get-go. I guess its up to you to decide what your goal is with the car and what you can afford to do without.
Old 07-29-06, 08:23 PM
  #87  
Clean.

iTrader: (1)
 
ericgrau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 2,521
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I added weights from the FAQ to the weight-reduction list, but there is still a lot missing. One of you with a stripped down car: Do you have your old parts? A scale? We will all love you if you weigh the parts you took out and post it. If you have the weights of lightweight replacements too, that will be even better.

Okay, here's the new no-compromise list, based on comments, in no particular order:
Aluminum hood: 41.85# TII steel, 29.20 TII Al (12.65# saved)
Lightweight rims (e.g., 11lb. vert rims are cheap): 13.5# stock, 10# saved (but counts as ~20#)
Spare tire + jack removed, fix-a-flat in its place: 24.85# TII
Stainless single exhaust
Flywheel: 10.25# Al "MI", 27.5# TII
Replace sound deadening with more modern materials (remove w/ dry scraper and/or heat gun)
Lighter seats (Sparco 14lb.): 33.40#/32.20# stock, 37.60# saved
UNSCREW storage bins & support frame
Lighter hatch glass (in some later FC's): 10# saved
Fiber glass doors, $125 (carzy driver plz post site), mirrors, fenders
Lighter headlight units ("diamond glass"?)
Lighter steering wheel
Lighter suspension (it's not 100% aluminum, I checked)
Frame modifications (chamfer cuts & stitch welding)
Power steering (after car is light enough)

Maybe:
lighter/smaller battery
tire sump cut out
exhaust heat shielding: 10#

Other weight reduction, based on comments (compromises something):
Emissions equipment (air pump = 8.8#)
Power steering, A/C (compressor = 14.9#, core = 6.55#), A/C lines, cruise control, heater core, other power equipment (blower = 6.85#)
Washer fluid reservoir & pump
Carpet, upholstery, door panels, head liner, dash, plastic & storage bins, sound deadening
Hatch shocks & straps
Radio, stereo, speakers, speaker housing, antenna
Sunroof motor & harness
Cut off tire sump, door support bars
Lexan windows & hatch
Cold start assist
Carbon Fiber ($$$)
Passenger seat
Less bolts, clips
Old 07-31-06, 07:41 AM
  #88  
Rotaries confuse me

iTrader: (7)
 
My5ABaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by GTU_FAN
I believe if you do the simple formula of curb weight/hp you get your power-to-weight ratio.
A 90 S5 GTU weighs: 2800 and has 160hp so 17.5 lbs/hp
A 91 S5 GTU weighs: 2787 and has 160hp so 17.4 lbs/hp
an 86 S4 SE weighs: 2625 and has 146hp so 17.9 lbs/hp

Am I missing something here? The S4 SE will have a better power-to-weight ratio IF you can make it more powerful then an S5 OR somehow lighten it beyond what you can with an S5.

Those facts aside on the same budget the cost-difference is enough that you could potentially make an s4 faster BUT with some sacrifice from the get-go. I guess its up to you to decide what your goal is with the car and what you can afford to do without.
Once again, the 86 SE proves to be the best FC N/A made
Old 07-31-06, 08:39 AM
  #89  
'89 GTUs

iTrader: (1)
 
Omixeo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 953
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No way, its just the lightest stock. You can recude an S5 to lower weights than that and have more power and a better p/w ratio.
Old 07-31-06, 08:44 AM
  #90  
Rotaries confuse me

iTrader: (7)
 
My5ABaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Omixeo
No way, its just the lightest stock. You can recude an S5 to lower weights than that and have more power and a better p/w ratio.
It's the best FC N/A...

Sure, you can do all kinds of **** to the S5, S4, etc., but that doesn't change anything. Sure, you can take weight off an S5 and give it a better p/w ratio. Then again, I could put a S5 engine in my 86 SE and give it a better p/w ratio. Your argument is erroneous.
Old 07-31-06, 08:54 AM
  #91  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
Goofy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No, your argument is:

You claim the 86 N/A is the best FC based on Power to Weight without defining what is allowed to change its stock P/W ratio. As it stands, the 91 S5 GTU has the best stock power to weight ratio, with the 86 SE winning only on curb weight.
Old 07-31-06, 09:10 AM
  #92  
Rotaries confuse me

iTrader: (7)
 
My5ABaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Goofy
No, your argument is:

You claim the 86 N/A is the best FC based on Power to Weight without defining what is allowed to change its stock P/W ratio. As it stands, the 91 S5 GTU has the best stock power to weight ratio, with the 86 SE winning only on curb weight.
Nah, I just said it was the best. I said nothing about P/W ratio.

I did put my statement with a quote about P/W ratio... but my meaning was, stock, it's the best. It's also opinion. Don't get so bent out of shape.

Last edited by My5ABaby; 07-31-06 at 09:13 AM.
Old 07-31-06, 09:34 AM
  #93  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
Goofy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ah, didn't mean to sound bent out of shape, it's just that you accused someone of making a false argument when you misconstructed yours. Don't worry, I like S4s more than S5s anyway.
Old 07-31-06, 09:54 AM
  #94  
Rotaries confuse me

iTrader: (7)
 
My5ABaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Goofy
Ah, didn't mean to sound bent out of shape, it's just that you accused someone of making a false argument when you misconstructed yours. Don't worry, I like S4s more than S5s anyway.


S4's win any day of the week.
Old 07-31-06, 10:08 AM
  #95  
Boost in..Apex seals out.

 
adrock3217's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Maryland, 21794
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BEST FC:

87 Sport frame+electrical systems, with S5 body conversion + powertrain. Best of both worlds! No completely shitty electronics, and super power, to boot!
Old 07-31-06, 10:15 AM
  #96  
Rotaries confuse me

iTrader: (7)
 
My5ABaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by adrock3217
BEST FC:

86 Sport frame+electrical systems, with S5 body conversion + powertrain. Best of both worlds! No completely shitty electronics, and super power, to boot!
Fixed.
Old 07-31-06, 10:19 AM
  #97  
Boost in..Apex seals out.

 
adrock3217's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Maryland, 21794
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
But..I like the 87 Sport! ...


Wait...Isn't it 87 Sport? O.o


Sigh..now I'm all confused. I could've sworn it was 87 Sport, 88 GTU. FOR THE WIN.
Old 08-01-06, 04:14 PM
  #98  
Nar

 
GTU_FAN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My point was that unless you're able to afford swapping an s5 engine into an s4 your better off starting with an S5. However the s4 powertrain is stronger. I put an s4 TII tranny and GXL diff into my s5 GTU which is a very durable setup.

I am curious about why the s4 electronics are supposed to better though? Care to ellaborate on that?
Old 08-01-06, 10:36 PM
  #99  
Clean.

iTrader: (1)
 
ericgrau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 2,521
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I've had 2 s4's with everything running great but half the gauges/switches were out on both. One had 200k miles, my current one has 100k miles.

I thought all FCs suffer from lousy electronics. Or are you not talking about dashboard electronics?
Old 08-02-06, 01:01 AM
  #100  
Senior Member

 
rarson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Fallston, MD
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well I like the S4, for one because I hate automatic seatbelts. And I also like the S4 gauge cluster better. And I prefer the mechanical OMP (easier to remove). But then there are the S5 tails...

The seatbelts will make me keep coming back to S4's. Pretty much everything can be swapped over, but automatic seatbelts are tough to get rid of. Plus, everything I want besides the tail lights are already on the S4.

I'd rather start off with an S4 with LSD and swap a 20B with TII tranny into that car. That would be a nice project. Other than that, lower mileage is the only other attraction for an S5 for me...


Quick Reply: Weight reduction?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:26 PM.