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Church of the Lightweight

25K views 105 replies 20 participants last post by  leebez  
#1 ·
Right, posting rules in this thread are simple.

When you take something off your car or put something new back on, weigh it as accurately as you can in kilo's and grams and post the numbers up here. We'll gradually build up a library of what weighs what.

I'll begin....

Leather heated front seats and runners.... each 22.5kg... x 2 = 45kg

VT
 
#4 ·
Let's get this party started! I have done a ton of weight reduction in my roadster and got it down to 1,133 kg. This is what I have put on the scale through my journey (obviously I didn't weigh everything removed, but the big items that had my attention were logged in my notes):

Weight reduction:

- wheel liners 15 lbs/ 6.8kg
- factory seats 40 lbs/18kg -- *reduction over standard part
- front under tray 5 lbs/ 2.2kg
- small battery 20 lbs /9.7kg -- *reduction over standard part
- All emission systems 40 lbs/18.1kg
- rear counter weight 37 lbs/16.7kg
- steering wheel/airbags 26 lbs/11.7kg
- roadster rear panel/bracket 28 lbs /13kg
- triangle dash supports 5 lbs/ 2.2kg
- Sound system 12 lbs /5.4kg
- Spare tire/jack 40 lbs/18.1kg
- Miscellaneous trunk panels 5 lbs / 2.2kg
- A/C 25 lbs / 11.3kg
- AWIC 40 lbs/ 18.1kg
- Bumper crash bars 17 lbs / 7.7kg
- Bonnet Stock 12.2 Kg CF 7.2 Kg 11lbs/5kg-- *reduction over standard part
- Glove box 10 lbs / 4.5kg
- Lower dash panel 6 lbs /2.7kg
- Misc plastc interior pieces 20 lbs/ 9.7kg
- Carpet 25 lbs/ 11.3kg
- Convertible top 85 lbs/ 38.5kg
- Rear bulkhead 5 lbs/ 2.2kg
- Door window assembly 75 lbs / 34.1kg
- Dash 30 lbs/ 13.6kg
- HVAC 20 lbs/ 9.7kg
- Sun visors 3 lbs/ 1.3kg
- Boot spoiler 13 lbs/ 5.8kg
- Evap pump 5 lbs / 2.2kg
- Sound deadening 10 lbs/ 4.5kg
- Under belly panels 8 lbs/ 3.6kg
- Grill 3 lbs / 1.3kg
- Short alu exhaust 27 lbs/12.2kg -- *reduction over standard parts
- Wipers/alarm horn 7 lbs/ 3.1kg
- Unused wiring 10 lbs/ 4.5kg
- Dash cross bar 11 lbs /4.9kg
- IC cross tube 10 lbs/ 4.5kg

My goal is 2,400 lbs/1,088 kg race weight with canvas top off. Things to do:

Aluminium propeller shaft
Lexan windshield
Lightweight brakes
Lightweight 15" wheels/tires
 
#5 ·
#6 ·
CollecTTor said:
Madmax199 said:
- IC cross tube 10 lbs/ 4.5kg
NO. YOU. DIDN'T.
Posted the weight because I removed mine to finish my custom one. No need to have a huge tube with overhang on both sides when a lighter, more compact replacement can be fabbed to replace the structural fucntion of the stock tube. I think I can get it down to 3-4 lbs for a 6 lbs weight saving. :wink:
 
#7 ·
The V6 has the IC brace fitted as found on the 1.8, it is not needed on the V6.
4.5kg saved.
V6 OEM calipers = 8kg, Tarox B34 caliper = 3.4kg.
4.6kg X 2 = 9.2kg saved.
V6 OEM 32mm discs = 10kg, Tarox disc = 7kg.
3kg X 2 = 6kg saved.
OEM 18" Ronal rims = 16kg, Schmidt rim = 10.5kg
5.5kg X 4 = 22kg saved.
Rear seats & bench est. 30kg. Delete cover and QS bar = 10kg est.
20kg est. saved.
Aux rad and hoses.
5kg est. saved.
OEM Air inlet plenum = 14kg, SRI intake = 5kg.
9kg saved.
Dummy battery box & trim cover delete.
1kg saved.

Steve
 
#8 ·
Madmax199 said:
CollecTTor said:
Madmax199 said:
- IC cross tube 10 lbs/ 4.5kg
NO. YOU. DIDN'T.
Posted the weight because I removed mine to finish my custom one. No need to have a huge tube with overhang on both sides when a lighter, more compact replacement can be fabbed to replace the structural fucntion of the stock tube. I think I can get it down to 3-4 lbs for a 6 lbs weight saving. :wink:
8)
 
#9 ·
Guys, just to clarify.....no estimated weights please otherwise we'll end up with a fishermans tale list, which is largely worthless when someone's trying to lose grams or ounces at some point.

Only list specific items with the weight in kg & g's and/or lbs & oz's. Also be specific as you can with the on's and off's, for example seats....say what they are and the build up including rails and brackets that way members can really home in on the lightweight stuff. The more accurate we can get this list the more useful it will be as a reference for the future for members going down this route. My mate Stephen (ex Ferrari F1 operation) runs his own company where the only function is saving weight for the motorsports industry. The grams and ounces add up; going from steel to titanium, aluminium or even plastic bolts can make a significant difference to the end game. My discussions with him about his work with Gordon Murray on the Maclaren F1 road car were fascinating. Every fixing had to be approved by Murray and that included the thickness of washers. We don't need to get to that level, but you get my point.

Thanks

VT
 
#12 ·
You ready...

Cd Changer inc. metal bracket - 2.82kg


Drivers side speaker - 0.59kg


Passenger side speaker with crossover thing - 0.70kg


Steering wheel - 1.66kg


Steering Wheel Airbag - 1.57kg


Concert Stereo - 1.53kg


Ashtray/Drawer - 0.34kg


Seatbelt - 1.09kg


Gearstick plastic bracket - 0.12kg


Luggage net buckles - 0.47kg


1no. Door Cill plastic trim - 0.22kg


Tunnel plastic/hidden tray - 1.03kg


Ceiling rear trim - 0.29kg


Climate control surround - 0.21kg


Glovebox - 2.26kg
 
#15 ·
The Godbarber said:
After I had my ass handed to me by a 205 gti with a GTI6 engine in it on Saturday it is time I stripped mine.
I'll do it over the next few weeks :twisted:
Welcome to the dark side!
 
#17 ·
NickG said:
Madmax199 said:
The Godbarber said:
After I had my ass handed to me by a 205 gti with a GTI6 engine in it on Saturday it is time I stripped mine.
I'll do it over the next few weeks :twisted:
Welcome to the dark side!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

This ^^^^^
[smiley=cheers.gif]
 
#18 ·
NickG said:
Madmax199 said:
The Godbarber said:
After I had my ass handed to me by a 205 gti with a GTI6 engine in it on Saturday it is time I stripped mine.
I'll do it over the next few weeks :twisted:
Welcome to the dark side!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

This ^^^^^
Now you may laugh but I've had 7 205 gtis and the last two were 192bhp mi16 powered and 176bhp gti6 powered

My 300 bhp evo 6 RSII did 12.5 seconds down santapod drag strip the mi16 did 14 seconds and the gti6 did 13 seconds the torque on them is out of this world!!!!
 
#19 ·
Gentlepersons I am somewhat disheartened.

What is the lightest anyone has got thier tt.

I love the car but it's like driving a bloody sofa.

I need someone to tell me some good news or ive halfway got rid of this tt .

It handles well and stops well thanks to.the Carbotech pads but I am livid that I got done by a 205 with 100 less horsepower.!!!!

Come on its christmas!!!!!
 
#20 ·
You can remove loads of weight quite easily. You're never going to be 205 weight, but you'll have much more power with a few mods!

I've removed 150kg very easily so far;

  • A/C system 16kg
    SAI system 2kg
    Downpipe & Decat 5kg
    FMIC (in lieu of 2xSMIC) 2kg
    Engine plastics 5kg
    Headlight washers deleted 1kg
    Undertray Removed 2kg
    Back seats 20kg
    Parcel shelf 0.5kg
    Front seats 22kg (11kg between only a new each)
    Carpets 11kg
    Head unit 1.5kg
    Head unit surround 1kg
    CD Changer 2.5kg
    Rear Speakers 1kg
    Dash supports 2kg
    Steering Wheel 2kg (difference between old and new)
    Glovebox 2kg
    Rear Plastics & cover 5kg
    Spare wheel & tools 18kg
    Rear Ballast 16kg
    Rear tow hook 2kg
    Tunnel plastics 2kg
    Sound deadening 6kg

Still another 50kg of fairly basic stuff to remove too:

  • Front brake callipers - save 6kg
    Lighter wheels - expect atleast 16kg overall (hopefully more)
    More sound deadening - 4kg
    Ceiling cover - 1kg?
    Door cards - 6kg
    Passenger Airbag - 5kg?
    Lightweight battery - 6kg saving
    Remove OEM backbox - 10kg?

200kg off the car in total will equate to a massive performance gain!! Chin-up and crack on, lets face it, if you wanted a pocket rocket you bought the wrong car, but this will be a very capable track weapon!
 
#21 ·
NickG said:
You can remove loads of weight quite easily. You're never going to be 205 weight, but you'll have much more power with a few mods!

I've removed 150kg very easily so far;

  • A/C system 16kg
    SAI system 2kg
    Downpipe & Decat 5kg
    FMIC (in lieu of 2xSMIC) 2kg
    Engine plastics 5kg
    Headlight washers deleted 1kg
    Undertray Removed 2kg
    Back seats 20kg
    Parcel shelf 0.5kg
    Front seats 22kg (11kg between only a new each)
    Carpets 11kg
    Head unit 1.5kg
    Head unit surround 1kg
    CD Changer 2.5kg
    Rear Speakers 1kg
    Dash supports 2kg
    Steering Wheel 2kg (difference between old and new)
    Glovebox 2kg
    Rear Plastics & cover 5kg
    Spare wheel & tools 18kg
    Rear Ballast 16kg
    Rear tow hook 2kg
    Tunnel plastics 2kg
    Sound deadening 6kg

Still another 50kg of fairly basic stuff to remove too:

  • Front brake callipers - save 6kg
    Lighter wheels - expect atleast 16kg overall (hopefully more)
    More sound deadening - 4kg
    Ceiling cover - 1kg?
    Door cards - 6kg
    Passenger Airbag - 5kg?
    Lightweight battery - 6kg saving
    Remove OEM backbox - 10kg?

200kg off the car in total will equate to a massive performance gain!! Chin-up and crack on, lets face it, if you wanted a pocket rocket you bought the wrong car, but this will be a very capable track weapon!
Cheers nick , I was gobsmacked mate!!!
I honestly didn't know how heavy the tt is!!!!

I only bought it to be a track car and I do love it , im a bit to long in the tooth for a pocket rocket again so maybe I'll have to dig deep and persevere!!!
 
#23 ·
NickG said:
1200kg isn't an unrealistic target mate, that's what i'm going to be aiming for including a roll cage! (Set the targets high!)(Well, low, but you get what i mean!) :lol:
I have been chatting to Rich from Turnpike Racing and thier two.wheel.drive quattro tt coupe is stripped to within an inch of its life and weighs 1200 so I can't see us mere mortals getting down.to.that level as thiers is fully race prepped.
 
#24 ·
The Godbarber said:
NickG said:
1200kg isn't an unrealistic target mate, that's what i'm going to be aiming for including a roll cage! (Set the targets high!)(Well, low, but you get what i mean!) :lol:
I have been chatting to Rich from Turnpike Racing and thier two.wheel.drive quattro tt coupe is stripped to within an inch of its life and weighs 1200 so I can't see us mere mortals getting down.to.that level as thiers is fully race prepped.
Hmmm, that doesn't sound right. :? VT's got a photo on the weighbridge thats 1240kg. He's still got AC, Door cards, Glass Windows among other things!
 
#25 ·
Ha, Ha -- down to 1130 kg in a heavier roadster. It takes some work, but can be done. I have a build thread floating around for what it takes to get serious weight of of this thing. Things like stripping the interior, aluminium exhaust, and removing unnecessary junk like some emission stuff is needed to get there, but it's possible. A coupe can get in the 1,000 lbs with enough work. So the sky is the limit!
 
#26 ·
NickG said:
The Godbarber said:
NickG said:
1200kg isn't an unrealistic target mate, that's what i'm going to be aiming for including a roll cage! (Set the targets high!)(Well, low, but you get what i mean!) :lol:
I have been chatting to Rich from Turnpike Racing and thier two.wheel.drive quattro tt coupe is stripped to within an inch of its life and weighs 1200 so I can't see us mere mortals getting down.to.that level as thiers is fully race prepped.
Hmmm, that doesn't sound right. :? VT's got a photo on the weighbridge thats 1240kg. He's still got AC, Door cards, Glass Windows among other things!
Sorry meant to say that was 1200 with a full tank of fuel and a bloke sitting in it!!!!