Weight Savings In an A2

From AWE16VR6aol
Date:

<< Yes it was Alberto I was referring to. I havent raced him yet, but
Im sure I'll get a chance some night down here.  As far as lightening,
what is there on the GTI to get rid of? Spare tire, rear seat ?
How much weight are those worth? >>

Hey Doug,
Watch out for Alberto.  We've really taken that thing from a sow's ear to a
silk purse as far as power.  He's also a good drag driver.  He's been doing a
lot of his own work lately now that he works for Morgan's.
Regarding lightening: I don't know which GTI you're referring to, but its
probably a  VR6 since this is a VR6 list.  We haven't had a customer ready to
seriously start chopping his new VR6 up yet.  So I can only pass on some tips
in reference to the A1 or A2 bodies, with which we've had more "lightening"
experience.  Perhaps it could be of some use to others on the list.
Late model "big" bumpers weigh about 35lbs apiece.  The early European
equivalents are about half that.  Also results in shorter polar moment for
handling benefits.  Replacing oem glass (r sides and rear) with lexan drops
about 45lbs.  Fiberglass hood nets about a 35lbs reduction.  Gutting door
shells drops about 15lbs total on a 2dr.  Eliminate rear wiper motor for
5lbs.  Remove all interior sound deadening (especially "sand-bag" mats) for
another 15lbs.  Rear seat equals about 30lbs, package tray and speaker panels
another 10lbs.  And as far as accessories, eliminate whatever you can stand
to do without.  Heater and evap core & fan assem is 30lbs total.  Total
approx 200 lbs loss = 20hp gain (if you believe the 10lbs=1hp saying).
A/C system on A1/A2 cars is about 30lbs total (compressor, condenser, lines,
receiver/dryer), power steering another 7lbs (pump, bracketry & lines).
 Spare tire & jack another 25lbs.  Just added 6.2hp!  A carbon fibre muffler
is about 5lbs lighter than a steel one.  OMP's f stress bar is only 2LBS! vs
NS and Autotech's @ 4lbs.  Another .7hp...
Not only does lightening result in faster straight line acceleration, but it
also results in a more nimble, tossable car.  It also permits effective
corner weighting in classes that have minimum weight requirements.  SCCA GT-4
class requires a minimum weight of 2000lbs with driver for a Rabbit.  Without
driver, the car weighs in around 1600 lbs when "fully" lightened (with
complete NASCAR style roll cage).  That leaves some room for placing lead
ballast (quantity dependent on driver!) in the rear to approach equal f/r
weight distribution and max handling.
Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?  Speed hates weight, how light
are you *willing* to go?  Willing to give up heat in the winter?  Obviously,
some of these measures are only for the diehard, and some are illegal for
street use.  Lexan won't pass state inspection in most states.  Gutted door
are very dangerous in a side impact without a cage.  There's plenty of weight
to shed beyond what I've touched on here.  We haven't even talked about
unsprung weight (use Autotech's hollow anti-sway bars BTW for a 30% reduction
over a stock bar).  And lightening isn't always free!  Carbon fibre cost *a
lot* per ounce!  I remember seeing a BMW M1 at a vintage event a few years
back that had a complete carbon fibre intake manifold.  Wow.

Hope this helps,
Todd
Air & Water
VW Tuning
Philadelphia, Pa.

PS Don't forget about going on a diet.  Every pound counts.
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