RADONE

iTrader: (1)

Okay, more accurately stated. I would like to ask the creative members and knowledgeable vendors at LS1tech to help me explore every option I have to build the lightest, full featured, 4th generation Trans Am, I possibly can.

To ensure that when completed, the Trans Am can still be used as a daily driver. I have set a few limitations for my ground up build. First, no modification I make can reduce occupant safety. Second, the Trans Am should still have most of the amenities found in an average sports coupe. Lastly, I promised myself that I will not get so caught up in the goal to shed weight that the TA loses its visual appeal and / or I can’t enjoy driving the car when it’s done.

My next post will include a rough draft of an easy to follow log I plan to maintain throughout the build. It will be used to record each component’s weight and its impact on the vehicle’s total heft. The modifications listed there will evolve from today’s quick list of ideas to something more realistic as I learn more about what is available through our discussions.

I can’t wait to read about the innovative ways other members have reduced weight without eliminating factory features. I really enjoy the engineering and fabrication aspect of vehicle customizing, so don’t limit your suggestions to bolt on modifications. I am already considering composites, light weight metals, use of structural adhesives and even retrofitting lighter parts originally designed for other vehicles.

I expect that once completed, the TA will be more attractive, faster, quicker, better handling, more fun to drive on the street, and even more fuel efficient than stock.

Let the experiment begin!

RADONE

iTrader: (1)

Description________________________________Before lbs.______After lbs.______Net lbs.______


Trans Am as purchased, cleaned / de-cluttered___________3500__________________________3500________ temporary value
Bare chassis before and after soda blast ________________1300___________1275____________-25________ temporary value
Bare chassis after more efficient seam sealer
Bare chassis after refinish
OE cradle vs tubular
OE upper control arms vs tubular
OE lower control arms vs tubular
OE shocks vs lighter performance shocks
OE springs vs lowering springs
OE bushings vs 1LE vs polyurethane
OE knuckles before and after trim
OE front stabilizer bar vs aftermarket
OE steering gear vs retrofit electric
OE rear stabilizer bar vs aftermarket
OE rear lower control arms vs tubular
OE rear panhard bar vs tubular
OE torque arm vs tubular
OE drive shaft vs carbon fiber
OE axle before and after trim
OE brake rotors vs
OE brake calipers vs performance
OE wheels vs aftermarket
Lighter tires
Steel vs plastic fuel tank
Lighter battery
OE water pump vs aftermarket electric
OE air box vs aftermarket
OE exhaust manifolds vs long tube headers
OE exhaust vs dual w/ x pipe
OE starter vs lighter aftermarket or OE starter
OE alternator vs aftermarket
6 speed vs automatic transmission
OE flywheel vs lightened steel vs aluminum
OE front bumper cover before and after trim
Aftermarket front air dam / splitter
OE front impact bar vs aluminum retrofit
OE headlight assemblies vs fixed
OE fog lights vs aftermarket
OE hood vs carbon fiber vs fiberglass
OE windshield vs thinner aftermarket brand?
OE windshield washer reservoir reduction
OE t-tops vs hard top vs carbon targa
OE door shells vs carbon fiber?
OE power window hardware vs retrofit hardware
OE rocker moldings vs aftermarket
OE sail panel vs carbon fiber sail
OE hatch
OE rear impact bar vs aluminum retrofit
OE rear bumper cover before and after trim
Aftermarket rear bumper valance
OE headliner
OE front seats vs aftermarket
Rear seat delete
Rear seat belt delete
OE antenna vs hidden
OE head unit / speakers vs aftermarket
OE carpet vs aftermarket
OE sound deadener delete
OE interior panels before and after trim
OE wire harness consolidation
Lighter aftermarket fasteners
Aftermarket security system
Exterior refinish



Projected total__________________________________________________ __________3475______

01badbird

You will basically get a tenth quicker in a 1/4 mi with every 100lbs you take off.

RADONE

iTrader: (1)

As soon I get the TA’s baseline weight, I will begin to disassemble it down to the bare shell. Documenting the weight of each part as it is removed. Many smaller parts will be less than a pound. I’m thinking access to a set of vehicle scales will be needed to obtain data precise enough for this project. Surely some decisions will be made on a difference of ounces. I would be surprised if a weigh station is accurate to more than plus or minus 50 lbs. Home scales can’t be much better for weighing the individual parts. I’ll post again after I confirm my suspicions.

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

Check out the weight reduction stickie in the Drag Racing Tech Forum.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Do a search on threads started by JasonWW. Although he was into doing crazy mods for the sheer hell of it, your ideas remind me of some of his experiments. Some of the knowledge he gained may be of use to you.

Guitar

iTrader: (9)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/drag-raci...y-updated.html

A lot of this really depends on how much you want to spend.