Aluminum parts replacement

[V8Stang15]

Weight reduction is my obsession too. I'm more concerned about reducing weight than adding power. Weight reduction helps with speed AND handling, so it's more important than major engine work, imo.

I don't want to sacrifice safety and comfort, though. So, I'm kind of limited with regards to what I can change. Lighter exhaust, lighter wheels, lighter battery, and removing the engine cover are about the only things I've done or will do very soon. Need other ideas, like the OP, for cheap weight reductions.

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[IvanCRF]

The trunk mat is nearly 5lbs. You could lose several more on top of that by removing the compressor.

 

[Trent W]

The trunk mat is nearly 5lbs. You could lose several more on top of that by removing the compressor.

I actually am starting to run into problems with the less weight on the rear axle. Is scary at times so I've Ben moving things to the trunk like washer fluid and battery to compensate. I can't take anything more off the back to keep my weight distribution optimal.

I'm looking more into ideas that you guys may have to replace parts with aluminum that I could fab up. Not really worried about price to much as I will be doing all of the work myself as well as the fabrication.

 

[Legionofone]

Radiator?

Radiator support?

Doors?

Window Regulators?

 

[Kahboom]

What about the rear cradle, I mean if your fabing a k member could you tackle the cradle as well? I think MMR also has a lightweight dash that's supposed to save 70lbs also your two piece brakes will drop some weight. Like others said there is a carbon fiber valley, you could also get light weight wind shield for the front and back windows. Lightweight flywheel, crank pulley and other pulleys. 300 lbs more off is possible but I don't see it with just the k member or even cradle if you decide to, it would have to be a few more parts.

 

[kz]

Are doing any calculations to verify aluminum ones have similar strength as original one or are you just making exact copies out of aluminum ?

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[Dramad1]

Crash braces came out awesome, nice work!
Take out your hvac if you dont mind not having it and she'd some weight there.
You could also do some kirkey seat replicas, my buddy has a bare set and they are like 7# each.
If you want to spend some money, you could get the aerospace( I believe this is who makes them) rotor and drag brakes and she'd alot right there.
Me and my buddy have gutted his camaro and reduced as much weight as possible, so far he shed a lil over 300#. He has headers, intake and 4:11's that's it and has been killing cammed and tuned camaros all day. Could be driver mod on there part, but my buddy can drive and the weight loss is a big help.
Following along, hope to see your results and times.

 

[DivineStrike]

I don't think there's that much involved in the sec pack. Their scale being off is a possibility, but so is your car being as light as it was weighed however unusual.

 

[Schu]

Do the crash bars actually supportt the bumper covers or do the covers mount to the chassis?

 

[CB]

Should have bought a white car, it's much lighter than that one.

 

[brandonsmash]

Subscribed. If I ever get the time I'd love to do some of my own aluminum fab work on this car to drop some of its avoirdupois.

 

[Trent W]

What about the rear cradle, I mean if your fabing a k member could you tackle the cradle as well? I think MMR also has a lightweight dash that's supposed to save 70lbs also your two piece brakes will drop some weight. Like others said there is a carbon fiber valley, you could also get light weight wind shield for the front and back windows. Lightweight flywheel, crank pulley and other pulleys. 300 lbs more off is possible but I don't see it with just the k member or even cradle if you decide to, it would have to be a few more parts.

Ok so i was researching last night and apparently I was under the impression the K member is the flat metal bar that goes from one strut tower to the firewall then back to the other strut tower. Am i wrong? The K members people sell are all under the car??? Im talking about the one that you have to cut the drivers side to install the roush supercharger. I want to replace that with aluminum. Is that possible? I was going to do an aluminum strut tower brace as well. and also pretty much copy the K member that after market people sell with aluminum that go under the car. that way even if it isn't as strong i have all 3 supports. where as I only have 2 now. and Non PP cars only have 1 so i'm pretty sure strength wont be an issue

The cradle? you talking about the steel IRS assembly?

 

[Trent W]

I don't think there's that much involved in the sec pack. Their scale being off is a possibility, but so is your car being as light as it was weighed however unusual.

I'll double check while i'm out and about today at a different scale.

 

[Trent W]

Do the crash bars actually supportt the bumper covers or do the covers mount to the chassis?

The crash bars hold up the bumpers without them your bumper would flex or get ripped off on the first bump. they slide into a slot in back of the bumper. cant get away with not having them :(

 

[Trent W]

Are doing any calculations to verify aluminum ones have similar strength as original one or are you just making exact copies out of aluminum ?

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No calculations yet. I drove over the steel one with my truck and it bent i drove over the aluminum one and it didn't even bend just flexed slightly then went back to normal when i drove off. Not very scientific I know but it was faster than doing actual testing. Plus its a crash bar its not really a structural component. If I do braces and components I would be doing calculations though. I would test the strength of the parts i took out and try to get the aluminum to at +/- 5% of its steel counterpart by adding or modifying the design.

I'll be using 6061 T6 aluminum (structural applications). Yield strength is roughly 40,000 psi. the only problem with that is bending it creates cracks so I will have to cut/weld or only bend a radius close to its thickness which doesn't give me very much lea-way. I will be heat treating it once I get a finish product.

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