Ideas to remove weight for better track results

[steve142857]

Hey guys, I just weighted the spare tire, with its cover (trunk bottom), the lifting tools and the net and they weight an impressive 47 lbs!
So, when we go to the track, given that every 100 lbs is about one tenth of E.T., make sure to remove those... So here is a list of things that can be removed with approx weight for people (like me) that need any .001 seconds possible to achieve their goals at the track :
Spare tire, tools, trunk bottom and net : 47 lbs
Gas : the tank hold 19 gallons or 71.82 liters of premium fuel... At 6.35 lbs per gallon, this is 120 lbs of fuel... Someone could run with less than 2 gallons and bring a tank of fuel for after (don't leave it in the trunk while running, it's pointless lol!). So, there is 107 lbs to shave off just there!
Windshield washer : The reservoir holds up about 1 gallon, so here is another approx 6 lbs.
Floor mats : Didn't weight them, but probably close to 5 lbs.
Glove compartment : Its content weights more than 1 lb: owner's manual, wiping clothe, etc.
Engine cover : About 1 lb, but when remove, engine cools faster between runs.
Clothes: A leather jacket, jeans, boots, etc. can weight up to 10 lbs more than short and t-shirt...
There you go, the easy way to reduce weight at the track by up to 175 lbs! But realistically a good 100 lbs can be shuffled off.

For sure, there are other ways to reduce weight, but they involve an investment : Wheels and tires (rotating mass), our chubby a$$ (for some this is a 200lbs handicap over other drivers!), etc. but the above list is one that everyone can manage with no cost and almost no effort...
If anyone has other ideas, please let us know.
Thanks!
Steve:sun:

 

[Ishodu]

Remove the seats as well other than the drivers of course. I bet you would take 100-150 right there.

 

[way2evil]

If you are emptying the glove box to get a better time you are crazy.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

Get lighter Wheels & Tires.... 60 less lbs!

Add W/M System (+ 10 lbs but good for 5 tenths off times!)

LOSE WEIGHT! "Priceless!!!!!"

 

[Ishodu]

Fill your tires with helium as well forgot that one.

 

[steve142857]

If you are emptying the glove box to get a better time you are crazy.

I was just brain storming alone and tried to see everything that could be easily removed to reduce weight at no cost and no effort.

 

[SuperHO]

most, if not all tracks require the driver to be wearing long pants as a safety precaution. That being said, yank the seats, spare, any and all dead hookers from the trunk, subs and amps if ya got em, and that'll make the biggest difference.

 

[Showgun]

Make sure the gas tank is not full. Should be ok with about 1/4 tank depending on # of runs. (couple 5 gal. cans would help).
There is a relatively heavy underside engine cover too -- this removal will help in cooling things off too.

To my mind cooldown would be very important too so lots of ice.

 

[skyshadow07]

I'm very surprised this thread never grew. A laid out list of removable parts weights and lighter replacement weights would be nice. With our cars being over 4300lb, weight savings could do a lot more than help you go faster. You would stop quicker, turn better and less stress to all parts.

 

[limited02]

I'm very surprised this thread never grew. A laid out list of removable parts weights and lighter replacement weights would be nice. With our cars being over 4300lb, weight savings could do a lot more than help you go faster. You would stop quicker, turn better and less stress to all parts.

It’s also 8 years old and I don’t think anyone was that serious then. Now, cue @Jordan_R if you want to know what stage 20 weight reduction is...

 

[Jordan_R]

It’s also 8 years old and I don’t think anyone was that serious then. Now, cue @Jordan_R if you want to know what stage 20 weight reduction is...

With the amount of flack I get from removing the interior solely for drag strip days if this thread kept going there would be a huge upset in the community lol

 

[SM105K]

I'm very surprised this thread never grew. A laid out list of removable parts weights and lighter replacement weights would be nice. With our cars being over 4300lb, weight savings could do a lot more than help you go faster. You would stop quicker, turn better and less stress to all parts.

It is simple. These are not racecars. It takes extreme measures to make any significant amount of weight lose in these cars.

Simply remove the rear seats, passenger seat, and the whole cat back. I believe those items are the heaviest and easiest to remove. Jordan probably has more time removing and replacing his interior then most SHO owners have wrench time.

 

[skyshadow07]

With the amount of flack I get from removing the interior solely for drag strip days if this thread kept going there would be a huge upset in the community lol

I have noticed that too. It's like you are committing heavy car blasphemy if you want to make it weigh less. On top of that, everyone thinks it's either full body weight or rattle can racecar. I guess in their mind, there is no in-between. There are ways to remove weight for just the day at the track, as well there are permanent weight savings changes. Such as little items like the rear sunshade. That thing is pointless if you have tinted windows. A bunch of little items equals big weight.

 

[skyshadow07]

Also, I love how Jordan removed weight and ran the fastest so far with basic bolt-ons. Meaning the weight was the factor that helped the most. But still, touching weight is going against the SHO gods

 

[skyshadow07]

It is simple. These are not racecars. It takes extreme measures to make any significant amount of weight lose in these cars.

Umm these are race cars... It's a car that you use mainly to race around. They didn't make it AWD twin-turbo for towing.

 

[luigisho]

Umm these are race cars... It's a car that you use mainly to race around. They didn't make it AWD twin-turbo for towing.

Maybe

https://rvlifemag.com/ford-taurus-sho-eco-boost/

 

[SHOdded]

I remember that article LOL

 

[SM105K]

Also, I love how Jordan removed weight and ran the fastest so far with basic bolt-ons. Meaning the weight was the factor that helped the most. But still, touching weight is going against the SHO gods

It isn't against the SHO Gods. Jordan is an outlier and has every bolt on except turbos. He is the exception. He even says it is a pain in the ass to strip the car.

99% enjoy the SHO for what it is. A sports sedan. Being twin turbo and AWD was a move to keep up with MB, BMW, and the European Market.

 

[Jordan_R]

Yeah it's a pain, but I'll do it for years to come! I don't go to the drag strip solely to have fun also go to get my best possible time! No point in going if you aren't going to try hard unless you're only getting a baseline. Just imo. Doesn't matter if I was going for a record or not or what platform. I would try and remove at least basic stuff like seats no matter what I owned.

 

[Jordan_R]

Also after the 11.38 it was more of a welp... How much further can I take it? 11.08 is the answer lol..