The Weight Reduction Thread!
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 398
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From: British columbia, Canada
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 5.0L V8
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
you want to use "like" metals. Thats why I was told to never use metal valve caps on TPMS wheels unless they came in with them on lol
Senior Member
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From: SC
Car: '87 IROC-Z | '99 SS
Engine: LB9 | LS1
Transmission: 700R4 | T56
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 381
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From: long island ny
Car: 1987 camaro sc
Engine: lg4 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
the way to get around this is paint both the steel and aluminum so moisture cant get inbtween the aluminum and steel and cause it to corrode the aluminu
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 564
Likes: 11
From: Albuquerque NM
Car: 1985 Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7 LSX
Transmission: Performabuilt 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt 3.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Ok I've been working on lightening up my front end and little by little it's coming together. Right now I have my eye on a front disc brake kit that weighs 33.5 lbs. and that includes the four piston calipers, ceramic pads, the rotor, and the complete hub with bearings and all. My question is, how much of a weight savings is this? How much does the entire above mentioned STOCK assembly weigh?
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Wichita, KS
Car: 88 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.1L Gen III
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Zombie thread
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...9-post391.html
I just remembered today after looking something up that I was going to share Blackenbird's spreadsheet. Here's the google doc's link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...kE&usp=sharing
Let me know if it doesn't work. I'm not particularly interested in updating it, but if somebody wants to I'll add them as an editor or they can create their own sheet.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...9-post391.html
I just remembered today after looking something up that I was going to share Blackenbird's spreadsheet. Here's the google doc's link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...kE&usp=sharing
Let me know if it doesn't work. I'm not particularly interested in updating it, but if somebody wants to I'll add them as an editor or they can create their own sheet.
Last edited by Roostmeyer; Aug 2, 2013 at 10:17 AM.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,211
Likes: 1,135
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Supreme Member
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Posts: 2,311
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From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
my 4th gen t/a power leather seats with 3rd gen tracks were 53# driver 33# passenger.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Car: 1987 Trans Am and 2009 Jeep Patriot
Engine: 305 Tpi
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Here's some weight reduction, I was doing some work to the rear wheel-houses, some of the undercoating, dirt was over quarter inch thick in some places. Judging by the weight of the garbage can, I removed at least 20lbs of crap. Besy way I found to get it off was to use a slightly dulled blade in the sawzall, bend it in the middle, it started falling off in chuncks
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Car: 1987 Trans Am and 2009 Jeep Patriot
Engine: 305 Tpi
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Offhand anyone know the weight diff between aerowing and older 2 post spoilers
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 50
From: Manitoba
Car: '91 GTA
Engine: 421sbc
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" with 3.89
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Finally got to weigh my cloth power seats. With the seat and the rails is 53lbs per seat!
I bought kirkey pro street alum seats and they are 15lbs with the cloth cover and without the seat rail!
Also weighed my stock rear carpet = 13lbs
The upper back seat weighs = 22lb
The lower back seat weighs 4lb/piece
Anyone know how much a stock gas tank weighs?
Any benefit to a getting a fuel cell?
I bought kirkey pro street alum seats and they are 15lbs with the cloth cover and without the seat rail!
Also weighed my stock rear carpet = 13lbs
The upper back seat weighs = 22lb
The lower back seat weighs 4lb/piece
Anyone know how much a stock gas tank weighs?
Any benefit to a getting a fuel cell?
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 50
From: Manitoba
Car: '91 GTA
Engine: 421sbc
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" with 3.89
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach, FL
Engine: L98
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 10bolt4life
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Aren't there metal supports attached to the dash or are they left behind in the car? I can't remember. When I removed the dash from my camaro I remember it being rather heavy. I would have assumed more than 26lbs...
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
This is on a 1987 GTA budget bracket build we're doing. We wanted to take as much weight off without losing function of the power windows. We got the driver's side door lightening done. 15lbs saved out of the door itself. the c-channel crash bar is 12lbs by itself. i highly recommend removing it if you have door bars in your roll bar.
this is the passenger's side door, which i haven't touched yet.



here is our driver's door in the "after" state.


this is the passenger's side door, which i haven't touched yet.



here is our driver's door in the "after" state.


Last edited by mw66nova; Feb 4, 2015 at 06:38 AM.
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Posts: 2,311
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From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
good lord matt. my door sounds hollow as it is when it closes and its all stock. i bet it sounds like kicking a can when you close it now. 
lots of work, but 15 pounds a side? worth it!
did firebirds or different years get an updated crash bar? all the ones ive seen are tube. mine is tube in my car.
the one in the pass side pic looks like some kind of hat post or channel, which im sure is up there in weight over tubing.

lots of work, but 15 pounds a side? worth it!
did firebirds or different years get an updated crash bar? all the ones ive seen are tube. mine is tube in my car.
the one in the pass side pic looks like some kind of hat post or channel, which im sure is up there in weight over tubing.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Baytown
Car: CTSV
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Where is that excel spreadsheet? I am thinking about picking u a 92 V6 Camaro with no options or a dedicated drag/Mile car.....she needs to be very light.....2800 would be great with my 200lb ****.....
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
good lord matt. my door sounds hollow as it is when it closes and its all stock. i bet it sounds like kicking a can when you close it now. 
lots of work, but 15 pounds a side? worth it!
did firebirds or different years get an updated crash bar? all the ones ive seen are tube. mine is tube in my car.
the one in the pass side pic looks like some kind of hat post or channel, which im sure is up there in weight over tubing.

lots of work, but 15 pounds a side? worth it!
did firebirds or different years get an updated crash bar? all the ones ive seen are tube. mine is tube in my car.
the one in the pass side pic looks like some kind of hat post or channel, which im sure is up there in weight over tubing.
Last edited by mw66nova; Feb 4, 2015 at 06:40 AM.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
2800lbs with 200lb driver is going to be a stretch on a stock type suspension/stock floor board thirdgen, but not impossible. tubular chromoly everything, lexan, fiberglass, and attention to details will get it there. you must look at every part of the car and determine if things can be trimmed, drilled, removed, or replaced with something lighter. being THAT light is a lifestyle, not something you can do on accident, lol. if 200lbs is as light as you personally can get then you have a big task on your hands. i have personally lost 65lbs in my quest for being lightweight. my end goal is 3000lbs with me in the car. currently i'm 250, but hope to be 225 by the time racing season starts. i believe i can get to 3100lbs with driver this year as a result of my latest lightweight efforts.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Baytown
Car: CTSV
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Fo Sho!
185 is my fighting weight at about 9% body fat, so yeah.....lol
My 1992, no option B4C weighed 3300 with me in it, but I was 160 back then....lol
185 is my fighting weight at about 9% body fat, so yeah.....lol
My 1992, no option B4C weighed 3300 with me in it, but I was 160 back then....lol
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
cool deal. i know guys who spend thousands getting weight out of the car, then completely ignore the fat guy in the driver's seat. what good is a lightweight car if you weigh 400lbs? lol!
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
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From: lefroy, ontario
Car: 1990 gta
Engine: 383,tfs heads,hsr
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
finally I got to weight my car today after all winter taking some weight out....
it came at 3090# without me im 180#
I lost about 177# from last year.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
2970lbs with out me
Stock k member, 8 point chromemoly cage racing seats factory carpet 4gal cell, S&W anti roll bar. Moser 12bolt
Stock k member, 8 point chromemoly cage racing seats factory carpet 4gal cell, S&W anti roll bar. Moser 12bolt
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: lefroy, ontario
Car: 1990 gta
Engine: 383,tfs heads,hsr
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
next things on the list are
*remove stock front seats for lighter ones
*remove insolation between the carpet/floor
*rear crash bar removal
*remove stock front seats for lighter ones
*remove insolation between the carpet/floor
*rear crash bar removal
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: lefroy, ontario
Car: 1990 gta
Engine: 383,tfs heads,hsr
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
the k member and a-arms a good friend of mine did it, he's done like 10 or so for his customers...he has a chassis/fab shop.
the rack I got it from ebay for $74 I mounted myself and I fab the steering linkage and tie rods.
I used to have manual box...im glad I went to rp waaayyy nicer feel on the road.
between k member a-arms and rp I saved about 120lbs.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Thanks for the reply,
That's my next step is the bmr k member coil over,,rack and pinion,strange brakes kit.
That's my next step is the bmr k member coil over,,rack and pinion,strange brakes kit.
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iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
From: p'cola FL
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
the k member and a-arms a good friend of mine did it, he's done like 10 or so for his customers...he has a chassis/fab shop.
the rack I got it from ebay for $74 I mounted myself and I fab the steering linkage and tie rods.
I used to have manual box...im glad I went to rp waaayyy nicer feel on the road.
between k member a-arms and rp I saved about 120lbs.
the rack I got it from ebay for $74 I mounted myself and I fab the steering linkage and tie rods.
I used to have manual box...im glad I went to rp waaayyy nicer feel on the road.
between k member a-arms and rp I saved about 120lbs.
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
old thread but i ask anyway. does anyone knows what 4th gen seats weigh with 3 gen sliders vs 3th gen stock seats? by the way, is the rear seat on a third the samt as a forth gen?
Last edited by evo-offer; Mar 13, 2016 at 12:34 PM.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
4th gen camaro cloth seats were a solid 10lbs each lighter on thirdgen tracks for me. rear seat is similar enough that it will work with little or no mods.
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Did you use manual sliders? Is it any weight difference between 4th gen back seats compared to 3th gen? Or any difference at all? Just wondering why anyone want to change if so
Last edited by evo-offer; Mar 17, 2016 at 04:12 PM.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
yes they were manual sliders. no idea on the rears.
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 50
From: Manitoba
Car: '91 GTA
Engine: 421sbc
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" with 3.89
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Can you show a pic of your car or the scale?
I find it hard to believe that you have that weight with a steel hood.
I find it hard to believe that you have that weight with a steel hood.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
i fully believe it. i'm assuming he's on a 10 bolt and has zero safety gear.
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
I plan to return to the scale to take a picture because i forgot but i really dont find the stock hood to be that heavy. The rear hatch tho, that thing weight a ton!
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,211
Likes: 1,135
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
My Aluminum 82-4 trans am 87-92 formula hood weighs 20-21 lbs
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
I'm building a street/strip car. No A/C, heater, PS, wipers, front sway bar, etc. Is it illegal to remove the front bumper/crash bar? Only be cruising the streets on weekends and down to local track.
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
If it is, my state owes me a few years worth of fines I suppose, even though it wouldn't be hurting anyone except for myself. I haven't had crash bars or sway bars on my daily driver in about 5 years. Or the car that's being built. As long as you're fine with the risk, I don't see the harm. I'm not having any real luck on finding any laws on the matter right now. I'll have to do some further digging.
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
It's kool! I just wanted know how many have done it. Like i said its gonna be a weekend cruiser into town and down to the track. Is it a simple unbolt and everything bolts back up no issues? I've read its like 25lbs? Old girls definitely shed some pounds lately.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 63
Likes: 47
From: Rutland, Massachusetts
Car: 91 Camaro Z28/1LE & 91 SLP Firehawk
Engine: 350/5.7 L98 & 383/6.3 L98
Transmission: 4L60 Automatic & T-56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: G80/G92 3:42 & WS6 3:73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
I realize this is an old thread but I’m sure it’s always referred to. Here is the difference between a stock battery & lithium battery (18lbs)
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
I'm in the market for a new battery.. Does this battery work well? What is the lifespan of one of these things and does it charge well?
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Just noticed it's 30AH battery.. The optima RED TOP I've got current is about 44AH - This battery has a 40AH version which is closer to the RED TOP's capacity, but damn pricey @$829! :O
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 63
Likes: 47
From: Rutland, Massachusetts
Car: 91 Camaro Z28/1LE & 91 SLP Firehawk
Engine: 350/5.7 L98 & 383/6.3 L98
Transmission: 4L60 Automatic & T-56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: G80/G92 3:42 & WS6 3:73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
Yes it’s very powerful and even has “jump start technology” in it. It comes with a remote control like a car key fob. If it ever dies, simply press the button and it restarts itself. I’ve only had it for a couple months but so far it’s like a reg battery, just HALF the weight. They are very pricey though, $750!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
How is that possible (for it to just jump start itself?) Is there some backup internal battery inside that holds a charge only when needed with the button? If so, then that's an extremely cool design, but yes, pricey. Lithium batteries last about the same as lead acid ones though IIRC.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 63
Likes: 47
From: Rutland, Massachusetts
Car: 91 Camaro Z28/1LE & 91 SLP Firehawk
Engine: 350/5.7 L98 & 383/6.3 L98
Transmission: 4L60 Automatic & T-56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: G80/G92 3:42 & WS6 3:73
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
How is that possible (for it to just jump start itself?) Is there some backup internal battery inside that holds a charge only when needed with the button? If so, then that's an extremely cool design, but yes, pricey. Lithium batteries last about the same as lead acid ones though IIRC.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,396
Likes: 2,067
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: The Weight Reduction Thread!
How is that possible (for it to just jump start itself?) Is there some backup internal battery inside that holds a charge only when needed with the button? If so, then that's an extremely cool design, but yes, pricey. Lithium batteries last about the same as lead acid ones though IIRC.
Li-ion batteries have a waaaaaaay longer service life than flooded lead acid batteries. But they have to be treated right to get there.
Last edited by QwkTrip; Jan 29, 2021 at 07:06 PM.








