Weight savings

[tubbshs]

I'm considering building a F/P Miata. Since I am a big person I need to save as much weight as possible. does anyone know how much weight can be saved by using fiberglass fenders, front fenders and quarter panels and rear deck top and hood? I need to get the car down to less than 1700. Do you think this can be done. Some people say yes, but just checking to see what others think.
thanks

 

[racer_tim]

When I removed my stock front fenders for fiberglass units on my Wabbit, I ended up being 85 lbs light, including 250 lbs of my fat ass in my car.

 

[JessePrather]

The short answer is no. You can't get a Miata that light even with doing a full strip down, minimum cage, keeping lightness in mind with everything you do. I think I could get one down to about 1800 without driver. When you add the close ratio transmission you have to add weight as well so keep that in mind. Best weight savings is on the driver him/her self.

 

[disquek]

Yeah, but the ladies like the big boys!

-Kyle

I'd bet that a stock miata fender weighs less than 5lbs. It's not the fenders that are going to lighten the car.

It's all the rest of it. Bumper cover, bumper support, etc.

I'd bet that a miata gains weight with the typical FP body kit. Stock miata hoods are aluminum. Only the trunk lid is a real opportunity for lightening.

-Kyle

 

[kruck]

I think I could get one down to about 1800 without driver. When you add the close ratio transmission you have to add weight as well so keep that in mind.

If the car can be built to be 1800lbs without driver, and the alt-trans weight is 2137lbs for that car, then there's 337lbs to work with. I'm actually kind of surprised it's that much.

My Integra weighs ~2000lbs without driver (otherwise gassed up and ready to race), and has an alt-trans weight of 2291lbs, so I have about 290lbs to work with. Good news for a big racer like myself, and the sheer size of the interior still makes it feel very comfortable and roomy. I've never been in a Miata, but have always imagined that I'd feel super cramped in there. I did sit in Drago's SM once and that wasn't too bad, and I imagine an FP version with no roof would be even better, but I also really like having a solid structure between my head and stuff that wants to smash into it. I know, I'm a wuse.

 

[tubbshs]

Thanks for all the input, I hope the weather improves or at least it doesn't rain this week end, I want to go to the Majors at Hallett raceway.

 

[David Dewhurst]

I think I could get one down to about 1800 without driver. When you add the close ratio transmission you have to add weight as well so keep that in mind.

If the car can be built to be 1800lbs without driver, and the alt-trans weight is 2127lbs for that car, then there's 327lbs to work with. I'm actually kind of surprised it's that much.

Oop's :wink:
If by chance you come to Blackhawk and dad's not going to be with you. Give a shout.

 

[JohnMcNaughton]

The most effective and biggest possible weight reduction you can get is replacing the stock flywheel assembly with a good lightweight racing flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. All the other weight reduction activity is offset by the weight of the roll cage and fire bottle.

Build the car as light as possible and deal with it. I doubt that 100 pounds will make much difference, unless you are capable of running in the top 5 at the Runoffs. Build it and get on the track to gain experience.

Racing has a system of checks and balances:
I always used the threat of having to buy another drivers suit as incentive to not gain weight...
I always felt the car, and driver, could go faster if I lost weight to get to the minimum weight allowed.

 

[David Dewhurst]

A comment to John's lightweight racing flywheel. With a Miata, do not use a flex plate flywheel and do not use a light weight harmonic balancer. Engine harmonics are an issue.

 

[Matt Blehm]

I always used the threat of having to buy another drivers suit as incentive to not gain weight...

I already have a suit for a fat boy. So if I lose weight, I can fit into that box of skinny jeans in the closet, but then I'd have to buy a new race suit...

As others have said, run it without the windshield and roof and there's a chunk of savings. flywheel is another chunk. Miatas are pretty stripped to begin with so there's not a lot of weight to lose elsewhere on the car.
Maybe push the thing to and from the track a few times and it'll help the left side weight. (not that I have room to talk myself..)