The 370Z Weight Reduction Thread

[wstar]

I would assume you have to remove the bumper first, but I do that and more prepping for a track weekend anyways, usually. There's always some maintenance or parts stuff going on up in that area Another upside is not having to worry about either taping over the real headlights or letting them get dinged.

[7419sundat]

Ppe headers = 12lbs each

[Shamu]

Weighed the Nismo front bumper cover = 11 lbs.

Also weighed AC compressor unit = 15 lbs

[cavemancan]

I see tons of good information but very little emphasis is being placed on the front end of the car where it counts. I wanted to comment on a few things I have read so far:

- Nissan designed the car intentionally to have a 53/47 weight distribution: I know they mention this and claim the car then gets a 50/50 weight distribution while exiting a corner but what many don't realize is this causes a push situation on corner entry which is further amplified by lack of negative camber. I personally think this was a marketing ploy...they probably found it would be to expensive to shed more weight from the front.

- Everyone seems dead set on sheding weight from the car...As am I but so far the primary focus has been mostly towards the back of the car. With good reason of course cause it easy. We need to research what could be removed from the front.

Ideas:
- The front strut bar was a very good idea. In fact if there was an aftermarket strut bar made I am sure we could realize a good reduction in weight.
- Rotors are not specifically for the front but thus far seem to be the best option for weight savings so far due to the location and type of weight reduction.
- Engine plastics...Has anyone weighed these? Any Adverse affects to cooling or airflow?
- Long Tube Headers seem to be a good solution.
- Windsheild is a good idea but prob to extreme for most to undertake.
- AC is another good idea but prob to extreme for most

What else? What about removing as much weight from the top of the car and relocating it to the bottom rear of the car? This will lower your center of gravity and balance out the weight distribution. Another option is to work with you have and increase tire width and negative camber in the front.

[Shamu]

Originally Posted by cavemancan

- Nissan designed the car intentionally to have a 53/47 weight distribution: I know they mention this and claim the car then gets a 50/50 weight distribution while exiting a corner but what many don't realize is this causes a push situation on corner entry which is further amplified by lack of negative camber. I personally think this was a marketing ploy...they probably found it would be to expensive to shed more weight from the front

...you think? Lol! And to get that 53 47 you have to run full tank of gas and have spare. And then Nissan used boat anchor mufflers, heavy steel brackets, etc in rear.

Don't forget light weight fly wheel and clutch. That's huge. PPE long tube headers, Lots of weight with aluminum hat front rotors, lightweight pulleys, lose stock coolant over flow tank, nismo guys lose the yamaha chassis damper, replace steel nuts bolts with titanium and nylon, cut redundant structure out of hood, pull hood support rod, pull all plastic crappage out of engine compartment, move battery to back, pull AC , pull heater core , get race focused brake and clutch pedal set with cylinders located on pedal cluster, z1 motor mounts, make sure your intake system is made from lightweight materials, convert to lightweight coilover with aluminum body dampers and narrow diameter spring, pin your hood and lose locking system, gut head lamps to bare necessities, drill holes in brackets, replace front mounted braces with lighter aluminum or chrome moly pieces, lose wiper washer canister, motor and all tubing up to the sprayers, pull lighter alternator, lighter starter?, lots of weight if you crack the motor open and start going after crank, pistons/rods, heads.

Things we can wish for. 5 lbs carbon fiber nose piece, carbon fiber under tray,

[cavemancan]

Originally Posted by Shamu

...you think? Lol! And to get that 53 47 you have to run full tank of gas and have spare. And then Nissan used boat anchor mufflers, heavy steel brackets, etc in rear.

Don't forget light weight fly wheel and clutch. That's huge. PPE long tube headers, Lots of weight with aluminum hat front rotors, lightweight pulleys, lose stock coolant over flow tank, nismo guys lose the yamaha chassis damper, replace steel nuts bolts with titanium and nylon, cut redundant structure out of hood, pull hood support rod, pull all plastic crappage out of engine compartment, move battery to back, pull AC , pull heater core , get race focused brake and clutch pedal set with cylinders located on pedal cluster, z1 motor mounts, make sure your intake system is made from lightweight materials, convert to lightweight coilover with aluminum body dampers and narrow diameter spring, pin your hood and lose locking system, gut head lamps to bare necessities, drill holes in brackets, replace front mounted braces with lighter aluminum or chrome moly pieces, lose wiper washer canister, motor and all tubing up to the sprayers, pull lighter alternator, lighter starter?, lots of weight if you crack the motor open and start going after crank, pistons/rods, heads.

Things we can wish for. 5 lbs carbon fiber nose piece, carbon fiber under tray,

It's strange coming from a 50/50 car but the need to go faster was too great...LOL!

Ok so the highlighted items above are what I am interested in. You mentioned you did most of this stuff already? Any additional input would be awesome. Like pics if its custom or places to buy if its vendor related and what weight savings? As far as the brakes and battery I am already going that route.

Thanks for the reply!

Edit: I will be happy with a 150 lbs (100 lbs is prob more realistic) ish drop spread evenly accross the front and back but preferably more from the front (unrealistic). I say this so I don't have to worry to much about corner balancing the car (YET!) as I don't have coilovers (YET!). My goal is to shed weight from the front and put a wider tire in front with added camber (in front). Well wider tires all around but make it so the car is closer to squared out...Front 265 and rear 285. The requirement is the car must stay functional as a daily driver (I.E. AC).

[Kingbaby]

Originally Posted by 7419sundat

Ppe headers = 12lbs each

Great to hear...can't wait to get mine!