Too much weight reduction?

[2.8.0.z.x]

Hey all,

Pretty much all my interior along with the dash has been taken out of my car. My entire AC system, injector blower, cruise control and a few other chunks of weight have been taken out of the engine bay.

Are there any big disadvantages in taking out so much weight? (apart from hardly any traction in the rain) -- Is there anything I should do to help with functionality without throwing sandbags in the back of the car?

Just curious,

Thanks for any info.

[jmortensen]

The car won't be as comfortable or pretty. Other than that, no. Any idea how much weight you've removed? I'd be surprised if you got it down as light as an early 240z, so traction in the rain shouldn't really be THAT bad...

[sblake01]

What is it you're attempting to accomplish with the weight reduction?

[2.8.0.z.x]

I pulled it all out because the entire interior was trashed and needed to be replaced. Now I have the stuff out I think I'd rather keep it this way (more spacey ).

It's REALLY bad in the rain. I have brand new tires in the rear but it's really hard to keep traction.

I'm not sure how much weight I've taken out but it's got to be a lot. I've taken everything out that I can without taking a sawall to it.

[sblake01]

No dashboard?

[2.8.0.z.x]

Nah no dash. It was really badly cracked and I have to admit that the vacuum system looks pretty cool when you can see it.

It probably would kill the passenger intstantly in a crash though. Anyone know what I can wrap the dash support in that would be the same as hitting the dash?

[bigoak]

Ummm...down pillows...

A) Poor choice of tires in the rain.

Something else have been done to the engine to create gobs of power...

What do you think the total weight reduction is? 100 lbs? Maybe 200lbs, max?

Shouldn't have that dramatic an effect on your ability to get traction unless you're on slicks.

[2.8.0.z.x]

Yeah that's what's so confusing heh. Stock engine and full tread on all tires. Yet driving in the rain is like playing nfs:carbon on the drift track.

I really have no idea how much weight I've removed but it has to be at least 200lb.

[zbane]

Interesting.

I've got an s130 as well, and have no issues in the rain. Period. The only time the car gets squirrelly is on snow (not bad), slush (progressively worse), and ice (oh sh.t that was close).

Currently I am running on Yokohama AVIDs, but before that I had Kelly Chargers.

How is your suspension?

Regarding your cracked dash-you really should reinstall it and get yourself a full dash cap. Short of that, you could custom fab a dash like those with track cars.

[76Datsun280z]

It's REALLY bad in the rain. I have brand new tires in the rear but it's really hard to keep traction.

How are you driving in the rain? Do you mean it's hard to keep traction when corning hard or braking and acclerating? I've never once had any trouble stopping or corning in the rain, but like with any car you can if you're driving aggressivly and doing it on purpose.

[2.8.0.z.x]

Cornering is the biggest problem. I still have the stock suspension which probably isn't in the greatest shape. If I push the car on it's corner it'll bounce only once but takes it's time coming back up.

I guess my problems are just because of my suspension.

[bigoak]

Might be...I had my Z31 out for the tail end of last winter running on Aqua-Treds...no issues except in the worst storms...

Must be suspension...or are you just punching the throttle mid-way through every turn?