Reducing Vehicle Weight

[rsperegrin1]

Thanks for the ideas guys. Yes the bumpers are gone etc. And to Steve's point, nope not running yet. My brain is running down different avenues as I work on the electrical. Its a mess. I plan on getting it running before upgrading anything, and then upgrading everything I want to learn about imports. I'm a Chevy guy with a dolled up 69 Camaro. The networking industries between domestic and imports are completely different. This is all new to me. In a good way! Its cool, thanks again guys!

[TomoHawk]

You should keep in mind that the manufacturer designed the 240Z as a lightweight car, with only the essential equipment for driving,and a simple interior, to keep it light/performing well and less expensive. With that in mind, you'll find little you can do without going to the extreme. To decrease weight in the body, you'll need to cut holes (a very bad idea) or go without parts like hood, door, or glass, (still a bad idea) or replace the body parts with lighter weight body parts like carbon or carbon fiber, or lighter parts like the exhaust or wheels (really expensive, or just unavailable.) You'll be able to save some weight by removing the bumpers and spare wheel, but ask yourself if you are willing to accept the risk of losing the car in a collision, or walking miles after a flat, or just possibly losing your insurance (for a car without the bumpers/safety equipment.)

Even though the 280Z is generally based on the 240Z design, it is slightly different, as it is the "luxury" model, with air conditioning, heavier sheetmetal, comfy seats, etc. there are a few things you could remove to reduce the weight, but not much, IF you want a car that doesn't look like a 50s hotrod, without any interior installed.

I think you'll find that the 280Z is a lot like a domestic model, with the usual 12V electrical system, but the big difference is that the fasteners are metric, so you'll be the odd-guy-out with a funny-looking set of tools that other people can't use on their Chevies. The 280Z was built when electronics were getting popular, so there are relays in the mix, but those are there to get around using a bunch of heavy-duty switches, and for some safety, like modern cars have.

In any case, please let us know if you come up with any ideas that haven't been mentioned.

,

Edited April 12, 2013 by TomoHawk

[John Coffey]

A carbon fiber hood and hatch can remove 80 lbs. from the car. That's the biggest bang for your buck body panel weight reduction.

[cbuczesk]

I have a 1975 280Z race car and had to find ways to eliminate weight.

Modern gauges

Remove unneeded wires

Aluminum radiator

15x7 aluminum wheels

Remove any unneeded brackets

Header

Replace window regulators with power windows

Aftermarket windshields are said to be thinner/lighter

R160 diff

Coil overs

Chuck

[grannyknot]

Having re-installed the dash today I can say that weighs a good 45-50lbs.

If you did the aluminum plate dash as many racers do...

Also, the 280 transmission mount weighted 4x what the early trans mount did.