• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Weight reduction

And I might add, Jeff is a super good guy to deal with.
 
If you are running a big block, did you switch to an aluminum water pump housing and pump?
The new 'mini' starter will save 5-10 lbs depending on your original starter.
You can remove the front sway bar for a few pounds. With proper preparation, you can use your original front bumper as a mold and fiberglass the inside of it, remove it from the steel bumper and you will have a (slightly smaller) bumper replica. This worked great on my Road Runner, not really sure on a Charger with the perimeter bumper. There is probably more, but I did all this back in the 80's and I likely forgot a few things.
 
Here are the the things I've done since buying my car in 2012.

Glass Decklid
Glass Rear bumper
Glass Rear bumper brackets
Glass hood (came with the car)
Glass front bumper (came w the car)
Al front bumper brackets
Al water pump
Al MC
al heads (440 source)
Al radiator
Switch from RB to 451 B block

I'll have to look through my notes / my posts here for weight savings, but it is significantly over 200lbs, maybe closer to 300lbs. And if you factor in the battery relocate kit offsetting the glass decklid/rear bumper & brackets, it's all off the nose.
 
I have the al water pump and radiator. I'm gonna look into the starter thanks
If you are running a big block, did you switch to an aluminum water pump housing and pump?
The new 'mini' starter will save 5-10 lbs depending on your original starter.
You can remove the front sway bar for a few pounds. With proper preparation, you can use your original front bumper as a mold and fiberglass the inside of it, remove it from the steel bumper and you will have a (slightly smaller) bumper replica. This worked great on my Road Runner, not really sure on a Charger with the perimeter bumper. There is probably more, but I did all this back in the 80's and I likely forgot a few things.
 
What year / model is your car and what's the weight ?
Here are the the things I've done since buying my car in 2012.

Glass Decklid
Glass Rear bumper
Glass Rear bumper brackets
Glass hood (came with the car)
Glass front bumper (came w the car)
Al front bumper brackets
Al water pump
Al MC
al heads (440 source)
Al radiator
Switch from RB to 451 B block

I'll have to look through my notes / my posts here for weight savings, but it is significantly over 200lbs, maybe closer to 300lbs. And if you factor in the battery relocate kit offsetting the glass decklid/rear bumper & brackets, it's all off the nose.
 
I'd be chasing bumper brackets, bolts, cut the K frame. There's a lot of bracketry in your body style ahead of the front wheels. I'd bet 50lbs+ of stuff that could come off. The bumpers themselves aren't that heavy. My 64 factory bumper is 23lbs. The brackets that hold it, 1 1/2lb. Tube strut rods, tube steering column shaft, rear window regulators, long bolts, extra washers, hood hinges. The list goes on. My 64 is all steel except the hood. Full cage from the motor plate to the tail lights, full interior minus the back seat,mega block, 2 carbs, fire system, 2 45 lb batteries, dual fans. With 190lbs of me and 30lbs of fuel 3340lbs. Just keep choppin.
Doug
 
What year / model is your car and what's the weight ?

It's a 69 belvedere. Oh, and as BadVert said, I also installed a mini starter.

I should add that a lot on the list weren't done just for weight, they needed upgrading anyway. The 6bbl hood was done for looks, decklid spring perches were fubar'd from the mini tub job (previous owner), so I decided to go glass decklid. And obviously the 451 & alum heads weren't chosen for lightness at all. Even al MC was replacing a bad OEM unit. I'd even call the mini starter a necessity / convenience with the flowtech headers.

It's just that when replacing / upgrading, I keep an eye on weight.

Regarding weight, eh, haven't gotten it weighed / been to the track yet. In my eyes the car's not ready.
 
What do you have for front brakes? The higher end brakes use an aluminum hat and aluminum caliper. I used the Wilwood kit that bolted to the existing drum spindle. It saved a LOT of weight. My car is all steel with full interior, 3" exhaust, rollbar and Dana 60. It weighs just under 3,400 lbs.
 
What was your mph on the 11.22 run ? Ron
 
In my weight reduction program on my '65 Coronet in mid/late '70's did a bunch of things that didn't include fiberglass body parts. Keep looking under the dash, lots that come out of there. I gutted the door panels, did Lexan side windows removing the mechanisms & cutting quite a bit of steel out. Removed all heater relate parts. Did remove the seats, replacing front seat (drivers only) with plastic & aluminum hole sawed mounts. Removed lots of bolts I thought were excessive. Aluminum WP housing & electric drive motor. Lots of misc metal parts around the front suspension & fenders. But added a heavy roll bar, Dana, & 125 # 8D battery in the trunk, no alternator. Modified Vega steel fuel tank. Eventually lite Centerline wheels. Thought about the bumpers, but they weren't that heavy. Took out a few extra bumper braces. Bumpers sure shook around a lot with the motor running. Drag car only use. New aluminum heads are lighter. Good luck.
My current '66 I haven't gone nearly as far.
 
Up front I just installed last year brand new oem style disc brakes. It's a shame but I am already looking to swap them out for the aerospace pro street kit. In the rear I have drum
What do you have for front brakes? The higher end brakes use an aluminum hat and aluminum caliper. I used the Wilwood kit that bolted to the existing drum spindle. It saved a LOT of weight. My car is all steel with full interior, 3" exhaust, rollbar and Dana 60. It weighs just under 3,400 lbs.
 
Used to be 11.99.The Vette & Viper pushed it down to 11.50 for a roll bar,9.99 requires a cage with halo and window net.Also a full faced helmet ,gloves,shoes,neckbrace and multi layer firesuit.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top