Is it illegal to...?

[Arysseus]

My gas budget is biting me in the arse. So I wanted to know if something that I've been thinking about doing is legal, or not.

I'm thinking about buying a 4-cylinder car and just stripping out all non-essentials. Rear Seats. Passenger Seats. etc etc.

Basically I would be driving in the driver's seat, and not much else.

I would keep the rest of the stuff in storage in case I go on a trip that requires two cars (i'll still be owning my current car), in which case I can just bolt it all back in.

So.. is that illegal? All safety measures, such as seatbelts(on seats still installed) and airbags, would still be in there. Other than that though it would be empty space (which i could use to throw my work equipment in) and bare metal (most likely no carpet/headliner).

It will be an ugly car, that I know, but a tad lighter, and a tad easier on the engine/gas.

Anyone? Also, just for safety worries, would lightening the car that much make it more dangerous?

-A guy trying to save some dough.

[phil 411]

im not a lawyer or anything--but i can just about guarantee that its not illegal. as long as the safety things like the seatbelt---and stuff is still in place. It will become illegal if you have any passengers im sure as all the other seats and seatbelts are out of the car. i think you'd be aright.

[Arysseus]

hrm.. yeah if i get passengers, the seats will go back in.


and before anyone mentions this, i know motorcycles get a lot of gas mileage, but I need car so I can put all my work equipment in there on the way to work.

[mr_mushroom]

nope!
just look up the required equipment for whatever year car it is.

[534BC]

I think it's a good idea and I also think it is not illegal.

However I'd sure do some estimates on weight and mpg increase (savings) vs. labor to r&r the equipment. You may find that it cost you far more in labor and storage than you will save in mpg.

[UncleBob]

buy a scooter. No reengineering necessary

[INF3RN0666]

No gas mileage savings what so ever man. Those seats are about 100 pounds combined if they're made out of solid metal. Most likely, you'll be taking out 50 pounds worth at most. It's just not worth it unless you need the space to fit large equipment. My suggestion is, don't bother unless absolutely necessary...

[Stale Trooper]

Originally Posted by INF3RN0666

No gas mileage savings what so ever man. Those seats are about 100 pounds combined if they're made out of solid metal. Most likely, you'll be taking out 50 pounds worth at most. It's just not worth it unless you need the space to fit large equipment. My suggestion is, don't bother unless absolutely necessary...

I agree, I read somewhere the other day that removal (or adding) 100 lbs is worth maybe 1 MPG. If your work tools are necessary on a daily basis, You might consider a small trailer & motorbike combo; unless you live someplace like Seattle where it rains a lot. Good Luck!

[Ian Szgatti]

Remember Isacc Newton? Well, an object in motion tend to stay in motion unless acted upon by a force. In your case, the forces plotting to hold your car still are gravity and atmosphere ( only two worth mentioning, as others include internal engine resistance,bearing resistance, etc.). In oder to combat these two forces, your car needs a certain amount of mass.
While you will gain the ease of acceleration, you will then loose at speed because your car will have decreased inertia due to it's lower mass. The weight of your car can actually help keep your momentum.

If you want to save money, you must simply accelerate slower, and maintain a consistant cruising speed. If your hiway speed is 55 mph, do only 55. Don't fluctuate. Wind is very powerful, so areodynamics should be a priority for modification rather than wieght reduction.
Hint: The top and sides of the car are smooth and sleek, but the bottom...

[534BC]

weight will only help going down hill. But the total picture is it will hurt overall because it had to get up the hill somehow. Weight's good for pulling and pinwood derby.

[Ian Szgatti]

Originally Posted by 534BC

weight will only help going down hill. But the total picture is it will hurt overall because it had to get up the hill somehow. Weight's good for pulling and pinwood derby.

so mass has no determination in how long an object will stay in motion?

the effects of inertia don't cancel because your on flat land.

[534BC]

You're correct, the other half of that is that it took more power to get the extra weight travelling. It takes more hp to keep a heavy vehicle in motion than a light one.

Maybe we're on the same page, but I am making a case that wieght is a bad thing for mpg and it sounds like you are making a case that says weight is a good thing for mpg?

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by 534BC

You're correct, the other half of that is that it took more power to get the extra weight travelling. It takes more hp to keep a heavy vehicle in motion than a light one.

when traveling on flat land, the weight doesn't matter at all when cruising.

This is why top speed doesn't change when you remove or add weight to a vehicle, the only thing that changes is how long it takes to acheive the top speed

the weight does effect mpg, since it takes more power (over time) to accelerate the mass of course

[psychopathicdude]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

This is why top speed doesn't change when you remove or add weight to a vehicle, the only thing that changes is how long it takes to acheive the top speed...

Unless, you added enough weight to compress the suspension (lowering the car), and alter the aerodynamics ;)

I don't know if its been mentioned, but a good thing to consider for your mileage is proper selection of tires (hardness, tread pattern) and inflation. Generally, the better "contact" a tire has the ground, the more friction it creates... So the best tires for fuel efficiency are probably the worst for sporty driving... but then, those are two rather disparate purposes for any car, and I wouldn't suggest pursuing both in the same car anyway.

I would also recommend a proper grease job on the wheel bearings, and a brake system check. If the bearings or brakes are dragging, that will cost you a few MPG for sure.

Another aero fact is luggage racks and radio antennas... or anthing that protrudes from the general shape of the car (spoilers too). If the air has to move around it, it is creating drag. But removing your side mirrors definitely WOULD be illegal. and unwise. But most anything else, I think you're in the clear. Best of luck!

[534BC]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

when traveling on flat land, the weight doesn't matter at all when cruising.

This is why top speed doesn't change when you remove or add weight to a vehicle, the only thing that changes is how long it takes to acheive the top speed

the weight does effect mpg, since it takes more power (over time) to accelerate the mass of course

Top speed AND the hp required to maintain a constant speed (mpg) will change dramatically with an increase in weight. Exgagerate it grossly to test it out using trucks, cars, boats, motorcycles, snomobiles, ect. Even on a set of rails (water or air) the weighted train (plane, car, truck) will use more fuel going the exact same speed on the flat.