GTRA -weight reduction ideas

[Cobra4B]

I'm having the carb swap done now... I dont' think they weighed it before, but they'll weight it after to corner-weight it so I can get some data.

The swaybar end arms are aluminum... I had one brake so i replaced w/ steel. Yes they're heavier vs. the aluminum.

I'll probably do the lexan windshield next... but since I'm not really racing the car I'm not too worried about it. I just wanted reliable fun.

[David Eastman]

The bell housing is aluminum. I think you could same some weight if you changed to a steel bell housing and make a new trans tunnel out of aluminum. The tunnel is made of steel and weights a ton.

David

[PanozDuke]

Same for me- not racing. Looking for the simple, cheap and reliable weight reduction ideas. I'm guessing that the aluminum bell housing and steel tunnel was clutch blow up safety. Is the steel tunnel important to the ridgity of the chassis? The blow proof bell housing with aluminum sheet tunnel then would substitue for all safety concerns at a net weight reduction. Sounds right to me and not expensive or hard to do. I need to look again, but it seems to me the clutch is at or forward of my feet. Could a car pass tech for say NASA time trials if both were aluminum?
Seems like Lexan could save significant weight that is high in the chassis. Would eliminate the cracking issue as well. Guess it depends on how difficult and the cost.

Thanks for the info.

Mike

[Gatorac]

I got my lexan windshield from http://www.percyshp.com/ . Some of the weight savings will be offset by needing extra supports though. It won't crack but it will get pitted.

Check the size of your fuel cell. My orginal cell was 34 gallons. Seems a bit much for the average 30 minute session. I replaced it with an ATL 20 gallon cell. The cells are heavy even without fuel but if your on a budget, just pay closer attention to how much fuel you are carrying and don't fill it up. Ever.

Get rid of the brakes, they are just slowing you down anyways.....

[AIMidwest27]

Originally Posted by David Eastman

The bell housing is aluminum. I think you could same some weight if you changed to a steel bell housing and make a new trans tunnel out of aluminum. The tunnel is made of steel and weights a ton.

David

My aluminum bell housing weighs 10 lb, my steel bell housing weights 46 lb (want to by my steel bell housing ?). The trans tunnel is made of steel and will offer some protection if your clutch explodes - parts will travel right through a thin (weight saving) tunnel. My guess is, if you went to a steel bell housing (for protection) and, an aluminum tunnel (for weight savings), at best you will end up with an even trade in protection vs weight .... why spend the money and time ? However, if you want to go down that road, I am serious about selling my McLeod SFI bell housing with tremec adapter.

[Gatorac]

The bellhousing is forward of the footbox. My physics lessons say that the softer the bellhousing the lower the chance of clutch parts hitting your feet. Might have more of a chance of getting clutch parts coming through the windshield. Or at least coming through the front of the foot box rather then the trans tunnel.

In a typical car your feet are directly in line with the clutch. The Panos is almost as long as a strectch limo.

[PanozDuke]

Jim, thanks for the Lexan source. What thickness (1/8, 1/4 or 3/8) do you recommend? How do you figure out how to properly brace it?

I agree aluminum for both would be fine given how far forward the bell housing is.

Mike

[Jim woodruff]

I installed the 3/16' from Percy's with no problems. They have blems that are 60% off that are fine for our cars. I would suggest you purchase a blank for the rear at the same time to save on the frt. cost. Remember the windshields are 2" over sized and need to be trimed and 18 tooth jig saw and belt sander work excellent. Jim Woodruff

[Panoz Paul]

Greetings , I went to a lexan windshield after cracking 4 glass ones ; body viabration ( plastic ) at 125 + -- would split them up the middle ... Go with a 1/4" and a center brace ... Tried a 3/16" by mistake w/ the same center brace , BAD news , at 125 -130 mph each side would pop in about an inch or better ; resulting in a BAD reflection / distortion ; Plus it would change the cars areo as each side went concave ... About a 1/2 lane instantly , a real bummer setting up for corner one at BIR after a .9 mile straight ... Pulled the wiper assembly completely ...
Net Result : Lost 30 pounds ; no more lost track time from cracking glass ; won't let anyone else clean my winshield ...
Speed-Glass has them ; approx. $550.00 ... they come over sized & need to be trimed all four sides ; trace the old one ... then mask off the areas'to be blackened out ; scuff w/ scotch pad & paint ... Archers used a paint that was like a thin rubber when dry ... They are coated for additional scratch resistanace , but leave the film on through the install process & then adjust to the fact that your not going to have the perfect clairity of glass !!!

Best Wishes for this Season / Paul