Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Vehicle Weight

So after spending the entire afternoon weighing my car in multiple different configurations I have come to several conclusions.

The 3126lbs listed by Ford is likely quite accurate for a fully loaded SVT with full fluids.
I back calculated verses the weight I removed and the weight push from my engine & tranny work.

The Jack & Spare weigh a lot more then I thought. (42lbs)

The weight on the front wheels increases noticeably as you remove weight from the rear. Again more then you would think.

Removing the fold down seat backs saves a lot of weight (34lbs)

Removing the back seat is really a waste. (maybe 8lbs for the seat bottom and it's a PITA to put back in)

Moving the driver's and passenger's seats back helps front to rear weight balance more then you think. Lay the passengers down. This weight balancing is for autocrossing.

More weight on the front isn't a bad idea fro a FWD at the drag strip.

An Optima in the rear right corner of the trunk helps autocross weight balance considerably. (I test fit mine and removed the dynabatt for weighing purposes)

So what did mine weigh???

I weighed it no less then 12 different ways. (shut up Brad, I can hear it now )

Normal Street Trim with Driver & a Full Tank of Fuel: ~3200lbs
Front: 61.3%
Rear: 38.7%
Left: 51.2%
Right: 48.8%

Yes that includes a few nonessential items but it's how I drive it on a daily basis.

No Jack, Spare, Mat or Rear Seat Backs & Car cleaned out with 1/2 Tank of Fuel: 2905lbs
Front: 63.9%
Rear: 36.1%
Left: 49.9%
Right: 50.1%

With Driver: 3090lbs
Front: 63.3%
Rear: 36.7%
Left: 50.9%
Right: 49.1%

I consider that the "best weight" I will go.

Removing the rear seat bottom and both STB center bars was worth ~10lbs.
Running only 5 gallons vs 1/2 tank of fuel is worth 12-15lbs.
I didn't bother removing the passenger's seat but that would be another ~15-20lbs.

So "technically" on a full strip & running fumes it could be a svelte 2870 or so.


Also using these numbers I calculated my weight when I went to the track last spring at ~3165lbs. (~10lb heavier Driver + No jack/spare, normal street trim and a near full tank)

I have a neat excel sheet of the weights on each corner and cross weights and percentages for the many stages of removal.

I plan to post it on my website. It would make a good tool to see what weight changes do to the balance of the car for folks planning that type of modification.

Good information! Thanks for posting the findings of your research.

Originally posted by DemonSVT:

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The weight on the front wheels increases noticeably as you remove weight from the rear. Again more then you would think.

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Just to clarify (and correct me if I'm wrong), but that should be for weight removed from behind the rear axle line only (as opposed to the back half of the car), since anything just forward of the rear axle line will have its weight distributed to both the front and rear wheels. What that also means then, is that the net effect of removing the jack/spare and other junk from behind the rear axle line is not only the benefit of less overall weight, but also the transfer of more weight to the front tires for traction. Double bonus for drag racing!

Marty

so what exactly do you do for a living?

Heck, I just take mine to the truck weigh scales whenever I want to do a few runs with my G-Tech Pro.

i weighed my on one of the truck weigh stations i can't remember ho much gas i had in it, but it said 3060 nothing removed

I will definately take a look at the table. I'm especially curious about the battery & the weight distribution issues with that mod. Really didn't think it would make a significant difference, but if it does then that's a stronger argument for making the change.

Demon, you put a lot of time/effort into doing this kind of stuff, & I would like to express my thanks for making the info public. Mighty cool of you.

The ones on the expressway? Did you just drive up and yell out the window to the state police that you were just curious? Sorry...I've just never heard of doing this.

I used some at a popular truck stop along the Interstate. Many truck stops will have these so loads can be checked before getting fined at the weigh scales. The service isn't free so expect to pay a few bucks.