Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Lightest we can be?

The Dash Cap and everything upfront.(Air bags, Intrument Cluster, Insulation, A/C) Weighs in at over 100 lbs. I took all of it out of the Parts car a few weeks ago. The Cap is just as heavy as the metal reinforcement beam up front. The Air bags are a good 15 lbs. each. A power track seat is almost twice as heavy as a manual. The door panels weigh less than 5 lbs. with the insulation behind them So I really wouldn't see the point in taking them out. The A/C box is very heavy as well. The seat belts weigh a good bit with all the metal brackets and retraction mechanism. Carpet at least 15 lbs. Just some thoughts. I hope this helps.

if you want to remove more weight remove the A/C evaporator. from under the dash.

If you remove the ducts, fan and the heater core you will no longer have a defrost mode and will not be street legal at least here in CT.

under the hood remove the A/C condenser, receiver dryer, compressor and all the associated hoses.

that should shed a few pounds not to mention help gain a few HP from lost weight and no longer running the A/C compresor pully. Also by eliminating th evaporator mounted in fron of the radiator it may help improve airflow through the radiator for better cooling.

If you do this do us all a favor and have the A/C system properly evacuated, don't just cut a line and let the refrigerant out. Although it is R134a (desn't hurt ozone) it still is a good idea to have it done properly.

I think a good rule of thumb is for every 100lbs equals about savings of 1/10th in the 1/4 mile.

If someone else knows better, let me know.

Remove driver and install futaba RC servos j/k, of course..

Now you're talking!!! That's 2 tenths right there...

you calling me fat. i told you guys i was going on a diet and you call me fat you are so insecsitive to my feelings you know!!!

I was thinking me...
But if you want to save 2 tenths as well...

Ok, gets its time I chimed in here since I gutted my focus for the exact same purpose. Here are some of the quick, obvious and free of reducing weight.
1.)Gas ~ 65 lbs
2.)Windshield Washer fluid ~ 5 lbs
3.)wipers w/ motor ~ 6 lbs
4.)spare ~ 30 lbs
5.)jack ~ 9 lbs
6.)airbags ~ 30 lbs (for both)
7.)radio ~ 5lbs
8.)speakers ~ 9 lbs
9.)rear door panels/carpet ~ 15 lbs
10.) back seat ~ 30 lbs (in contour)
Free mods = ~ 204 lbs

Some costly ones
1.)Wheels ~ 25 lbs (for 4 over stock)
2.)brakes ~ 20 lbs (for 4 stock)
3.)battery ~ 20 lbs (over stock)
4.)seats ~ 65 lbs (over stock)
5.)cf hood ~ 30 lbs (over stock)
6.)FAL windows ~ 50 lbs (over stock)
= 210 lbs

Combined about 415 lbs saved and about 1/2 second in the 1/4!

There are more, but its late, and Im tired.

Actually the SVT wheels are already pretty light ~19lbs IIRC. A quality piece under that weight will be pretty pricey.

BTW Bill, what about the door ding strips!!!!

18.5lbs on my state of the art bathroom scale. 'E1' Style wheel. About the same as the 14" steel wheels I had originally.

So, could those light weight windows be used with the power window mechanisms? Or do they have to be in a 'fixed' position. TIA.

Oh, just a few more trivial things...

Dash clock recontent
Visors
Dome lights
CEG sticker(s)....YEAH RIGHT!!! :rolleyes:
Spoiler(if equipped)
License plates
Rubber door seals
Fords 'Revised' cupholders
Floor mats
Cruise control buttons/switches/sensors