Intro
In this guide I have listed the best ways to reduce the weight of your vehicle sorted by price, starting from free to the most expensive.
Disclaimer:
Not everything in this guide will apply to your make and model. This is the best guide in the world for free currently. However, if you notice something missing or that should be added or removed, please email me or comment, and I will fix it as soon as possible.
Why Weight Reduction
Every 20 pounds lost is equal to a 10 Horsepower gain or one-tenth faster on a 1/4 Mile, roughly, this also helps you to brake quicker, corner smoother and accelerate faster!
“Ounces make pounds”
Every little thing that can be removed within your build plan should be, over time you will undoubtedly make improvements.
Tools for Weight Reduction
Some helpful tools you will need for weight reduction consist of:
- Sockets and Rachets (Metric and Imperial sockets).
- Screwdrivers (it’s good to have a variety).
- Pliers (Having variety is helpful once again).
- Wrench set (Metric and imperial).
- Adjustable wrench (nice to have).
- Hammer.
- Penetrating oil.
- Prybar.
- Chisel.
- Jack and jack stands (you can use the jack from your car to save money).
- Safety Equipment.
For more on tools and getting started check out “How to Modify your Car when You Are Broke”.
Types of Weight Reduction
It should be noted that not all kinds of weight reduction are the same or have the same impact on performance.
Sprung
Sprung weight is the combined weight of everything on a vehicle that is supported by the vehicle’s suspension. This usually consists of the engine, transmission, exhaust, interior, and body panels.
Sprung weight is the easiest and cheapest to tackle and plays a major role in inertia helping to mitigate the problems it causes like slow braking, oversteering, and understeer for example.
Unsprung
Unsprung weight is the total weight of parts that are NOT supported by the vehicle’s suspension. These are components like the springs, shocks, axles, brake calipers, brake rotors, wheels, and tires.
Reducing unsprung weight directly affects the driving feel of a vehicle. The less unsprung weight, the more effectively the suspension will be able to do its specific jobs. The reduction of unsprung weight is what enhances handling and gives an overall better feel to the vehicle.
Rotating Mass
Another aspect to look at with weight reduction is rotational mass such as the drive shafts, brake rotors, wheels, and tires. The amount of rotational weight will play a big role in the performance of the vehicle. The lower the weight of these components, the less energy is required to accelerate and decelerate your vehicle.
Rotational mass can be sprung or unsprung, based on its location within your vehicle. Regardless of whether it is sprung or unsprung its impact on performance is paramount making it easier for your engine to accelerate your wheels or brakes to slow your wheels quicker while also positively gaining the aspects of sprung vs unsprung weight reduction simultaneously.
Use all or some of these ideas, depending on your goals, vehicle, and budget. Not every idea on this list will be applicable as each vehicle is built differently. Note that not all ideas will be on this list too, you can probably find other vehicle-specific ideas on forums or by speaking with other owners.
Free Weight Reduction
These weight reduction mods will be the easiest to do skill-wise, all that will be required is a time investment and having to live with a louder and less comfortable vehicle for a free performance gain. See “Free Car Modifications” for more.
Interior
- Garbage, Tools, Spare change, etc.
- Floor mats.
- Lose Weight yourself.
- Cupholders.
- Rear seats and seatbelts.
- Sound deadening.
- Door cards.
- Rear deck cover.
- Headliner.
- A,B,C pilar plastic.
- Sunroof motor.
- Floor Carpeting.
- Insulation.
- Center console.
- Glovebox.
- Dash plastics.
- Power window motors and buttons.
- Stereo/Headunit.
- Speakers.
- Amplifier.
- Climate control module.
- Ecsess wiring.
- Heaterbox.
- Weather stripping.
- Wiper Blade, Motors, Tubing, and Wiper Reservoir/Fluid.
- Horn.
- Remove the locking mechanism completely if you can.
Trunk
- Spare tire.
- Jack.
- Sound deadening.
- Trunk carpeting.
- Tire removal tool/tire Iron.
- Spare tire mount.
- Subwoofer.
Engine
- Cruise control box.
- Spare engine brackets.
- Decorative engine covers.
- Hood liner.
- Cut extra length of bolts off from noncritical components.
Body
- Mud Flaps.
- Fog lights & brackets.
- Remove bumper foam inserts (leave crash bars, and your bumpers will be crushed if hit).
- Grills.
- Clean undercoating.
Cheap Weight Reduction
Many of the Cheap components involve removing lightweight parts from other models of your vehicle and replacing them on your vehicle. Often aluminum or other lightweight materials are put onto higher performance models of your vehicle which are likely interchangeable allowing you to keep the factory look/feel all while shedding the weight you desire. See “Cheap Car Modifications” for more.
Interior
- Lightweight Seats from another vehicle (no heated seat element or power seat controls).
- Race Steering wheel (safest to pair with race seat and properly installed race harness).
- Replace the heavy inner door handle assembly with a cable pull.
- Billet Pedals (Not covers).
Engine
- Aftermarket Exhaust (Smaller Mufflers, Resonators, and Cats).
- AC Delete Kit.
- Lightweight Engine/Trans Mounts (If applicable).
- Cold Air Intakes.
- Tubular Headers.
- Battery relocation then remove stock battery tray/mounts.
- EGR Delete.
- Evap Delete.
- ABS Delete.
- Aluminum Radiator.
Body
- Switching stock body panels with other lightweight stock models.
- Remove Hood and Trunk Hinges/Springs/Hydraulics (Use Pins Instead).
Frame
- Lightweight Stock Subframes.
- Lightweight Stock Aluminum Bumpers.
Expensive Weight Reduction
Expensive will cover all the final bases of weight reduction. If you want to retain your creature comforts while gaining the performance from weight reduction it will cost you. This will also be your final destination for those building race builds that have completely stripped your vehicles and are looking for more weight savings.
Interior
- Full Sunroof delete.
- Race seats.
- Aftermarket Gauges (Remove stock gauge cluster).
Body
- Polycarbonate Windows.
- Carbon fiber or Fiberglass fenders, hood, trunk/hatch, aero, bumpers, and anything else that can be replaced to save weight.
Frame
- Aftermarket aluminum frame components.
- Chrome-moly Roll cage replacement for the stock interior frame.
- Lightweight bolts and nuts.
Suspension
- Tubular control arms.
- Lightweight trailing arms.
- Coilovers.
- Lightweight aftermarket brakes.
- Skinnies (Drag Racing Only).
- Lightweight Race Wheels.
- Smaller tires (Smaller width while retaining traction).
- Manual steering conversion.
Engine
- Aluminum Heads.
- Aluminum Block.
- Other lightweight engine parts (Rockers, pushrods, throttle bodies, and everything else you can get your hands on).
- Lightweight flywheel.
- Race Battery.
- Use an aluminum master cylinder.
- Aluminum oil pan.
- Aluminum valve covers.
- Use a lighter flex plate.
Drivetrain
- Lightweight Driveshaft.
- Lightweight Tourqe Converter.
- Lightweight Balance Shaft.
- Lightweight Axles.
- Lightweight Diff.
Extra Ideas For Track Users
These ideas are for those who street and track drive your vehicles. Most of these ideas will not apply to those with dedicated race cars as much of these will already be removed or supplemented.
General Race Day Ideas
- Less Fuel (use the least amount of fuel you can manage safely without running out of gas on track).
- Lower Windows (Lowers center of gravity).
- Remove Easy to remove things you don’t need on the track (Spare tire/Jack).
Drag Strip
Ensure that these comply with your track regulations before doing any of these!
- Take out sway bars.
- Remove headlight/s (less weight, better air intake).
Tip!
Sell Removed Parts
One thing that can help all enthusiasts with their builds and is not spoken of as frequently as I think it should be is to sell some of the old components that you have removed, especially things like good-condition seats, stock speakers and stereos, and good-condition body panels.
Chances are that DIY mechanics or other automotive enthusiasts are looking for some replacement parts for their vehicles without having to buy brand-new parts. The money you make from selling some of your old parts could be reinvested into your build helping you to save some more money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does weight reduction do?
The main concept of weight reduction is to maximize the performance of your vehicle by reducing inertia and enhancing your power-to-weight ratio. It allows you to go faster without having to add power or other suspension mods. Some people even do weight reduction as a way to improve their fuel economy because the load you have to move is less meaning the amount of gas needed to move your vehicle is also less.
Is it safe to do weight reduction?
Weight reduction is only as safe as you make it. Do not remove structural parts or safety equipment without installing another component to offset the liability. This is why race cars have roll cages, bucket seats, and racing harnesses, and the drivers are required to wear safety equipment like helmets and neck braces. If you remove parts ensure the legitimacy behind it and the impact it plays on both you and your vehicle’s safety.
What are the best weight reduction mods for a daily driver?
For a daily driven vehicle with performance in mind, it is probably safe to remove carpeting, unnecessary plastics, headliners, and any luxuries you are okay to live without. Purchasing lightweight wheels that are safe for street use like Enkei RPF1s, or some lightweight engine or exhaust modifications that do not interfere with local laws is a great start for a daily driven vehicle.
However as some places are much more restrictive than others, sometimes any altering to stock equipment and components may be deemed illegal so ensure you are familiar with your local laws or any associated risks if you plan to endure further.
Will weight reduction void my warranty?
If your vehicle is under a warranty chances are that weight reduction/altering factory parts or components will void it. If you are unsure about any modification you plan to do you can always speak with the warranty supplier directly to help avoid any misconceptions or risk of losing your warranty.
Conclusion
Weight reduction is a great choice for many people looking to enhance multiple aspects of their vehicle. Proceed with caution ensuring to properly remove and install parts and are aware of local laws regarding vehicle modification as well. With this knowledge, you can move forward modifying with confidence. If you have any further questions or concerns feel free to reach out at 74Customscompany@gmail.com, Thanks for reading!
