Hello everyone, It seems like making an automobile with a small block lighter weight could be a way of keeping up with the big blocks. I'm always wondering how much improvement in performance can be expected by making a car lighter. I read somewhere that it is about a tenth of a second improvement in the 1/4 mile for every 100lbs of weight loss. This does not seem like much considering the expense of light weight components such as a fiberglass hood. Does anyone have before and after results after making their car lighter? Or does anyone have opinions on how much performance improvement can be seen by making a car lighter? Also, it seems like the improvements would be more noticable on a small block. Opinions? Thanks, Mike 68 Buick with 350 and TH350 trans headers and TA intake.
Well, when i took my 93 roadmaster to the track to watch i ended up running it.....and i found that 100 = a tenth to be true...... I ran a 17.4 with my subs and full size spare.....consistently I ran a 17.3 with out them......... And if you ask me buying a bunch of expensive parts to make you car lighter is allright, but id rather just keep building the motor to compensate.......just try to keep it as light as you can without going insane over it.
The one nice thing about lightening the car is that it not only makes it faster but makes it easier on the drivetrain also. Dave Berry
Going lighter is my next step- generally it's pretty cheap (or free), but if you go the body panel route it can get kinda pricey. Right now, my car is at 4300 pounds- I know I can cut that back. The other thing about losing weight is that you get better gas mileage. -Bob Cunningham bobc@gnttype.org
Mike Just noticed your from Anchorage, spent 18 glorious months up there at Fort Richardson. It really is pretty country up there though. Spent a lot of time up there at the dragstrip, can't remember its name offhand, wondered if it's still open? Dave Berry:beer
Dave, Great to here from someone from Anchorage!! I know there is a dragstrip in Wasilla. Unfortunatly I have not had a chance to get out there. I'm going to have to this coming summer. My wife and I love Anchorage; your right its really beautiful here. I lived in Fairbanks for about 8 years. Suprisingly I saw more classic Buicks there than here (Including the 68 GS that my brother owns). The winters in Fairbanks were pretty hard on classics though. Mike :beer
