making the car lighter
You could probably shed some weight by switching out the stock Recaros for a nice set of one-piece race seats. I'm not sure the back seat weighs a lot, so it might not be worth deleting (especially for a street driven car). Also, you could look into swapping out some of the steel bracing underneath the engine and intercooler with some custom aluminum pieces (of equal strength of course). I definitely think there could be some savings there--when I get some time I'm going to try and whip up some brackets myself 
.
Also, except for the A/C delete, most of what you've removed (or are planning to) is from the back half of the vehicle which is something to think about. If it were me I'd be paying more attention to removing weight from the front of the car, as our cars have about ~10% more weight over the front wheels in stock form and taking more weight off the back only increases that number.
Oh, and don't forget out Girodisc's two-piece calipers; they're a few pounds lighter and they look super cool. Me wants.
.Also, except for the A/C delete, most of what you've removed (or are planning to) is from the back half of the vehicle which is something to think about. If it were me I'd be paying more attention to removing weight from the front of the car, as our cars have about ~10% more weight over the front wheels in stock form and taking more weight off the back only increases that number.
Oh, and don't forget out Girodisc's two-piece calipers; they're a few pounds lighter and they look super cool. Me wants.
Thanks
I'm looking to build a balanced well rounded DD and track car too. I didn't have AC delete in mind at all since it is a DD, you sure about that? I've got the Girodisc 2 piece rotors and they made quite some difference. The other things that you could switch out to save weight without sacrificing comfort are aluminum UICP/LICP, rear beam, wheels/tires, brakes, and lightweight battery at the moment. Take out the rear seats if you don't carry people around anyway. Again I'm like some of you here, I don't want to throw off the weight distribution too much as it comes pretty well balanced from the factory. You really want to lighten the front if possible.
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Be careful not to change the front-to-rear weight %, i.e. I wouldn't put a lighter battery unless you can remove some weight from the front of the car as well.
Kiriakos
http://www.mockbites.com
Kiriakos
http://www.mockbites.com
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Dayton Ohio
lol thanks, its a DD but believe me i can feel the difference when i have a 115lbs passenger in the car.
Also if you have a stereo system, even the stock rockford, i don't think the pc680 small battery kit will last very long. those batteries are nice but generally not suited for a full option car with A/C etc..
The 925 size battery is much better option, its heavier but usually lighter than the stock battery. Not sure what battery ams includes, but most dsm/evo8-9 kits use the small small battery
Last edited by ThanatosG; Nov 26, 2008 at 07:13 AM.
Hit the unsprung first
Like some guys recommended look into light weight wheels, and brake kits. Unsprung weight is one of the most critical factors affecting a vehicle's road holding ability by providing more precise steering input and improved "turning in" characteristics. Plus it gives you the additional benefit of spiffing up the look of the car.
I would focus on removing unsprung weight. Its a DD so why turn it into a race car, what if you decide to sell it? Alot of people won't like buying a gutted Evo.
Anyway, lighter wheels (Advan RZs weigh about 4 lbs less per wheel), two piece brake rotors, etc.
Other plan, sell your Evo X... buy an Evo VIII and you are good to go.
Anyway, lighter wheels (Advan RZs weigh about 4 lbs less per wheel), two piece brake rotors, etc.
Other plan, sell your Evo X... buy an Evo VIII and you are good to go.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
you could trade your evo x for my 08 lancer GTS, add a turbo to the lancer, and you'll be lighter than an evo.
Or get lighter crash beams, get rid of sound deadening material, speakers, carbon fiber hood, bumpers, trunk, get rid of spoiler, replace windows, take out mats, remove some air bags, and do what everyone else said with the unsprung weight, battery, ect.
Or get lighter crash beams, get rid of sound deadening material, speakers, carbon fiber hood, bumpers, trunk, get rid of spoiler, replace windows, take out mats, remove some air bags, and do what everyone else said with the unsprung weight, battery, ect.