Ways to remove weight from front end?

[Nate047]

Hey guys, I've started to tear down my car a little, so far I've removed a decent amount of weight from the rear. This got me thinking, what can we do to lighten the front end of the car?

For argument's sake, I'd like to hear all ideas big or small. Some might not make sense for any given build or budget, but let's hear 'em.

[SQ13]

SAP delete
Replace mech and aux fans with a single SPAL fan
Smaller windshield washer reservoir
CSL or Slonik cabin filter housing
Catless headers (more like weight redistribution if catted sec 1)
CSL airbox
Fog light delete

[L0okitzRaj]

AC compressor, and condenser, etc…

windshield washer tank

[Arith2]

This

SAP delete
Replace mech and aux fans with a single SPAL fan
Smaller windshield washer reservoir
CSL or Slonik cabin filter housing
Catless headers (more like weight redistribution if catted sec 1)
CSL airbox
Fog light delete

And also

Not Free:
Carbon fenders
Carbon hood
Convert to halogen if you have Xenon
CSL rotors with Rallyroad brackets and 996 calipers
Electric power steering conversion(maybe)
Manual conversion but you will shift slower
Delete evap system and tune without it
Sunroof delete and coupe conversion
Heater core delete
Vanos delete
Titanium valvetrain hardware(life span much shorter)
Lightweight Flywheel
Aftermarket steering wheel
Titanium lug bolts
Thinner or plexiglass windshield
Convert to mechanical windows
Convert to pins and delete hood latch

Free:
Washer fluid delete or keep it empty
Remove cabin filter tray
Remove blower motor
A/C delete with condensor, evaporator and lines
Radio delete
Remove beauty cover(heat soaks for no reason)
Cut bracket SAP to only hold expansion tank
Remove electric mirror motors if mirror stay still after
Cut and mount positive jump point on driver side
Drop headliner

Check wiring and cut out anything optional or not installed. Also can get rid of harnesses for deleted parts

[Gt4]

-Relocate expansion tank into drug bin (shift minimal weight backward and not exposed as much under hood heat)
-BBK (lighter than OEM Non-ZCP & ZCP)
-remove brake dust shields
-Hollow swaybars (Hotchkis or Ground Control)
-Coilovers
-Race springs (some springs are lighter)
-Titanium strut brace (Origin)
-Carbon Fiber CSL front bumper (fog delete at same time)

[Arith2]

Could learn how make carbon fiber parts yourself. There's plenty of videos and actually a guy on YouTube that walks you through the process with his e46 racecar. He makes a door.

[bigjae46]

The front end is much more difficult. If it is a car that needs to be street and emissions legal - not much. The other consideration is what are willing to give up? There are a lot of people who want their car to still look like a garage queen. That rules out most of the weight loss opportunities.

Anything you can do in front of the front wheels has a much higher effect on weight distribution. I'd work from the front back. A carbon roof might save 30lbs over all but only a fraction of it will be over the front wheels.

What I've found is that going the carbon fiber route has a high dollar to weight loss ratio - it is expensive. Carbon will only do so much, you really have to look for a couple of ounces here and there - then it adds up. For example, the intake manifold bracket - the Y part - I cut one leg off. How many bolts do you REALLY need to hold something in place? Do I need the pass side windshield wiper arm? Or can I cut the assembly in half? Do I need a fan? Do I need headlights? - that is a big one right there - gut the headlights and delete wiring.

Another thing that can great affect weight distribution is seating position. If you have move the seat back a little bit then you have move quite a bit of weight rearward depending on your starting point. I took about 30lbs on the left front corner by moving my seat back 2". I'd definitely do that before going the carbon route.

I've been making carbon fiber parts for about 2 years now and so far I have:

- front reinforcement plate
- front end/radiator mounting
- front splitter mounts

It cut out about 6 lbs.

I've learned the hard way that infusing or vacuum bagging is not the easiest process to learn. Watching videos is not sufficient. It helps if you've laminated fiberglass or have body work experience. The two hardest things I've dealt with is bridging and finding vacuum leaks. The worst part is trimming carbon. The dust is super fine so you need to be in a respirator and covered from head to toe.

I also made a carbon splitter which was about 10 lbs lighter than a smaller plywood splitter.

Working on a carbon hood - target is 8-9 lbs. I am going to delete the overhangs on the sides and its likely going to flutter a little bit at high speeds. Debating whether I keep the hinges or pin the hood at all 4 corners.

I am about to start a carbon left door - weight distribution. I have an OEM bumper that I hope to make a mold from this year.









I have also made some expensive mistakes...this hood is exhibit A