Drivetrain Weight Saving.
How much would a Mini Cooper S with no sunroof or navigation system and 16 in wheels weigh?
A modification I had in mind was an $85 PC680 battery from Odyssey that weighs 20 lbs less than stock.
What are some other mods?
Thanks.
A modification I had in mind was an $85 PC680 battery from Odyssey that weighs 20 lbs less than stock.
What are some other mods?
Thanks.
The brochure says 2,678 for the MCS - that's most likely "base" w/no options. Change out the seats to race buckets, save about 50 pounds total. Switch to a Quicksilver exhaust, save 20 pounds. Change out to even lighter wheels/tires, save up to 40 pounds total. Toss the rear seats, head-airbags, most of the interior, insulation, blah blah blah - save another 100 pounds. From there you'll have to start autoclaving your own carbon-fiber body panels :smile:
>>The brochure says 2,678 for the MCS - that's most likely "base" w/no options. Change out the seats to race buckets, save about 50 pounds total. Switch to a Quicksilver exhaust, save 20 pounds. Change out to even lighter wheels/tires, save up to 40 pounds total. Toss the rear seats, head-airbags, most of the interior, insulation, blah blah blah - save another 100 pounds. From there you'll have to start autoclaving your own carbon-fiber body panels :smile:
2,678 sounds right.
Sport Compact Car found that Sparco Race Buckets weighed 3 lbs more than stock.
Exhaust is nice, but expensive.
wheels/tires would be good, because you're losing unsprung weight, but those can be expensive, too.
How easy is it to remove the rear seats?
A gutted interior should save atleast 200 lbs.
What else would be a good mod, but cheap?
2,678 sounds right.
Sport Compact Car found that Sparco Race Buckets weighed 3 lbs more than stock.
Exhaust is nice, but expensive.
wheels/tires would be good, because you're losing unsprung weight, but those can be expensive, too.
How easy is it to remove the rear seats?
A gutted interior should save atleast 200 lbs.
What else would be a good mod, but cheap?
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
My Cooper S weighed 2530 lbs with 1/8 tank of gas and the car completely emptied. (No Driver)
I have Sport package so that counts Xenons, Fogs, and DSC above the base
I also have many Mods: Quaife, Leda Coilovers, Camber plates, SuperTrapp muffler, Odyssey Battery, CAI, Mania Header, HSport competition Rear bar, and of course light wheels and tires.
This was in autox trim in May. Since then, I've added the hSport rear control arms. I could still do a seat, but haven't. I wish I could lose more weight in the front of the car instead of the rear but I need to follow the SCCA STX classing rules.
I drove an evotech chipped Dealer demo S w/17" wheels & Runflats and lots of options and thought the car was a pig. It wasn't as quick as my car (butt dyno). But I also realized how much heavier the demo was so lightening up the car makes a difference. Now, if I could only get the driver to drop 40 lbs,,,,,,,,,,,,
I have Sport package so that counts Xenons, Fogs, and DSC above the base
I also have many Mods: Quaife, Leda Coilovers, Camber plates, SuperTrapp muffler, Odyssey Battery, CAI, Mania Header, HSport competition Rear bar, and of course light wheels and tires.
This was in autox trim in May. Since then, I've added the hSport rear control arms. I could still do a seat, but haven't. I wish I could lose more weight in the front of the car instead of the rear but I need to follow the SCCA STX classing rules.
I drove an evotech chipped Dealer demo S w/17" wheels & Runflats and lots of options and thought the car was a pig. It wasn't as quick as my car (butt dyno). But I also realized how much heavier the demo was so lightening up the car makes a difference. Now, if I could only get the driver to drop 40 lbs,,,,,,,,,,,,
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>>>The brochure says 2,678 for the MCS - that's most likely "base" w/no options. Change out the seats to race buckets, save about 50 pounds total. Switch to a Quicksilver exhaust, save 20 pounds. Change out to even lighter wheels/tires, save up to 40 pounds total. Toss the rear seats, head-airbags, most of the interior, insulation, blah blah blah - save another 100 pounds. From there you'll have to start autoclaving your own carbon-fiber body panels
The best way to figure out your true weight-not guessing it. Is to get to a truck weigh in station and hop on.
Then you know what you are working with.
>>>>Gutted interior, lite battery, lite exhaust, race seats, and lite wheels/tires - your MCS now weighs about 2,468
Before you gut the interior which is what many racing MINIs do to save alot of weight- do you plan to have any passengers? If not then go ahead. Spartan is best so don't forget the windows which are always down when you race unless it is super cold outside. You don't run AC in the car when you want to go fast so you need windows down plus you need to hear the engine to drive well. So this means remove the AC too.
>>Sport Compact Car found that Sparco Race Buckets weighed 3 lbs more than stock.
>>Exhaust is nice, but expensive.
>>wheels/tires would be good, because you're losing unsprung weight, but those can be expensive, too.
>>How easy is it to remove the rear seats?
>>A gutted interior should save atleast 200 lbs.
I don't think you are going to save 200 pounds by gutting the interior unless you forget to put in enough seats for more than one person- the driver. Also audio components are heavy so remove all those too.
>>What else would be a good mod, but cheap?
One word about cheap and cost. Unless you plan to do all the removals yourself and all the labor to put things back together again later, it will cost you in time or labor to get these weight mods done. Nothing is for free.
Truely cheap mods that don't cost much or are basically omissions (hence lower cost).
Choose all the basic options for the new car and pass up everything else that costs more.
If you must have the xenon lights for the look and brighness then that won't break the bank.
Look for all parts that don't need to be on the car given your use of the car. Count your likely passenger load and remove everything that isn't necessary.( I have up to 3 passengers so I have 4 working seats)
Remove covers and cometic trimmings that mean nothing other than looks-be aware that plastic is light.
Make your license plates as light at possible (no trim and lightweight bolts x 2 for each plate will work)
If you have an MCS consider the cut off the resonator exhaust mod (that will loose 20 pounds and cost under $100)
If you are truely just one person driving then get rid of the back seat and passenger seat-but then no one else can enjoy the ride with you unless they are sliding around on your seat indentions.
You can pull out the dash trimmings, dash board parts, door panels, rear panels, rear wiper, carpets etc if you don't care how things will look but it will make a bit of a mess in your garage. And some of us have done all these things.
Enjoy
The best way to figure out your true weight-not guessing it. Is to get to a truck weigh in station and hop on.
Then you know what you are working with.
>>>>Gutted interior, lite battery, lite exhaust, race seats, and lite wheels/tires - your MCS now weighs about 2,468
Before you gut the interior which is what many racing MINIs do to save alot of weight- do you plan to have any passengers? If not then go ahead. Spartan is best so don't forget the windows which are always down when you race unless it is super cold outside. You don't run AC in the car when you want to go fast so you need windows down plus you need to hear the engine to drive well. So this means remove the AC too.
>>Sport Compact Car found that Sparco Race Buckets weighed 3 lbs more than stock.
>>Exhaust is nice, but expensive.
>>wheels/tires would be good, because you're losing unsprung weight, but those can be expensive, too.
>>How easy is it to remove the rear seats?
>>A gutted interior should save atleast 200 lbs.
I don't think you are going to save 200 pounds by gutting the interior unless you forget to put in enough seats for more than one person- the driver. Also audio components are heavy so remove all those too.
>>What else would be a good mod, but cheap?
One word about cheap and cost. Unless you plan to do all the removals yourself and all the labor to put things back together again later, it will cost you in time or labor to get these weight mods done. Nothing is for free.
Truely cheap mods that don't cost much or are basically omissions (hence lower cost).
Choose all the basic options for the new car and pass up everything else that costs more.
If you must have the xenon lights for the look and brighness then that won't break the bank.
Look for all parts that don't need to be on the car given your use of the car. Count your likely passenger load and remove everything that isn't necessary.( I have up to 3 passengers so I have 4 working seats)
Remove covers and cometic trimmings that mean nothing other than looks-be aware that plastic is light.
Make your license plates as light at possible (no trim and lightweight bolts x 2 for each plate will work)
If you have an MCS consider the cut off the resonator exhaust mod (that will loose 20 pounds and cost under $100)
If you are truely just one person driving then get rid of the back seat and passenger seat-but then no one else can enjoy the ride with you unless they are sliding around on your seat indentions.
You can pull out the dash trimmings, dash board parts, door panels, rear panels, rear wiper, carpets etc if you don't care how things will look but it will make a bit of a mess in your garage. And some of us have done all these things.
Enjoy
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 2
From: los angeles
How to lose weight...... Wow we need hours but here it goes.
1. Lighter wheel tire combo makes a huge difference both in handling
and overall feel of steering and to some extent acceleration 20lbs
2. carbon Fiber hood saves 16lbs and looks fab.
3. Ceramic Titanium brakes with super light weight calipers....now this setup
is Fantastic the weight difference to the typical
brake system is breath taking. it will be availablevery soon 20lbs.
4. Coilover shocks are lighter and the springs are smaller 12lbs.
5. Titanium coilsprings another unbelivable product soooo lightweight
and so much better then then steel 10lbs.
6. Titanium exhaust system you could save 35+lbs doing this!
7. light weight battery save 20lbs.
8. Carbon/Kevlar seats look business and saves tons of weight plus the
added benefitt of holding you from sliding arround in the seat, you could
lose 50lbs right here.
9. Take back seat out and all hardware (seatbelts, anchors etc.) 30+lbs
10. Take out airbags 15-20 lbs.
11. Gett rid of the Ac system......easy 20lbs.
12. Stereo and audio system 15lbs or so.
13. Carpet 10lbs.
14. Door panels 2pcs replace with carbon fiber 10lbs.
15. Roof liner 5lbs.
16. rear controll arms 2lbs.
17. Replace rear swaybar with hollow H-sport 5lbs.
18. New front controll arms save 8lbs.
19. front swaybar to hollow 7lbs.
20. Carbon fiber body kit 8lbs
21. Light weight bolts and sqrews 8lbs
22. Lighter pistons
23. Lighter connecting rods 200 grams
24. New air box .5 lbs
25. lighter flywheel 10lbs
26. Acrylic windows 15-20lbs
27. Get rid of sunroof 50lbs
28. Take front rear bumpers out replace with lighter units 40lbs
29. replace doors and rear hatch with carbon fiber units 120lbs+
30. Get your fat *** into the gym 10-120lbs.
As you can see at some point you will grasp for straws for weight savings
buuuuut.......if you want a sub 2000lbs car thats going to kick ***,
Don't wait run down to the car tear all the goodies out of the car then.....
Call me Dr. Horvath for a consultation and some hard drugs
peter
562-712-3270
1. Lighter wheel tire combo makes a huge difference both in handling
and overall feel of steering and to some extent acceleration 20lbs
2. carbon Fiber hood saves 16lbs and looks fab.
3. Ceramic Titanium brakes with super light weight calipers....now this setup
is Fantastic the weight difference to the typical
brake system is breath taking. it will be availablevery soon 20lbs.
4. Coilover shocks are lighter and the springs are smaller 12lbs.
5. Titanium coilsprings another unbelivable product soooo lightweight
and so much better then then steel 10lbs.
6. Titanium exhaust system you could save 35+lbs doing this!
7. light weight battery save 20lbs.
8. Carbon/Kevlar seats look business and saves tons of weight plus the
added benefitt of holding you from sliding arround in the seat, you could
lose 50lbs right here.
9. Take back seat out and all hardware (seatbelts, anchors etc.) 30+lbs
10. Take out airbags 15-20 lbs.
11. Gett rid of the Ac system......easy 20lbs.
12. Stereo and audio system 15lbs or so.
13. Carpet 10lbs.
14. Door panels 2pcs replace with carbon fiber 10lbs.
15. Roof liner 5lbs.
16. rear controll arms 2lbs.
17. Replace rear swaybar with hollow H-sport 5lbs.
18. New front controll arms save 8lbs.
19. front swaybar to hollow 7lbs.
20. Carbon fiber body kit 8lbs
21. Light weight bolts and sqrews 8lbs
22. Lighter pistons
23. Lighter connecting rods 200 grams
24. New air box .5 lbs
25. lighter flywheel 10lbs
26. Acrylic windows 15-20lbs
27. Get rid of sunroof 50lbs
28. Take front rear bumpers out replace with lighter units 40lbs
29. replace doors and rear hatch with carbon fiber units 120lbs+
30. Get your fat *** into the gym 10-120lbs.
As you can see at some point you will grasp for straws for weight savings
buuuuut.......if you want a sub 2000lbs car thats going to kick ***,
Don't wait run down to the car tear all the goodies out of the car then.....
Call me Dr. Horvath for a consultation and some hard drugs
peter
562-712-3270
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
You can only lose so much fat from the MINI - so once you get rid of all the obvious stuff already mentioned, consider a driving class like the ones offered by the BMWCCA or similar outfits (I assume that eventually MINICCA will do these, as well). I think the adage is "a good driver is worth a hundred horsepower." Learning how to handle any car at its limits is worth it many times over if you're serious about doing any track driving.
Additionally, I think you could remove some additional mass by putting the battery in the trunk itself and getting rid of the battery box altogether - though you'd be moving the battery higher (small penalty for raising the center of gravity). This way you could fab a straight-through exhaust.
Finally, and I know it's been mentioned before throughout this thread, LIGHTER WHEEL/TIRE combo makes a HUGE difference! If you have the $$$ means, SSR Comp R's in 16x6.5" are 11 lbs, and coupled with lightish tires will save you a BUNCH of rotating unsprung weight - which translates into an incredible improvement in acceleration.
Hope this helps...
Additionally, I think you could remove some additional mass by putting the battery in the trunk itself and getting rid of the battery box altogether - though you'd be moving the battery higher (small penalty for raising the center of gravity). This way you could fab a straight-through exhaust.
Finally, and I know it's been mentioned before throughout this thread, LIGHTER WHEEL/TIRE combo makes a HUGE difference! If you have the $$$ means, SSR Comp R's in 16x6.5" are 11 lbs, and coupled with lightish tires will save you a BUNCH of rotating unsprung weight - which translates into an incredible improvement in acceleration.
Hope this helps...
Trending Topics
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 614
Likes: 0
From: Florida
>>1. Lighter wheel tire combo makes a huge difference both in handling
>>and overall feel of steering and to some extent acceleration 20lbs
>>
>>2. carbon Fiber hood saves 16lbs and looks fab.
>>
>>3. Ceramic Titanium brakes with super light weight calipers....now this setup
>>is Fantastic the weight difference to the typical
>>brake system is breath taking. it will be availablevery soon 20lbs.
>>
>>4. Coilover shocks are lighter and the springs are smaller 12lbs.
>>
>>5. Titanium coilsprings another unbelivable product soooo lightweight
>>and so much better then then steel 10lbs.
>>
>>6. Titanium exhaust system you could save 35+lbs doing this!
>>
>>7. light weight battery save 20lbs.
>>
>>8. Carbon/Kevlar seats look business and saves tons of weight plus the
>>added benefitt of holding you from sliding arround in the seat, you could
>>lose 50lbs right here.
>>
>>9. Take back seat out and all hardware (seatbelts, anchors etc.) 30+lbs
>>
>>10. Take out airbags 15-20 lbs.
>>
>>11. Gett rid of the Ac system......easy 20lbs.
>>
>>12. Stereo and audio system 15lbs or so.
>>
>>13. Carpet 10lbs.
>>
>>14. Door panels 2pcs replace with carbon fiber 10lbs.
>>
>>15. Roof liner 5lbs.
>>
>>16. rear controll arms 2lbs.
>>
>>17. Replace rear swaybar with hollow H-sport 5lbs.
>>
>>18. New front controll arms save 8lbs.
>>
>>19. front swaybar to hollow 7lbs.
>>
>>20. Carbon fiber body kit 8lbs
>>
>>21. Light weight bolts and sqrews 8lbs
>>
>>22. Lighter pistons
>>
>>23. Lighter connecting rods 200 grams
>>
>>24. New air box .5 lbs
>>
>>25. lighter flywheel 10lbs
>>
>>26. Acrylic windows 15-20lbs
>>
>>27. Get rid of sunroof 50lbs
>>
>>28. Take front rear bumpers out replace with lighter units 40lbs
>>
>>29. replace doors and rear hatch with carbon fiber units 120lbs+
Hey, how about an estimate on the total cost of these upgrades?
If you can afford all that stuff, you might as well get on the waiting list for the Lotus Elise.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
This is what I did:
1. Ordered the car without the sunroof (saving 62 lbs.) and stayed with the base wheels.
2. Replaced stock wheels/tires a set of the 7-hole wheels from the base Cooper (saving 52 lbs.).
3. Took out the rear parcel shelf (saving 4 lbs. - mine had the warning triangle installed when I bought it).
4. Next step is a mufflerectomy - removing the passenger side muffler (saving 22 lbs.)
1. Ordered the car without the sunroof (saving 62 lbs.) and stayed with the base wheels.
2. Replaced stock wheels/tires a set of the 7-hole wheels from the base Cooper (saving 52 lbs.).
3. Took out the rear parcel shelf (saving 4 lbs. - mine had the warning triangle installed when I bought it).
4. Next step is a mufflerectomy - removing the passenger side muffler (saving 22 lbs.)
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 2
From: los angeles
>>>>1. Lighter wheel tire combo makes a huge difference both in handling ....... $ 1500.00
>>>>and overall feel of steering and to some extent acceleration 20lbs
>>>>
>>>>2. carbon Fiber hood saves 16lbs and looks fab. ........ $ 799.00
>>>>
>>>>3. Ceramic Titanium brakes with super light weight calipers....now this setup ......... $ 3600.00
>>>>is Fantastic the weight difference to the typical
>>>>brake system is breath taking. it will be availablevery soon 20lbs.
>>>>
>>>>4. Coilover shocks are lighter and the springs are smaller 12lbs. .......... $ 1800.00
>>>>
>>>>5. Titanium coilsprings another unbelivable product soooo lightweight .......... $ 1200.00
>>>>and so much better then then steel 10lbs.
>>>>
>>>>6. Titanium exhaust system you could save 35+lbs doing this! .......... $ 1100.00
>>>>
>>>>7. light weight battery save 20lbs.
>>>>
>>>>8. Carbon/Kevlar seats look business and saves tons of weight plus the ........... $ 3200.00
>>>>added benefitt of holding you from sliding arround in the seat, you could
>>>>lose 50lbs right here.
>>>>
>>>>9. Take back seat out and all hardware (seatbelts, anchors etc.) 30+lbs ............ $ free
>>>>
>>>>10. Take out airbags 15-20 lbs. ............ $ Nada
>>>>
>>>>11. Gett rid of the Ac system......easy 20lbs. ............ $ Zero
>>>>
>>>>12. Stereo and audio system 15lbs or so. ............ $ Ingenting
>>>>
>>>>13. Carpet 10lbs. ............ $ Gratis
>>>>
>>>>14. Door panels 2pcs replace with carbon fiber 10lbs. ............. $ 1400.00
>>>>
>>>>15. Roof liner 5lbs. ............. $ Zilch
>>>>
>>>>16. rear controll arms 2lbs. ............. $ 436.00
>>>>
>>>>17. Replace rear swaybar with hollow H-sport 5lbs. ............. $ 210.00
>>>>
>>>>18. New front controll arms save 8lbs. .............. $ 804.00
>>>>
>>>>19. front swaybar to hollow 7lbs. ............. $ 210.00
>>>>
>>>>20. Carbon fiber body kit 8lbs. ............. $ 3000.00
>>>>
>>>>21. Light weight bolts and sqrews 8lbs. ............. $ 350.00
>>>>
>>>>22. Lighter pistons. .............. $ 550.00
>>>>
>>>>23. Lighter connecting rods 200 grams. ............... $ 900.00
>>>>
>>>>24. New air box .5 lbs. .............. $ 499.00
>>>>
>>>>25. lighter flywheel 10lbs. ............... $ 699.99
>>>>
>>>>26. Acrylic windows 15-20lbs. ............... $ 600.00
>>>>
>>>>27. Get rid of sunroof 50lbs. .............. $ ??????
>>>>
>>>>28. Take front rear bumpers out replace with lighter units 40lbs. ............. $ 150.00
>>>>
>>>>29. replace rear hatch with carbon fiber unit 40lbs+. ............. $ 700.00
>>
>>
>>Hey, how about an estimate on the total cost of these upgrades?
Greetings....
Most prices are pretty much correct or close, some are guestimates....... but what the hell
>>
>>If you can afford all that stuff, you might as well get on the waiting list for the Lotus Elise.
I love the Mini why would I buy a Lotus.......
peter horvath
562-712-3270
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
First before we go any further- this is the extreme no holds barred approach to weight loss-
The original post by andrewsky was I think intended to inquire about some less expensive alternatives at weight loss.
I do really like the driving school recommendation as that will help overall no matter how much weight is saved.
And the other thing about weight loss is how reliable is the car and it's very light weight but maybe less strong parts.
Along with reliability is when it fails who is going to fix it and for how much.
As with anything good there are also labor costs so I added some estimates but Peter can adjust more-
>1. Lighter wheel tire combo makes a huge difference both in handling ....... $ 1500.00
20 minutes to change wheels
>2. carbon Fiber hood saves 16lbs and looks fab. ........ $ 799.00
3 or 4 hours labor to pull everything off and install new bonnet.
>3. Ceramic Titanium brakes with super light weight calipers....now this setup ......... $ 3600.00
two hours labor- might as well do titanium brake lines while you're at it?
>>>>>>4. Coilover shocks are lighter and the springs are smaller 12lbs. .......... $ 1800.00
2 or 3 hours labor to install
>>>>>>5. Titanium coilsprings another unbelivable product soooo lightweight .......... $ 1200.00
1-2 hours labor to install. Are these custom made?
>>>>>>6. Titanium exhaust system you could save 35+lbs doing this! .......... $ 1100.00
1 hour to install. The stock exhaust is about 44 pounds.
>>>>>>7. light weight battery save 20lbs.
Easy DIY
>>>>>>8. Carbon/Kevlar seats look business and saves tons of weight plus the ........... $ 3200.00
>>>>>>added benefitt of holding you from sliding arround in the seat, you could
>>>>>>lose 50lbs right here.
But you might need aftermarket seat racks and you loose airbags from the seats (dead weight?)
3 hours labor to install.
>>>>>>9. Take back seat out and all hardware (seatbelts, anchors etc.) 30+lbs ............ $ free
1 hour labor.
>>>>>>10. Take out airbags 15-20 lbs. ............ $ Nada
1 hour labor or more.
>>>>>>11. Gett rid of the Ac system......easy 20lbs. ............ $ Zero
2 hours labor.
>>>>>>12. Stereo and audio system 15lbs or so. ............ $ Ingenting
Don't forget the speakers. 1-2 hours labor.
>>>>>>13. Carpet 10lbs. ............ $ Gratis
1 hour if you combine it with the other things removed.
>>>>>>14. Door panels 2pcs replace with carbon fiber 10lbs. ............. $ 1400.00
30 minutes to 1 hour labor.
>15. Roof liner 5lbs. ............. $ Zilch
1 hour labor.
>16. rear controll arms 2lbs. ............. $ 436.00
Don't they make them in titanium? Custom job-spare no cost. Some Control arms are heavier than stock.
1-2 hours labor if you remove and replace two or all four control arms.
>17. Replace rear swaybar with hollow H-sport 5lbs. ............. $ 210.00
1 hour labor.
>18. New front control arms save 8lbs. .............. $ 804.00
1 hour labor.
>19. front swaybar to hollow 7lbs. ............. $ 210.00
1 hour labor.
>20. Carbon fiber body kit 8lbs. ............. $ 3000.00
hopefully you don't paint the kit, so just 4-5 hours to install it.
>21. Light weight bolts and sqrews 8lbs. ............. $ 350.00
2 hours to pull all the bolts and nuts and reinstall.
>22. Lighter pistons. .............. $ 550.00
? 3 hours labor-maybe more.
>23. Lighter connecting rods 200 grams. ............... $ 900.00
1 hour of labor. When we are talking grams then that is pretty slim savings for $900.
>24. New air box .5 lbs. .............. $ 499.00
Maybe if this was an aluminum or titanium or CF airbox then you could loose the weight but plastic is pretty light.
If I weighed the aftermarket intake filter I bet it would not be so light unless it was foam.
I give you credit on labor-DIY.
>25. lighter flywheel 10lbs. ............... $ 699.99
3-4 hours labor maybe more (could do it at the same time as a Quaife LSD (+$1000)-but you might gain weight!)
>26. Acrylic windows 15-20lbs. ............... $ 600.00
2 hours labor to install/swap.
>27. Get rid of sunroof 50lbs. .............. $ ??????
Hopefully you did not order it. Labor to pull it and put in a CF cover (this has been done) about 5 hours.
>28. Take front rear bumpers out replace with lighter units 40lbs. ............. $ 150.00
I thought this was already part of the CF aerokit? 2 hours.
>29. replace rear hatch with carbon fiber unit 40lbs+. ............. $ 700.00
Omit the rear hatch wiper I hope and no badging. Maybe put in the acrylic rear window or loose the window and mold the rear hatch solid and loose the center rear view mirror too.
3 hours labor.
>Hey, how about an estimate on the total cost of these upgrades?
For the estimate on parts it all came to $23,707 (you could sell some of the used original parts)
And for the estimate on labor it came to hours and if based on a low 43.83 to 56.33 hours @$85 per hour then it would come to $3725 to $4788 (this is a low estimate in my book)
Don't forget the cost of shipping which for me is about 10% of the parts cost but we'll discount it for the continental US to be about $1500 total
This gives a grand total of $28,932 to $29,995 so definitely in the $30K range. What a bargain.
Pretty nice MINI with all that.
>>Greetings....
>>>>If you can afford all that stuff, you might as well get on the waiting list for the Lotus Elise.
The Elise would be a dime a dozen but a titanium MINI might be super rare.
>>peter horvath
>>562-712-3270
Thank you peter- When can I buy these parts? I kinda ran out of stuff to do as many of us in the $15,000+ club have done. This gives me new ideas. I hope I don't crash into anything solid as my MINI is picked up by a gust of wind.
The original post by andrewsky was I think intended to inquire about some less expensive alternatives at weight loss.
I do really like the driving school recommendation as that will help overall no matter how much weight is saved.
And the other thing about weight loss is how reliable is the car and it's very light weight but maybe less strong parts.
Along with reliability is when it fails who is going to fix it and for how much.
As with anything good there are also labor costs so I added some estimates but Peter can adjust more-
>1. Lighter wheel tire combo makes a huge difference both in handling ....... $ 1500.00
20 minutes to change wheels
>2. carbon Fiber hood saves 16lbs and looks fab. ........ $ 799.00
3 or 4 hours labor to pull everything off and install new bonnet.
>3. Ceramic Titanium brakes with super light weight calipers....now this setup ......... $ 3600.00
two hours labor- might as well do titanium brake lines while you're at it?
>>>>>>4. Coilover shocks are lighter and the springs are smaller 12lbs. .......... $ 1800.00
2 or 3 hours labor to install
>>>>>>5. Titanium coilsprings another unbelivable product soooo lightweight .......... $ 1200.00
1-2 hours labor to install. Are these custom made?
>>>>>>6. Titanium exhaust system you could save 35+lbs doing this! .......... $ 1100.00
1 hour to install. The stock exhaust is about 44 pounds.
>>>>>>7. light weight battery save 20lbs.
Easy DIY
>>>>>>8. Carbon/Kevlar seats look business and saves tons of weight plus the ........... $ 3200.00
>>>>>>added benefitt of holding you from sliding arround in the seat, you could
>>>>>>lose 50lbs right here.
But you might need aftermarket seat racks and you loose airbags from the seats (dead weight?)
3 hours labor to install.
>>>>>>9. Take back seat out and all hardware (seatbelts, anchors etc.) 30+lbs ............ $ free
1 hour labor.
>>>>>>10. Take out airbags 15-20 lbs. ............ $ Nada
1 hour labor or more.
>>>>>>11. Gett rid of the Ac system......easy 20lbs. ............ $ Zero
2 hours labor.
>>>>>>12. Stereo and audio system 15lbs or so. ............ $ Ingenting
Don't forget the speakers. 1-2 hours labor.
>>>>>>13. Carpet 10lbs. ............ $ Gratis
1 hour if you combine it with the other things removed.
>>>>>>14. Door panels 2pcs replace with carbon fiber 10lbs. ............. $ 1400.00
30 minutes to 1 hour labor.
>15. Roof liner 5lbs. ............. $ Zilch
1 hour labor.
>16. rear controll arms 2lbs. ............. $ 436.00
Don't they make them in titanium? Custom job-spare no cost. Some Control arms are heavier than stock.
1-2 hours labor if you remove and replace two or all four control arms.
>17. Replace rear swaybar with hollow H-sport 5lbs. ............. $ 210.00
1 hour labor.
>18. New front control arms save 8lbs. .............. $ 804.00
1 hour labor.
>19. front swaybar to hollow 7lbs. ............. $ 210.00
1 hour labor.
>20. Carbon fiber body kit 8lbs. ............. $ 3000.00
hopefully you don't paint the kit, so just 4-5 hours to install it.
>21. Light weight bolts and sqrews 8lbs. ............. $ 350.00
2 hours to pull all the bolts and nuts and reinstall.
>22. Lighter pistons. .............. $ 550.00
? 3 hours labor-maybe more.
>23. Lighter connecting rods 200 grams. ............... $ 900.00
1 hour of labor. When we are talking grams then that is pretty slim savings for $900.
>24. New air box .5 lbs. .............. $ 499.00
Maybe if this was an aluminum or titanium or CF airbox then you could loose the weight but plastic is pretty light.
If I weighed the aftermarket intake filter I bet it would not be so light unless it was foam.
I give you credit on labor-DIY.
>25. lighter flywheel 10lbs. ............... $ 699.99
3-4 hours labor maybe more (could do it at the same time as a Quaife LSD (+$1000)-but you might gain weight!)
>26. Acrylic windows 15-20lbs. ............... $ 600.00
2 hours labor to install/swap.
>27. Get rid of sunroof 50lbs. .............. $ ??????
Hopefully you did not order it. Labor to pull it and put in a CF cover (this has been done) about 5 hours.
>28. Take front rear bumpers out replace with lighter units 40lbs. ............. $ 150.00
I thought this was already part of the CF aerokit? 2 hours.
>29. replace rear hatch with carbon fiber unit 40lbs+. ............. $ 700.00
Omit the rear hatch wiper I hope and no badging. Maybe put in the acrylic rear window or loose the window and mold the rear hatch solid and loose the center rear view mirror too.
3 hours labor.
>Hey, how about an estimate on the total cost of these upgrades?
For the estimate on parts it all came to $23,707 (you could sell some of the used original parts)
And for the estimate on labor it came to hours and if based on a low 43.83 to 56.33 hours @$85 per hour then it would come to $3725 to $4788 (this is a low estimate in my book)
Don't forget the cost of shipping which for me is about 10% of the parts cost but we'll discount it for the continental US to be about $1500 total
This gives a grand total of $28,932 to $29,995 so definitely in the $30K range. What a bargain.
Pretty nice MINI with all that.
>>Greetings....
>>>>If you can afford all that stuff, you might as well get on the waiting list for the Lotus Elise.
The Elise would be a dime a dozen but a titanium MINI might be super rare.
>>peter horvath
>>562-712-3270
Thank you peter- When can I buy these parts? I kinda ran out of stuff to do as many of us in the $15,000+ club have done. This gives me new ideas. I hope I don't crash into anything solid as my MINI is picked up by a gust of wind.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 540
Likes: 1
From: Calabasas, Los Angeles
>>How much would a Mini Cooper S with no sunroof or navigation system and 16 in wheels weigh?
>>
With the stock 16" x-lites (?17 lbs) and no driver, my car weighed in at 2550lb. I haven't reweighed it after that, but we all know the QS exhaust saves 20 pounds. I'll see what the updated weight is like after I get some lightweight 16's and tires in the coming months. I can't wait to feel how nimble the car gets.
>>
With the stock 16" x-lites (?17 lbs) and no driver, my car weighed in at 2550lb. I haven't reweighed it after that, but we all know the QS exhaust saves 20 pounds. I'll see what the updated weight is like after I get some lightweight 16's and tires in the coming months. I can't wait to feel how nimble the car gets.
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>With the stock 16" x-lites (?17 lbs) and no driver, my car weighed in at 2550lb. I haven't reweighed it after that, but we all know the QS exhaust saves 20 pounds. I'll see what the updated weight is like after I get some lightweight 16's and tires in the coming months. I can't wait to feel how nimble the car gets.
Thanks-this is good news. Since the MINI info says the MCS is 2678 pounds and if we estimate the the sunroof was 50 pounds and they used the stock radio and maybe the S-lyte wheels with runflats which are 25 pounds each rim vs the X-lites that are 18 pounds per rim that is a savings of 28 pounds. Maybe 22 pounds less for the Quicksilver exhaust and another 20 pounds for no NAV. Then the 2678 should be -50,-28, -22, -20 so = 2558. Close, add 2 pounds for the HK audio upgrade or maybe the 2678 was already with the HK and leather seat option.
Now add some sticky tires, a few days at driving school and a bunch of subway sandwiches for a 10 pound weight trimming and you have a very lean MINI fighting machine ready to go.
_________________
ALOHA
Thanks-this is good news. Since the MINI info says the MCS is 2678 pounds and if we estimate the the sunroof was 50 pounds and they used the stock radio and maybe the S-lyte wheels with runflats which are 25 pounds each rim vs the X-lites that are 18 pounds per rim that is a savings of 28 pounds. Maybe 22 pounds less for the Quicksilver exhaust and another 20 pounds for no NAV. Then the 2678 should be -50,-28, -22, -20 so = 2558. Close, add 2 pounds for the HK audio upgrade or maybe the 2678 was already with the HK and leather seat option.
Now add some sticky tires, a few days at driving school and a bunch of subway sandwiches for a 10 pound weight trimming and you have a very lean MINI fighting machine ready to go.
_________________
ALOHA
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
If you think about it, ordering the sunroof, then taking it out and replacing it with a CF panel (cheap), you'd be lighter than a car that had the full roof, and lighter in a good place. Almost like having a CF roof ala M3 CSL & M3 GTR.
Our drag racing cooper weighed in at 1600lbs I believe. Thats everything out of the interior but a racing seat, dash, steering wheel, small 3 gallon gas tank, and a nitrous bottle. Lexan windows all the way around, CF trunk hatch, CF hood, itty bitty wheels in the back, and a straight through exhaust pipe.
Tom
Our drag racing cooper weighed in at 1600lbs I believe. Thats everything out of the interior but a racing seat, dash, steering wheel, small 3 gallon gas tank, and a nitrous bottle. Lexan windows all the way around, CF trunk hatch, CF hood, itty bitty wheels in the back, and a straight through exhaust pipe.
Tom
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
I should probley get that battery and i dont weigh that much at all so it would really be a big thing to have 20lbs shaved off the car...
>>How much would a Mini Cooper S with no sunroof or navigation system and 16 in wheels weigh?
>>
>>A modification I had in mind was an $85 PC680 battery from Odyssey that weighs 20 lbs less than stock.
>>
>>What are some other mods?
>>
>>Thanks.
>>How much would a Mini Cooper S with no sunroof or navigation system and 16 in wheels weigh?
>>
>>A modification I had in mind was an $85 PC680 battery from Odyssey that weighs 20 lbs less than stock.
>>
>>What are some other mods?
>>
>>Thanks.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,957
Likes: 2
From: a canyon, south Bay Area
The rear seats, which I find useless, at least for my family and friends, with seat belts and hardware was like 47 lbs, gone... With those out, there's no need for the grab handles either...
As far as cutting a hole in the roof for cf, I'd make sure that it doesn't impact the rigidity. Often times that is the case...
I'm at minus 140lbs, and see 200lbs as achieveable (maybe), while still maintaining a finished, non-hacked appearance...
As far as cutting a hole in the roof for cf, I'd make sure that it doesn't impact the rigidity. Often times that is the case...
I'm at minus 140lbs, and see 200lbs as achieveable (maybe), while still maintaining a finished, non-hacked appearance...
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 614
Likes: 0
From: Florida
>>I love the Mini why would I buy a Lotus?
I love the MINI, too. I have a base Cooper. But if I could afford even better handling with a much better powerplant I'm sure I would love that as well. Having a stealthy "titanium" MINI would be cool. Thanks for throwing out some numbers ($) for the upgrades.
I love the MINI, too. I have a base Cooper. But if I could afford even better handling with a much better powerplant I'm sure I would love that as well. Having a stealthy "titanium" MINI would be cool. Thanks for throwing out some numbers ($) for the upgrades.
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