As some of you know, we are prepping a MINI S for the Car & Driver Supertuner Challenge happening in mid May. Along with major engine and suspension work, we're also trying hard to reduce weight. The sunroof has already been removed and replaced with a carbon fiber panel. But we weren't happy with 50lbs of removed weight, we wanted MORE! And we found it.

The rear seatbacks use a very heavy metal back plate.



We've removed the backplates and fitted some new hardboard backs, with some dowling to utilize the stock mounting points. Fits like a dream and saves 40lbs!!!!!



As we're using Schroth racing harnesses for the car, the back seat is not useable, so losing the seatback functionality was not a concern. Just thought I'd pass on this tip for anyone wanting to lose some major poundage without losing the stock appearance of the inside.

R

 

Looks to me like a good new product idea. Perhaps a reinforced aluminum replacement that would allow for use by occupants under a certain weight? (They're really only suitable for children anyway.)

 

Why not just strip the seats out all together?

 

We want to present a classy MINI at the Challenge. Not one that looks race prepped by being stripped on the inside. They are there only to fool the eye into thinking the backseat area is stock.

R

 

Can you put up a pictures of what the modified rear seats look like inside the car?

 

That's really cool. I think that, that is a good idea, 40 pounds more after 50 pounds I one hell of a lot of weight on a car as small and light as the MINI.

 

From way up high Colin Chapman is looking down & smiling

 

>>Can you put up a pictures of what the modified rear seats look like inside the car?

Exactly the same as stock. There's no perceivable difference once they are installed. That's the beauty of it. :smile:

R

 

until one of the testers tries to sit back there.

 

>>until one of the testers tries to sit back there.

Well they'd have to straddle the Scroth Harness leads, so that won't be happening, but would be funny!

R

 

I have a question...
How does the seat back lock into place? Did you just cut a hole for where the bracket normally is?

 

I've also just removed the backseat. Not for racing/speed purposes, just because it gives me a huge amount of room. I'm in the process of building a platform to go over the exposed area, to make it all flat and finished looking. My Mini is now like a 2 seat station wagon.

BTW, as a side note, now I get more light inside- when you turn on the interior lights, those little lights in the boot come on too, and without the seats, its like day inside.

 

Can you tell me more about the sunroof delete? Can it be put in/taken out with ease so it can be in for track days and out for cruising? I've searched the forums and haven't seen any information about it. Most importantly, will it be available for sale at any point?

 

I'm interested in both the sunroof replacement (European Car did something similar I think...this isn't the same MINI is it??) and the seatback replacement. If there isn't a thread already on the sunroof, could you start one with more details, Davebret?? Back the the seats. Could something similar be done to lighten the seats, but still keep the functionality? It wouldn't have to save all 40 lbs, but any weight savings would be great.