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Old 08-09-2013, 08:55 PM   #11
mav1178
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueDubbinTDI View Post
um taking weight away from a car gives all the benefits from other parts all in 1. MPG, acceleration, and handling all improve with weight loss. That's why the most expensive performance cars are almost completely made of carbon fiber. A 500hp vehicle can make the same 0-60 times as a 1000hp vehicle all because of weight. That's where this car shines. It starts at around 2750lbs. Many cars cant dream of that weight these days. Wheels, exhaust, spare tire + tools and (heavy) battery delete can get you down another 100 easily. I cant think of a downside of losing too much weight in a car
Wrong ... Blanket statements are never good.

From a purely physics perspective, weight loss on a car is good.

From a practical standpoint, weight loss is not as important as weight distribution, especially with modified suspension. If you go with a fuel cell and lighten the car by ~60lbs or more in the back of the car, ideally you'd want your suspension spring rate and dampening to match the changed weight distribution.

Your suspension should also provide a degree of squat/antisquat based on the weight... and this is all towards your ultimate goal.

So, to answer the original question:
Yes, lighter items are great for going faster, but there's a hidden drawback. In general, losing weight on unsprung parts yields benefits.

-alex
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