Pat Steinbach purchased a car on Ebay a couple of years ago. The car was a
lightened for racing. They swear that the car weighs 1100 pounds. I don't see
how this could be beacuse the frame, suspension, rear axle, and motor alone are
close to 1100 pounds. Pat's car has had the front subframe removed and
replaced with a couple of thin bars that support the fenders. I wonder if the
motor could be used as a structural member with solid mounts and some braces
that run from the upper a-arm mount to the head. another brace from the upper
a-arm mount to the firewall or all the way to the rollcage could provide more
stiffness. It seems that a lighter car would need less bracing than the heavy
stock car.
-----Original Message-----
From: John Wightman <johnwightman@shaw.ca>
Sent: Aug 4, 2004 10:45 AM
To: 'Andy Cost' <andycost@earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: Cutting parts away
Andy,
I was looking at doing this also, but for a different reason - to make more
room in the engine compartment. I don't think the subframe is critical for
chassis rigidity, given that all the suspension bits are attached to the
main frame. My current thinking is to remove the subframe, but replace it
with smaller diameter (1" perhaps) tubing running from a plate bolted to the
firewall, continuing just underneath the flange where the fenders mount, and
then turning vertically downwards to meet the main frame right by the rad. I
think this would save a lot of weight, and still provide support for the
grille, fenders, etc.
FWIW...
JW
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