weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Hi i would like to take some weight out of my nova still 30 heavy for minimum weight

anybody has some ideas ?

thanks

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Did you try a lighter battery? I have used the Dynabatt battery.

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

yes I have odyssey small battery

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Replace stock seats with aftermarket such as demonstrated on Ken's build thread? Battery (s) are a easy way to lose weight and assume you've already removed all the extra insulation everywhere. Lightweight wheels, disc brakes, springs, etc are all opportunities....what have you already done, it's a long check list of things that can be done...you might even get a PM or two about some "other" items. BTW, if I was only 30 over I'd be very cautious, gusting wind can change your scale weight and there are tons of other variables that can make you scale too light. I normally ran 50-70 pounds heavy 'just in case'.

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Thanks JM

in not only to be at the minimum its more to be able to put some balast in the back to

I will check for insulation

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Don't forget the "crash bars" in the doors. GM started putting them in '69 if I recall. Other items would be heater core, heater box, etc., etc., etc.

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Light weight carpet will save you some pounds as well. You'll be amazed how much insulation and non-essential wiring can be removed.

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

jim you have a pm

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Any wiring that is not needed. For me the seat deal was not what is was cracked up to be in regards to weight. It all depends on what the current seats are, vs how much fabricating and additional mounting material you have to add. I saved a whopping 30 lbs total. Not worth the time and money, should have just redone the stock seats. Look at everything in the car. What is really needed. Remove sound deadener, insulation and heavy carpet. Fab brackets from aluminum, if its non structural, aluminum hardware. Lighten stuff up by windowing holes. Take a box and place everything in it as it is removed. Put the box on a scale, and you may be surprised how much it adds up. The front brakes on my car was worth at least 30#, and money well spent.

Sean

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Sean what brakes did you put on ?

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

a bit costly but a metric trans was worth 60 pounds from a turbo 350 for me

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Strange. I have all my notes with weight removed, but cannot find the exact number on the brakes. There are a lot of things to get rid of, or modify, and you can get to where you want to be. Every ounce adds up.

I looked at the pictures of your car, are you having traction problems? Others familiar with your body style, and suspension can bring a lot more help.

Sean

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Sean no problem with traction those are old photos from 5 years ago just

Thanks for the infos

Dion i have a metric in the car

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Stock disc front brakes to Wilwoods on my 97 Firebird was worth 40 lbs....
and I weighed all the parts I took off and put on so that is accurate...

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Matt, I agree with rich wilwood brakes were a 40 pound weight reduction in my car too!

Tim stickles

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Tim Rich, i have the wilwood brakes already

think ill put my dad behind the wheel he is 30lbs lighter than me lol

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

WOW 40lbs...!!!! You are talking about Front only Correct?

Were they still an improvement in Braking over the stock Calipers?

Considering them for my Impala SS.

D

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

matt send me an email when you get a chance tstickff123@yahoo.com

Tim

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

The brake kit I used was sold and put together by a compnay in Pa.
I can't recall their name or how I found them.

It was basically a rear kit with mounts cutom made to fit the front of a late model f-body and worked very well.

My car stopped better and still had aluminum drums in the rear at the time.

I piled all the parts I took off the car on a bathroom scale and did the same thing with the new kit.......43 lbs lighter.....

Those brakes are still on that car ....I sold it in 2006 or 2007

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Mat you need to get rid or unbolt anything you do not need or use,,Brackets brake cables wiring ..door hardware....liteweight parts where ever you can put them and dont forget time and $..I can get to 3125 in my car with abench seat..

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

James really? wow i will have to look at all i can get out would love to try running F

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Replacement front windshield. Lighter than factory

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

I raced a '69 Nova around 1996 and I could get to just under 3200 lbs with me in it. I weigh 150 give or take a few lbs...

Drum brakes....powerglide....stock bench seat...one small battery up front...full carpeting....weight box in the trunk....

I think the G weight minimum was 3195 ? Not sure...

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Mine weighed in right at 3200. That's with factory buckets, no weight in the box, turbo 350, single light weight battery and me at 210. With my 200 and a little more work I think I can make 3150.

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

Bingo! Replace the factory front and rear. Front can be as much as 5 lbs or more lighter and the rear 3-4. Probably the cheapest weight to get out.

Re: weight reduction G/SA nova
 

FWIW...I changed my diet and lost 30 # last year.
Saved money because I fit into my clothes better.
Ended up adding weight the car to make weight.

Another benefit my cholesterol for the first time ever went well below 200.
Always seem to over a bit over..

Cut out a lot of bread and ate more just about everything along with a new exercise

Called a PUSH AWAY !!!:)


D

Dan