TL Diet 2.0/Track Car Build - Roll Cage Pg 51
01-22-2011, 09:08 PM
#41
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You could probably sell the nav and get a gauge pod... 
just something to think about. What's your DD?
just something to think about. What's your DD?
01-22-2011, 09:30 PM
#45
Totally agree. I love being the "underdog" at track events. A lot of people come up to me after a run group session asking me about the car. Is it the ideal track car? No. And that makes it that much more special.
It also doesn't make sense financially (at least for me) to sell my car for 13k(?) and pick up a used M3 for 20k+ and then make it into a track car. I'm confident that the TL can take the abuse and will be pretty reliable going forward. I don't have that same warm feeling with a used M3.
Anyways, enough of my "rant". How about some pics of the interior!
It also doesn't make sense financially (at least for me) to sell my car for 13k(?) and pick up a used M3 for 20k+ and then make it into a track car. I'm confident that the TL can take the abuse and will be pretty reliable going forward. I don't have that same warm feeling with a used M3.
Anyways, enough of my "rant". How about some pics of the interior!
for street cars (but yes i get the same kinda thing with my 2g though, in that most people are like WTF, when they see that it can actually move some (not quite sti or M3 territory though yet, but hopefully one day though 
)and as far as being a reliable race car, sometimes that is what it takes, and not quite being the fastest out there (look at endurance racing)
01-22-2011, 09:41 PM
#46
and i think with the car being way lighter then stock it should help ease some of the force needed to turn
also i have heard, that when you do connect the lines together on the rack, and run them to a reservoir (on a 98 accord V6 btw), it does ease up some of the steering effort, because you are no longer pushing fluid through the pump and such with the engine off
btw
on the 2g TL DD; type-S at least?edit: and considering that it is a track car, and probably would not care about it being tinny sounding inside, maybe cut out all the interior sheetmetal of the rear doors, and cover it with aluminum or CF sheet, so no sharp edges are exposed
Last edited by friesm2000; 01-22-2011 at 09:44 PM.
01-22-2011, 09:55 PM
#48
so you line it up beforehand, not like you turn while going up onto the trailer (hopefully)
and i think with the car being way lighter then stock it should help ease some of the force needed to turn
also i have heard, that when you do connect the lines together on the rack, and run them to a reservoir (on a 98 accord V6 btw), it does ease up some of the steering effort, because you are no longer pushing fluid through the pump and such with the engine off
btw on the 2g TL DD; type-S at least?
edit: and considering that it is a track car, and probably would not care about it being tinny sounding inside, maybe cut out all the interior sheetmetal of the rear doors, and cover it with aluminum or CF sheet, so no sharp edges are exposed
and i think with the car being way lighter then stock it should help ease some of the force needed to turn
also i have heard, that when you do connect the lines together on the rack, and run them to a reservoir (on a 98 accord V6 btw), it does ease up some of the steering effort, because you are no longer pushing fluid through the pump and such with the engine off
btw
on the 2g TL DD; type-S at least?edit: and considering that it is a track car, and probably would not care about it being tinny sounding inside, maybe cut out all the interior sheetmetal of the rear doors, and cover it with aluminum or CF sheet, so no sharp edges are exposed
My 02 is just a nice comfy cold blowing AC base and its perfect for me.
01-22-2011, 10:02 PM
#49
and the base model
, but then again you do have a track car, so you can get your thrills at the track instead...also have you put a light weight clutch/flywheel in yet? there is once place to save some weight...
Last edited by friesm2000; 01-22-2011 at 10:05 PM.
01-22-2011, 10:15 PM
#50
but then again how often do you really pull off and on the trailer? (like once a day at the track itself?) just wondering really... cause i know my 03 type-S (full weight) is doable without P/S if needed (and that is with 245's on there too), not fun though, but it can be done though (so would the additional effort needed occasionally needed be worth the time gained on the track?)
and the base model, but then again you do have a track car, so you can get your thrills at the track instead...
also have you put a light weight clutch/flywheel in yet? there is once place to save some weight...
and the base model
, but then again you do have a track car, so you can get your thrills at the track instead...also have you put a light weight clutch/flywheel in yet? there is once place to save some weight...
I'm saying even a track car has to be comfortable with plenty of slow driving as well as fast so power steering isn't completely dead weight and I run at least 255's on the track as well.
And yes, I have no reason to get my jollies on the street anymore and the roads in Pensacola suck anyways.
Aftermarket clutches don't have a good track record so OEM for me. Just replaced it too.
01-22-2011, 10:32 PM
#51
I'm saying even a track car has to be comfortable with plenty of slow driving as well as fast so power steering isn't completely dead weight and I run at least 255's on the track as well.
And yes, I have no reason to get my jollies on the street anymore and the roads in Pensacola suck anyways.
Aftermarket clutches don't have a good track record so OEM for me. Just replaced it too.
And yes, I have no reason to get my jollies on the street anymore and the roads in Pensacola suck anyways.
Aftermarket clutches don't have a good track record so OEM for me. Just replaced it too.
so far having good luck with my CM stage 3; 9-puck design (i blew through the normal stage 3, full faced, in like 2-3k miles
not treated the nicest though, but still should have lasted longer though)and maybe just put on a light weight flywheel, and keep the disc and pressure plate stock for the time being...
Last edited by friesm2000; 01-22-2011 at 10:35 PM.
01-23-2011, 01:16 AM
#52
Senior Moderator
Another weight savings Idea
I've read both your thread and Innacurates and must give both of you an applaud for your dedication! 
One thing I've found over the course of my time here is that the 2004-2006 TL has MUCH heavier intake manifold than the 2007+ TL. I remember reading somewhere that the 2007-2008 3.2L manifold is a Magnesium Alloy which is about 20lbs lighter than the stock Intake Manifold from the 2004-2006 3.2L. I'm not sure what the 2004-2006 one is made of, but it's worth a shot at trying to save some more weight, esp on the front of the car!
As far as gauges go, have you considered making a "trim" piece out of CF and plugging up the glovebox area or under the radio and putting your gauges in that? I'd be minimal weight and it would look nicer as well!
One thing I've found over the course of my time here is that the 2004-2006 TL has MUCH heavier intake manifold than the 2007+ TL. I remember reading somewhere that the 2007-2008 3.2L manifold is a Magnesium Alloy which is about 20lbs lighter than the stock Intake Manifold from the 2004-2006 3.2L. I'm not sure what the 2004-2006 one is made of, but it's worth a shot at trying to save some more weight, esp on the front of the car!
As far as gauges go, have you considered making a "trim" piece out of CF and plugging up the glovebox area or under the radio and putting your gauges in that? I'd be minimal weight and it would look nicer as well!
01-23-2011, 07:08 AM
#54
I've read both your thread and Innacurates and must give both of you an applaud for your dedication!
One thing I've found over the course of my time here is that the 2004-2006 TL has MUCH heavier intake manifold than the 2007+ TL. I remember reading somewhere that the 2007-2008 3.2L manifold is a Magnesium Alloy which is about 20lbs lighter than the stock Intake Manifold from the 2004-2006 3.2L. I'm not sure what the 2004-2006 one is made of, but it's worth a shot at trying to save some more weight, esp on the front of the car!
As far as gauges go, have you considered making a "trim" piece out of CF and plugging up the glovebox area or under the radio and putting your gauges in that? I'd be minimal weight and it would look nicer as well!
One thing I've found over the course of my time here is that the 2004-2006 TL has MUCH heavier intake manifold than the 2007+ TL. I remember reading somewhere that the 2007-2008 3.2L manifold is a Magnesium Alloy which is about 20lbs lighter than the stock Intake Manifold from the 2004-2006 3.2L. I'm not sure what the 2004-2006 one is made of, but it's worth a shot at trying to save some more weight, esp on the front of the car!
As far as gauges go, have you considered making a "trim" piece out of CF and plugging up the glovebox area or under the radio and putting your gauges in that? I'd be minimal weight and it would look nicer as well!
I have read the same info on the intake manifolds although it does come at a hefty price! My other theory about weight over the front wheels is that you don't want it to be "too" light. Meaning that with FWD, for every pound of weight you lose over the front end, there is a proportional amount of front end grip lost as well. I know this would be an extremely small amount but I would like to get the car on a track first and see how crisp the turn in is and if it has any "push" through the corners and use that to determine if more weight can come off the front end.
But a great suggestion!
As far as gauges go, a track car is the definition of utililty. Yes, gauges would look nice beneath the radio or filling the glove box hole. However, having to look down or over that far while on the track wouldn't quite be ideal. This is why I plan to make a 2 or 3 gauge pod out of the center vent piece. Its useless to me now and is in a very convenient place to look while driving. Unlike the redonkulous A pillar gauges that just obstruct your forward view.
Thanks again for the compliment and suggestions
01-23-2011, 11:19 AM
#56
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Have you done anything to the exterior as far as weight savings? It'd be cool if you replaced the factory mirrors with those tiny ones (forget the name), I think Accuratein has 'em on his TL. Just an idea 
As far as the weight vs. turn in thing, wouldn't any weight lost more than make up for the grip "lost"?
As far as the weight vs. turn in thing, wouldn't any weight lost more than make up for the grip "lost"?
01-23-2011, 11:30 AM
#57
Have you done anything to the exterior as far as weight savings? It'd be cool if you replaced the factory mirrors with those tiny ones (forget the name), I think Accuratein has 'em on his TL. Just an idea
As far as the weight vs. turn in thing, wouldn't any weight lost more than make up for the grip "lost"?
As far as the weight vs. turn in thing, wouldn't any weight lost more than make up for the grip "lost"?
01-23-2011, 12:39 PM
#58
Well I guess only time will tell. I was speaking from how the car felt the last time I was on a track in October and hadn't lost all the weight. It is certainly probable some suspension changes can fix any understeer I encounter was just saying I don't want FWDitis too bad lol
01-23-2011, 02:31 PM
#59
think about the SPEED world challenge, and those FWD cars, they have wings in the back to keep the back end planted (it just a matter of the suspension setup and how it is tweaked, basically VERY STIFF rear springs (or sway bar) to take some of the loads/forces off the front end (basically making the rear end due more work, so the front can turn harder)
01-24-2011, 06:00 PM
#67
Some new pics for ya'll
Trunk area, Think it would be benefitical to put some extra cross bracing where those chassis braces are between the trunk area and the rear seat area?
Trunk shot, I do need to upgrade to a smaller battery but at least it's in the trunk for now.
Interior
Plan on cutting this extra metal out that was used to hold up the glove box. Make it a little cleaner and make it easy for a passenger to get in and out.
Yes it's dirty but here's the absent AC compressor area.
Again dirty but engine bay shot.
With the plastic windshield cowl out you can really see where the air system took it's air in!!!
Parts, parts and more parts! And there's more out of shot too
I'm going to fiberglass over the duct here and put a battery kill switch here eventually.
Here are some shots from my last track day before leaving Minnesota. There are plenty of comments on these in my "TL Track Bound 2" thread so no need to fill up the thread with comments on these just posting them cuz I'm a nice guy!
Trunk area, Think it would be benefitical to put some extra cross bracing where those chassis braces are between the trunk area and the rear seat area?
Trunk shot, I do need to upgrade to a smaller battery but at least it's in the trunk for now.
Interior
Plan on cutting this extra metal out that was used to hold up the glove box. Make it a little cleaner and make it easy for a passenger to get in and out.
Yes it's dirty but here's the absent AC compressor area.
Again dirty but engine bay shot.
With the plastic windshield cowl out you can really see where the air system took it's air in!!!
Parts, parts and more parts! And there's more out of shot too
I'm going to fiberglass over the duct here and put a battery kill switch here eventually.
Here are some shots from my last track day before leaving Minnesota. There are plenty of comments on these in my "TL Track Bound 2" thread so no need to fill up the thread with comments on these just posting them cuz I'm a nice guy!
01-24-2011, 09:24 PM
#69
Safety Car
My favorite pic is the void under the dash where the AC duct was before.
Wow, that pic is really tempting but I know that I can't delete my AC. I did that with my Camaro and forever regretted it in the Houston heat. Even winters were a pain with the constant interior glass fogging from the lack of AC to dehumidify the damp Houston air.
Have you removed the bumper beams yet?
Wow, that pic is really tempting but I know that I can't delete my AC. I did that with my Camaro and forever regretted it in the Houston heat. Even winters were a pain with the constant interior glass fogging from the lack of AC to dehumidify the damp Houston air.
Have you removed the bumper beams yet?
01-24-2011, 09:45 PM
#72
Yeah doing the Dom's unit with the TV out app so I'll be displaying one of the data logging / performance gauge apps on my navigation screen. Will be a lil expensive but think it will be new, fun, and different so I wanna give it a shot.
01-26-2011, 08:05 AM
#78
Ok ok this cross over stuff is better served elsewhere. Lets keep this 3g TL diet discussion plz!
I've been thinking and here is the plan to get her to 2700 lbs someday.
Current weight is 2820lbs
Windshield wipers : 10 lbs
navigation unit : 20 lbs
Lexan windows : 40 lbs
Track wheels : 40 lbs
And the last ten pounds could be done with two piece front rotors or the power steering plus what ever weight is lost with the steering wheel conversion. Not to mention I can always pull the passenger seat for and instant 15-25lbs right there.
Pretty sure that would be the TL Diet 3.0!
I've been thinking and here is the plan to get her to 2700 lbs someday.
Current weight is 2820lbs
Windshield wipers : 10 lbs
navigation unit : 20 lbs
Lexan windows : 40 lbs
Track wheels : 40 lbs
And the last ten pounds could be done with two piece front rotors or the power steering plus what ever weight is lost with the steering wheel conversion. Not to mention I can always pull the passenger seat for and instant 15-25lbs right there.
Pretty sure that would be the TL Diet 3.0!
01-26-2011, 09:32 AM
#79
Ok ok this cross over stuff is better served elsewhere. Lets keep this 3g TL diet discussion plz!
I've been thinking and here is the plan to get her to 2700 lbs someday.
Current weight is 2820lbs
Windshield wipers : 10 lbs
navigation unit : 20 lbs
Lexan windows : 40 lbs
Track wheels : 40 lbs
And the last ten pounds could be done with two piece front rotors or the power steering plus what ever weight is lost with the steering wheel conversion. Not to mention I can always pull the passenger seat for and instant 15-25lbs right there.
Pretty sure that would be the TL Diet 3.0!
I've been thinking and here is the plan to get her to 2700 lbs someday.
Current weight is 2820lbs
Windshield wipers : 10 lbs
navigation unit : 20 lbs
Lexan windows : 40 lbs
Track wheels : 40 lbs
And the last ten pounds could be done with two piece front rotors or the power steering plus what ever weight is lost with the steering wheel conversion. Not to mention I can always pull the passenger seat for and instant 15-25lbs right there.
Pretty sure that would be the TL Diet 3.0!
Damn fine reduction.
We have a member over on V-6-P that has a 7th gen accord coupe. He made his car a dedicated Track car and the total weight was 2655 lbs., 2800lbs with driver.
**The weight reduction methods, including the sunroof plug, cross over to the 98-02 Accords based on both Inaccurate's and vill0169's TL-diet threads.
01-26-2011, 09:34 AM
#80
Three Wheelin'
Just a question, but if you are going this drastic and in depth why not pull the nav, full dash and radio? Make a dash bar when you put a cage in and attach the cluster and what not to that?
And wipers are 10lbs?! Maybe the full system inc motor, linkage, and what not.
And wipers are 10lbs?! Maybe the full system inc motor, linkage, and what not.