M-010: Putting the TL on a diet (Update Links in Post #1)
#81
Suzuka Master
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air bags to the rescue!!
here is my argument for side airbags!
All members, read POST #1 before posting. Failure to do so may result in a ban!
air bags to the rescue!!
here is my argument for side airbags!
#82
Here is something else for everyone to bitch about and say how unsafe it is and crap
Rock on innacurate. It's your car, do what you want. You have weighed the risks involved and you have determined what are acceptable losses. The TL is extremely overburdened by sound deadener. As a person who has taken his TL-S apart many a time I can vouch for just how much sound deadener is in the trunk, every door, under the carpet etc.
Rock on innacurate. It's your car, do what you want. You have weighed the risks involved and you have determined what are acceptable losses. The TL is extremely overburdened by sound deadener. As a person who has taken his TL-S apart many a time I can vouch for just how much sound deadener is in the trunk, every door, under the carpet etc.
#84
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by TLFourplay
Here is something else for everyone to bitch about and say how unsafe it is and crap
you could have run out of gas!
#85
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by TLFourplay
Here is something else for everyone to bitch about and say how unsafe it is and crap
Just JOKING
Originally Posted by TLFourplay
....do what you want. You have weighed the risks involved and you have determined what are acceptable losses.
Originally Posted by TLFourplay
The TL is extremely overburdened by sound deadener. As a person who has taken his TL-S apart many a time I can vouch for just how much sound deadener is in the trunk, every door, under the carpet etc.
#86
Agreed. I have already added to my "To Do" list to invesigate/rip out the insulation under the carpet. I know from stripping my '85 IROC Z-28 how much that insulation weights. It is foam, but as a whole, it is heavy.
#87
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by TLFourplay
Welll along with the foam deadener the TL acutually has honest to goodness butyl tar rubber sound deadener ina lot of spots. Wow it would be difficult to remove it though. I am sure there would be a way.
#88
I think what you are doing is great, and I say keep up the good work. Keep doing what makes you happy and take what the nay-sayers tell you with a grain of salt. Your safety may be slightly affected but I don't think your car is capable of causing any more damage now to something you hit.
I haven't bothered doing much of anything to my TL because right now it's just a DD that gets me the 2 miles to work and back every day. One of my other vehicles is going on a diet though, and I hope to get it below 3 tons.
I haven't bothered doing much of anything to my TL because right now it's just a DD that gets me the 2 miles to work and back every day. One of my other vehicles is going on a diet though, and I hope to get it below 3 tons.
#89
05 TL
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I emptied my trunk and got rid of 80 lbs of tools.. There is a noticeable difference in the behavior of my car. A good difference. Its not like I'm going to work on my car between home and work.
If I drive out of town, I'll add my tools back.
If I drive out of town, I'll add my tools back.
#91
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
I'd like to try this, but on a smaller scale, see if it helps much.
Maybe a smaller battery, removal of spare tire and tools (if I don't plan on going cross country it shouldn't be that much of a hassle, I could always get AAA to come pick me up besides driving on a spare tire isn't good for the car), you know stuff like that so I wouldn't have to worry about putting in back.
I want to try how much removing the rear seat would benefit, the seat must weigh a good 100LBs, I say you remove it just for a day. lol
Maybe a smaller battery, removal of spare tire and tools (if I don't plan on going cross country it shouldn't be that much of a hassle, I could always get AAA to come pick me up besides driving on a spare tire isn't good for the car), you know stuff like that so I wouldn't have to worry about putting in back.
I want to try how much removing the rear seat would benefit, the seat must weigh a good 100LBs, I say you remove it just for a day. lol
#94
My Garage not
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i already upgraded to milk crates. i cut out some of the mesh on all 4 sides and some on the top to countour the crate to the shape of my lardass. the weight savings from the cutouts were 3.014567 ounces.
#97
Suzuka Master
I am thinking that the best thing to be replaced for weight savings would be all the vision glass and moonroof, plastic would be much lighter and you would lower your center of gravity as well.
#99
Instructor
OEM rims aren't the lightest. I think they weigh around 25lbs.
If you could get a set of 16lbs 17' wheels (SSR Type C RS, for instance), you would have taken effective weight of 132lbs off your car.
That would cost you some pretty penny, but it in my opinion would have been a better investment than removing air bags and bumpers.
I'm looking into a moderate amount of weight reduction on my car, and this is what I've done.
I'm now trying to get lighter brake rotors, if they are available.
If you could get a set of 16lbs 17' wheels (SSR Type C RS, for instance), you would have taken effective weight of 132lbs off your car.
That would cost you some pretty penny, but it in my opinion would have been a better investment than removing air bags and bumpers.
I'm looking into a moderate amount of weight reduction on my car, and this is what I've done.
I'm now trying to get lighter brake rotors, if they are available.
#100
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by pohljm
I am thinking that the best thing to be replaced for weight savings would be all the vision glass and moonroof, plastic would be much lighter and you would lower your center of gravity as well.
Feels good to be on giving-end instead of the recieving-end. Just Jousting
#102
My Daily Driver
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Brookfield, WI
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mid-muffler was closer to 10 pounds if I remember from when mine was replaced. The OEM Mufflers are quite hefty too, replcae with some smaller magnaflows or something.
The cat-back system on my s2000 was 63 pounds from the factory!!! Honda makes some heavy exhausts!
The cat-back system on my s2000 was 63 pounds from the factory!!! Honda makes some heavy exhausts!
#103
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by Inaccurate
I don't know.... You mean replace the safety glass with Lexan ??? Would it be safe to remove the SAFETY glass ?
Feels good to be on giving-end instead of the recieving-end. Just Jousting
Feels good to be on giving-end instead of the recieving-end. Just Jousting
#104
Racer
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC
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If i remember it correctly, for every 6 pound you take away from you car, you gain 1 WHP. So if you can take 300 pounds off, that is like gain 50 horses. Then again, i might be wrong on the weight to horsepower thing.
#106
Three Wheelin'
i just thought of something, if the tsx battery weighs less and works in the tl, then why does the one in the tl weigh so much more? what is the voltage comparison?
#107
Originally Posted by Jackygor
If i remember it correctly, for every 6 pound you take away from you car, you gain 1 WHP. So if you can take 300 pounds off, that is like gain 50 horses. Then again, i might be wrong on the weight to horsepower thing.
The power to weight ratio would be changed, which is why some members and I asked for the overall weight reduced to see how much the ratio changed, but Inaccurate has been very reluctant to post the numbers...
100 lbs off an Elise would be huge, but on a TL, not so much.
#109
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by awax's Type S
Why did you buy a tl? Im confused
Why do folks put on aftermarket rims ? Why do people hack the Nav system ? Why add CAI ? UR Pulley ? Aftermarket shocks ? Aftermarket rear swaybar ? Stereo systems ? Different tires ? Lower body panels ? Blacked-out lights ? 3.5 engine swap ? Supercharger ? Aftermarket wiper blades ? Aftermarket exhaust system ? Aftermarket brake rotors ? Carbon Fiber hood ? Aftermarket strut bar ?
To tweak the oem TL to better suit your taste and driving style. Commuting in a big city like Houston, stuff gets crazy (yea, I contribute to the craziness..so what ). I enjoy having my TL be on the "same page" with me when I decide that "aggressive driving" is required (or, just for grins ). My weight reduction has increased the handling of the car. I "pull off" shit, handling wise, with ease that I would otherwise not had attempted with the porked-out oem TL.
If you never push your TL hard, yea, why bother modding it. I enjoy beating up on rush hour traffic with mine.
#110
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I recieved this PM. I wanted to answer this PM within this thread so that others could benefit from it too.
I listed all NON-safety items. I highlighted the "just useless components" in blue.
1) spare tire & jack. Use a small lightweight (2.0 Lbs) 12V air pump instead. (35 lbs - 2 lbs = 33 lbs net loss)
2) Carry just enough fuel that I need for 2 days (4.8 gallons). I go from 3/8 tank to empty tank.
Buying just 4.5 gallons at a time = 60 lbs averaged saved compared to a full tank.
Buying just 6.5 gallons at a time = 47 lbs averaged saved compared to a full tank.
3) Oem crank pulley replaced with UR Underdrive pulley. (net 7 lbs)
4) front damper (7.5 lbs)
5) Mid-muffler (quessing approx 6 lbs) (be aware that you will have a slight drone)
6) Oem air filter/resonator replaced with CAI (net 7 lbs) (be aware that car will sound louder under heavy throttle)
7) All interior trim pieces in trunk and trunk lid. (I forgot, maybe 10 lbs)
8) Plastic covering (ground effects) under engine and under transmission. (I forgot, maybe 3 lbs)
9) Plastic coverings located underhood. These includes the obvious pieces along the perimeter, and also the plastic piece covering the intake. (I forgot, maybe 2.5 lbs)
10) Rear floor mats and passenger floor mat. (maybe 2 lbs)
11) Heavy Owner's manual. (maybe 2 lbs)
12) Use only one pint of water in windshield washer. (maybe 4 lbs)
13) Plastic cosmetic cover located under the trunk on the outside under car. Most people mistaken this cover for being the fuel tank. (maybe 1 lbs)
14) Thick felt covering on backside of hood. (maybe 1 lbs)
15) Plastic cosmetic covers located under car (under the rear floor mat area). (maybe 1 lbs)
16) Vibration dampner located inside trunk lid. (1.5 lbs)
17) Engine Cradle Damper (3 - 1/2 pounds)
18) Glovebox Plate (2 - 1/2 pounds).
The most important items FOR EVERYONE is to clean out the junk (pack rat items) from your car.
Would you list any weight reduction mods that you did that were just useless components? (excluding safety components since i have passengers often) i might do some during the summer. i'm also losing a few pounds.
1) spare tire & jack. Use a small lightweight (2.0 Lbs) 12V air pump instead. (35 lbs - 2 lbs = 33 lbs net loss)
2) Carry just enough fuel that I need for 2 days (4.8 gallons). I go from 3/8 tank to empty tank.
Buying just 4.5 gallons at a time = 60 lbs averaged saved compared to a full tank.
Buying just 6.5 gallons at a time = 47 lbs averaged saved compared to a full tank.
3) Oem crank pulley replaced with UR Underdrive pulley. (net 7 lbs)
4) front damper (7.5 lbs)
5) Mid-muffler (quessing approx 6 lbs) (be aware that you will have a slight drone)
6) Oem air filter/resonator replaced with CAI (net 7 lbs) (be aware that car will sound louder under heavy throttle)
7) All interior trim pieces in trunk and trunk lid. (I forgot, maybe 10 lbs)
8) Plastic covering (ground effects) under engine and under transmission. (I forgot, maybe 3 lbs)
9) Plastic coverings located underhood. These includes the obvious pieces along the perimeter, and also the plastic piece covering the intake. (I forgot, maybe 2.5 lbs)
10) Rear floor mats and passenger floor mat. (maybe 2 lbs)
11) Heavy Owner's manual. (maybe 2 lbs)
12) Use only one pint of water in windshield washer. (maybe 4 lbs)
13) Plastic cosmetic cover located under the trunk on the outside under car. Most people mistaken this cover for being the fuel tank. (maybe 1 lbs)
14) Thick felt covering on backside of hood. (maybe 1 lbs)
15) Plastic cosmetic covers located under car (under the rear floor mat area). (maybe 1 lbs)
16) Vibration dampner located inside trunk lid. (1.5 lbs)
17) Engine Cradle Damper (3 - 1/2 pounds)
18) Glovebox Plate (2 - 1/2 pounds).
The most important items FOR EVERYONE is to clean out the junk (pack rat items) from your car.
#111
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by HQTL6SPD
i just thought of something, if the tsx battery weighs less and works in the tl, then why does the one in the tl weigh so much more? what is the voltage comparison?
The TSX has a smaller battery because the engine is smaller and therefore easier to turn the starter.
If I was not planning to try a "micro" battery, I would for sure try a TSX battery.
What you are doing is TRADING some safety against having a dead battery for the benefits of the weight reduction. I think this is a good trade if you don't listen to the radio with the engine off.
#112
My Garage not
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#10
did you take out the carpet floor mats? you have to be saving more than 2 pounds if you took out 3 carpet mats. i take them out periodically to dust them off and i am guessing just one front one weighs at least 1.5 pounds.
did you take out the carpet floor mats? you have to be saving more than 2 pounds if you took out 3 carpet mats. i take them out periodically to dust them off and i am guessing just one front one weighs at least 1.5 pounds.
#114
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Thanks for you guys pitching-in with the reasoning. I am not offended by "awax's" opinion. He has a right to his opinion, and a right to express it.
The one thing that I have learned from posting on various forums on the internet is how different each person is with their perceptions. Sometimes I am reminded of those Twilight episodes. How can a collection of people sometimes have such varying experiences regarding things. Shrug... it happens.
I do want to post something from my "archives". I saved this from some time ago from JohnBrowning on the BITOG forum. This person does a good job of explaining why I might feel something with my car, and the next person says "WTF are you talking about". Below is the quote.
The one thing that I have learned from posting on various forums on the internet is how different each person is with their perceptions. Sometimes I am reminded of those Twilight episodes. How can a collection of people sometimes have such varying experiences regarding things. Shrug... it happens.
I do want to post something from my "archives". I saved this from some time ago from JohnBrowning on the BITOG forum. This person does a good job of explaining why I might feel something with my car, and the next person says "WTF are you talking about". Below is the quote.
JohnBrowning
Member
Member # 1417
Icon 1 posted April 16, 2005 05:22 AM Profile for JohnBrowning Send New Private Message Edit/Delete Post Reply With Quote
I can believe you. If you have a quite mind and listen to what the car is telling you alot of information is their to be had. You can tell if the tire pressure is off, if the tires have been changed, if the bushings need to be swaped out etc.... Usually the car will just fill slower or you notice you had to slow down more for a curve, or the care was pushing or you did not fill as many g's on acceleration etc..... The problem is most people do not have a quite mind and lack the focus to discern these things!
I have been in some cars were you could indeed fill the difference in oil and other that were happy pumping tar!
With all of that said perception also plays a role. I have found that a quite car does not feel as fast as a loud car!! I can also attest to solid motor mounts make the car feel more powerful then nicely isolated engine mounts found on production cars. Posts: 5057 | From: USA | Registered: May 2003 | IP:
Member
Member # 1417
Icon 1 posted April 16, 2005 05:22 AM Profile for JohnBrowning Send New Private Message Edit/Delete Post Reply With Quote
I can believe you. If you have a quite mind and listen to what the car is telling you alot of information is their to be had. You can tell if the tire pressure is off, if the tires have been changed, if the bushings need to be swaped out etc.... Usually the car will just fill slower or you notice you had to slow down more for a curve, or the care was pushing or you did not fill as many g's on acceleration etc..... The problem is most people do not have a quite mind and lack the focus to discern these things!
I have been in some cars were you could indeed fill the difference in oil and other that were happy pumping tar!
With all of that said perception also plays a role. I have found that a quite car does not feel as fast as a loud car!! I can also attest to solid motor mounts make the car feel more powerful then nicely isolated engine mounts found on production cars. Posts: 5057 | From: USA | Registered: May 2003 | IP:
#116
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by wasupdog
#10
did you take out the carpet floor mats? you have to be saving more than 2 pounds if you took out 3 carpet mats. i take them out periodically to dust them off and i am guessing just one front one weighs at least 1.5 pounds.
did you take out the carpet floor mats? you have to be saving more than 2 pounds if you took out 3 carpet mats. i take them out periodically to dust them off and i am guessing just one front one weighs at least 1.5 pounds.
I am hoping that I can get time this weekend to wiegh most of the items that I listed. I will post the actual weights of all the items eventually. Stay tuned
#117
Suzuka Master
good observations from Mr. John Browning. I also have an observation, so many people describe the 6MT TL as very difficult to drive smoothly. I think the reason that is the case is because there is so much noise attenuating material, the car is very quiet. You cannot hear the engine precisely enough to actually be able to modulate the gas and clutch in a manner to shift baby smooth.
#118
Green Machine
iTrader: (3)
Originally Posted by pohljm
good observations from Mr. John Browning. I also have an observation, so many people describe the 6MT TL as very difficult to drive smoothly. I think the reason that is the case is because there is so much noise attenuating material, the car is very quiet. You cannot hear the engine precisely enough to actually be able to modulate the gas and clutch in a manner to shift baby smooth.
It is definitely different driving the 6mt TL from the other manuals I've had. It is too quiet to drive by ear than by tach.
#119
Safety Car
Thread Starter
ITEMIZED LIST OF WEIGHT REDUCTION
---------------------------------
40.0 Reduced Fuel (buy just 4.5 gallons at a time)
34.0 Spare Tire (use lightweight 12V air pump)
23.0 Trunk Panels
17.0 Front Bumper
16.0 Rear Bumper
9.0 Side Airbag
8.5 Mid Muffler
8.0 CAI
7.5 Front Damper
7.0 UR Crank pulley
7.0 Ground Effect Panels
6.0 Engine Bay Panels
5.5 Subwoofer Speaker
5.0 Floor Mats
4.0 Reduced wiper fluid (use 1 pint at a time)
3.5 Engine Cradle Damper
2.5 Glovebox Plate
2.4 Owner Manual
1.8 Hood Insulation
1.5 Trunk Damper
0.5 Coin holder & sunglass holders
---------------------------------------------
210 Lbs TOTAL
.
.
.
.
Future Mods
---------------
25.0 Micro Battery
30.0 Rims
---------------------------------------------
265 Lbs TOTAL
:gheywave:
---------------------------------
40.0 Reduced Fuel (buy just 4.5 gallons at a time)
34.0 Spare Tire (use lightweight 12V air pump)
23.0 Trunk Panels
17.0 Front Bumper
16.0 Rear Bumper
9.0 Side Airbag
8.5 Mid Muffler
8.0 CAI
7.5 Front Damper
7.0 UR Crank pulley
7.0 Ground Effect Panels
6.0 Engine Bay Panels
5.5 Subwoofer Speaker
5.0 Floor Mats
4.0 Reduced wiper fluid (use 1 pint at a time)
3.5 Engine Cradle Damper
2.5 Glovebox Plate
2.4 Owner Manual
1.8 Hood Insulation
1.5 Trunk Damper
0.5 Coin holder & sunglass holders
---------------------------------------------
210 Lbs TOTAL
.
.
.
.
Future Mods
---------------
25.0 Micro Battery
30.0 Rims
---------------------------------------------
265 Lbs TOTAL
:gheywave:
#120
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Well, look what I stumbled across. So, as I speculated, it appears that the bumpers that I removed are just "5 MPH" bumpers.
SOURCE:
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID3014?m...58380&mime=asc
5 MPH BUMPERS
The Acura TL uses a highly efficient Xenoy thermoplastic energy absorber with a high-strength steel reinforcement beam that absorbs 80 percent of low-speed crash energy. This allowed designers to reduce the overhang of the bumper, while also reducing the weight and repair costs. Both the front and rear bumpers meet the federal government's 2.5 mph regulation, even when tested at 5 mph.
MOD EDIT:
All members, read POST #1 before posting. Failure to do so may result in a ban!
SOURCE:
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID3014?m...58380&mime=asc
5 MPH BUMPERS
The Acura TL uses a highly efficient Xenoy thermoplastic energy absorber with a high-strength steel reinforcement beam that absorbs 80 percent of low-speed crash energy. This allowed designers to reduce the overhang of the bumper, while also reducing the weight and repair costs. Both the front and rear bumpers meet the federal government's 2.5 mph regulation, even when tested at 5 mph.
MOD EDIT:
All members, read POST #1 before posting. Failure to do so may result in a ban!