TL Diet 2.0/Track Car Build - Roll Cage Pg 51
01-21-2011, 01:56 PM
#1
TL Diet 2.0/Track Car Build - Roll Cage Pg 51
Hello All,
After reading the wonderful work of Inaccurate's Diet Thread I thought I would make a thread for those considering the "next step" in weight loss on their TL. I could never match his level of thread construction but I at least wanted to pass the information on to you all.
I started with a 2004 6MT NAVI with a stock curb weight of about 3490lbs. I then followed pretty much everything in the TL diet thread including sunroof plug and racing seats. The only thing I still haven't done is the front door panels and plastic windshield cowl as part of the Ultimate Cooling Mod, so there's probably another 20 or so pounds that will be off soon. However, My racing seats weighed in at only 12lbs each so I saved about 20-25lbs over Inaccurate's setup right there.
What makes this Diet the 2.0 Version?
Well because I don't drive my TL everyday and it's basically a full time track car, I had no reason to save anything from the Heating/Cooling system. So I completely removed the entire AC system and all the ducting/climate control components from under the dash. This was NO easy task and I pretty much shredded most of the ducting but it's amazing how much crap is concealed under the dash. I wasn't too concerned with weighing every single thing I removed but there were plenty of hefty items associated with this. Most notably were the fan motor, heater core, AC evap, duct door motors, and Heater sub-assembly. See Pic Below, pretty much everything seen here is now gone. It's amazing how nice and clean/open the area under the dash is now!
The Air Conditioning Delete was pretty straight forward and there is another thread on it on AZ but it was worth at least 30lbs from in front of the front axle. This belt diagram is so far working well for me and the best belt size I've found is a 69.5".
Even though not completed yet, The next item on my diet radar is replacing the glass on the rear doors and window. This will definitely be worth some considerable weight so look forward to this in the coming month or so. Also coming up will be a new quick release steering wheel setup that will hopefully net a weight loss and some more exhaust work.
The Best Part In My Mind:
The best part I think is that I actually have real world weights to give you all. I had the car weighed Tuesday morning and was pleasantly surprised to see that my TL weighed in at 2880lbs. I was quite surprised by this so I drove across town and had the weight confirmed on another scale and it was the exact same 2880 lbs. Most exciting to me is that I had a half a tank of gas (worth about 50lbs right there) and I wasn't on my "track" wheel and tire setup which is worth another 40lbs for them alone. Count in the 20lbs of interior still the car and that makes my TL weigh between 2770 and 2820 depending on fuel load being the TL gets about 8 mpg on the track, you need a fair amount in the tank to make for a decent length session.
Not sure what to factor for the Lexan weight loss but I think my realistic goal is about 2700lbs being that there's still a bunch of sound deadening crap that can go too and I still want to lighten up my exhaust some more as well.
Here is a great place for TL stats in case any one was interested.
http://www.new-cars.com/2004/acura/acura-tl-specs.html
I will have pics up asap of the progress. I'm stuck on base now but will have them up as soon as I'm home.
After reading the wonderful work of Inaccurate's Diet Thread I thought I would make a thread for those considering the "next step" in weight loss on their TL. I could never match his level of thread construction but I at least wanted to pass the information on to you all.
I started with a 2004 6MT NAVI with a stock curb weight of about 3490lbs. I then followed pretty much everything in the TL diet thread including sunroof plug and racing seats. The only thing I still haven't done is the front door panels and plastic windshield cowl as part of the Ultimate Cooling Mod, so there's probably another 20 or so pounds that will be off soon. However, My racing seats weighed in at only 12lbs each so I saved about 20-25lbs over Inaccurate's setup right there.
What makes this Diet the 2.0 Version?
Well because I don't drive my TL everyday and it's basically a full time track car, I had no reason to save anything from the Heating/Cooling system. So I completely removed the entire AC system and all the ducting/climate control components from under the dash. This was NO easy task and I pretty much shredded most of the ducting but it's amazing how much crap is concealed under the dash. I wasn't too concerned with weighing every single thing I removed but there were plenty of hefty items associated with this. Most notably were the fan motor, heater core, AC evap, duct door motors, and Heater sub-assembly. See Pic Below, pretty much everything seen here is now gone. It's amazing how nice and clean/open the area under the dash is now!
The Air Conditioning Delete was pretty straight forward and there is another thread on it on AZ but it was worth at least 30lbs from in front of the front axle. This belt diagram is so far working well for me and the best belt size I've found is a 69.5".
Even though not completed yet, The next item on my diet radar is replacing the glass on the rear doors and window. This will definitely be worth some considerable weight so look forward to this in the coming month or so. Also coming up will be a new quick release steering wheel setup that will hopefully net a weight loss and some more exhaust work.
The Best Part In My Mind:
The best part I think is that I actually have real world weights to give you all. I had the car weighed Tuesday morning and was pleasantly surprised to see that my TL weighed in at 2880lbs. I was quite surprised by this so I drove across town and had the weight confirmed on another scale and it was the exact same 2880 lbs. Most exciting to me is that I had a half a tank of gas (worth about 50lbs right there) and I wasn't on my "track" wheel and tire setup which is worth another 40lbs for them alone. Count in the 20lbs of interior still the car and that makes my TL weigh between 2770 and 2820 depending on fuel load being the TL gets about 8 mpg on the track, you need a fair amount in the tank to make for a decent length session.
Not sure what to factor for the Lexan weight loss but I think my realistic goal is about 2700lbs being that there's still a bunch of sound deadening crap that can go too and I still want to lighten up my exhaust some more as well.
Here is a great place for TL stats in case any one was interested.
http://www.new-cars.com/2004/acura/acura-tl-specs.html
I will have pics up asap of the progress. I'm stuck on base now but will have them up as soon as I'm home.
Popular Reply
01-21-2011, 09:48 PM
I applaud the work and effort put into the process of dieting a TL. But with all due respect, something about stripping a 4-door, FWD, V6 luxury sedan doesn't sit right. Seems like the wrong car choice to me if the sole purpose of it is to be a full-time track car. There are much better handling and performance mods you can bolt-on that provide a bigger advantage than tearing your AC system and rear windows out. 
Not trying to be rude but we've been though this over and over again and I would appreciate it if you kept these sorta comments to yourself. You have no idea how rewarding it is to see the look on people's faces with this "4 door, FWD, V6 Luxury sedan is hunting them down on a track. Is there anything wrong with the usual M3's, Evo/STI'S, vette's, etc? No! But God its boring doing the same thing everyone else has already mastered. So why the hell not do this? At least that's my firm belief on this.
01-21-2011, 02:03 PM
#3
Acceleration is obviously much improved - but most improved is the feel of the car. I can already tell that the turn in is very different then when she was full weight, steering has a better feel, braking is flatter and less abusive and well. Hard to really describe but overall it's fantastic!
01-21-2011, 02:13 PM
#4
Congrats! I can't wait until I get home and see the pics...at work now.
Where are you from? How many track events are you planning on this year? Are you going to trailer the car to the events or will you be driving it?
Where are you from? How many track events are you planning on this year? Are you going to trailer the car to the events or will you be driving it?
01-21-2011, 02:17 PM
#5
how come you decided to do this to a TL, a 4 door luxury car and make it into a track car? Why not go with something lighter to begin with? And more track oriented? That's pretty impressive how much weight you took out of the car. I bet it flies now
01-21-2011, 02:37 PM
#7
Let me say this politely: What of the following cars did NOT start as a "luxury" car? These are just a few of the cars I would consider the most converted race cars in the world,
BMW
Mercedes Benz
Audi
Porsche
Caddy
Hell even,
Aston Martin
Maserati
The simple truth is that it's great on the track. The power is well suited for the chassis and the LSD is worth it's weight in gold. The only thing that sets the car back is that it's FWD but I just cater my driving style to that and It's fantastic.
How's that for an explanation?
PS - A stock weight of 3500lbs is pretty good IMO, I'm pretty sure even the new G37 coupe/sedans are BOTH 3800+. And besides, as we can see, stock curb weight means nothing!
Last edited by vill0169; 01-21-2011 at 02:51 PM.
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01-21-2011, 03:15 PM
#9
^^^ Was hoping you were in the NJ/NY area. Would be nice find someone near the New England area and meet up at a track event.
Anyways, can't wait to see how your car does at the track. Good luck!
Anyways, can't wait to see how your car does at the track. Good luck!
01-21-2011, 03:50 PM
#10
Let me say this politely: What of the following cars did NOT start as a "luxury" car? These are just a few of the cars I would consider the most converted race cars in the world,
BMW
Mercedes Benz
Audi
Porsche
Caddy
Hell even,
Aston Martin
Maserati
The simple truth is that it's great on the track. The power is well suited for the chassis and the LSD is worth it's weight in gold. The only thing that sets the car back is that it's FWD but I just cater my driving style to that and It's fantastic.
How's that for an explanation?
PS - A stock weight of 3500lbs is pretty good IMO, I'm pretty sure even the new G37 coupe/sedans are BOTH 3800+. And besides, as we can see, stock curb weight means nothing!
BMW
Mercedes Benz
Audi
Porsche
Caddy
Hell even,
Aston Martin
Maserati
The simple truth is that it's great on the track. The power is well suited for the chassis and the LSD is worth it's weight in gold. The only thing that sets the car back is that it's FWD but I just cater my driving style to that and It's fantastic.
How's that for an explanation?
PS - A stock weight of 3500lbs is pretty good IMO, I'm pretty sure even the new G37 coupe/sedans are BOTH 3800+. And besides, as we can see, stock curb weight means nothing!
I am not judging you or anything, I just wanted to know why did you choose this car to do this.
01-21-2011, 08:13 PM
#12
Let me know how you like the NT01's. I'm looking to pick some up after I use up the NT05's.
01-21-2011, 08:37 PM
#13
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
I applaud the work and effort put into the process of dieting a TL. But with all due respect, something about stripping a 4-door, FWD, V6 luxury sedan doesn't sit right. Seems like the wrong car choice to me if the sole purpose of it is to be a full-time track car. There are much better handling and performance mods you can bolt-on that provide a bigger advantage than tearing your AC system and rear windows out.
01-21-2011, 09:48 PM
#14
I applaud the work and effort put into the process of dieting a TL. But with all due respect, something about stripping a 4-door, FWD, V6 luxury sedan doesn't sit right. Seems like the wrong car choice to me if the sole purpose of it is to be a full-time track car. There are much better handling and performance mods you can bolt-on that provide a bigger advantage than tearing your AC system and rear windows out.
Not trying to be rude but we've been though this over and over again and I would appreciate it if you kept these sorta comments to yourself. You have no idea how rewarding it is to see the look on people's faces with this "4 door, FWD, V6 Luxury sedan is hunting them down on a track. Is there anything wrong with the usual M3's, Evo/STI'S, vette's, etc? No! But God its boring doing the same thing everyone else has already mastered. So why the hell not do this? At least that's my firm belief on this.
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01-21-2011, 10:04 PM
#15
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Right because I'm obviously doing this to a completely stock car and have no idea about these handling and performance mods you speak of.....
Not trying to be rude but we've been though this over and over again and I would appreciate it if you kept these sorta comments to yourself. You have no idea how rewarding it is to see the look on people's faces with this "4 door, FWD, V6 Luxury sedan is hunting them down on a track. Is there anything wrong with the usual M3's, Evo/STI'S, vette's, etc? No! But God its boring doing the same thing everyone else has already mastered. So why the hell not do this? At least that's my firm belief on this.
Not trying to be rude but we've been though this over and over again and I would appreciate it if you kept these sorta comments to yourself. You have no idea how rewarding it is to see the look on people's faces with this "4 door, FWD, V6 Luxury sedan is hunting them down on a track. Is there anything wrong with the usual M3's, Evo/STI'S, vette's, etc? No! But God its boring doing the same thing everyone else has already mastered. So why the hell not do this? At least that's my firm belief on this.
01-22-2011, 12:41 AM
#16
I applaud the work and effort put into the process of dieting a TL. But with all due respect, something about stripping a 4-door, FWD, V6 luxury sedan doesn't sit right. Seems like the wrong car choice to me if the sole purpose of it is to be a full-time track car. There are much better handling and performance mods you can bolt-on that provide a bigger advantage than tearing your AC system and rear windows out.
Right because I'm obviously doing this to a completely stock car and have no idea about these handling and performance mods you speak of.....
Not trying to be rude but we've been though this over and over again and I would appreciate it if you kept these sorta comments to yourself. You have no idea how rewarding it is to see the look on people's faces with this "4 door, FWD, V6 Luxury sedan is hunting them down on a track. Is there anything wrong with the usual M3's, Evo/STI'S, vette's, etc? No! But God its boring doing the same thing everyone else has already mastered. So why the hell not do this? At least that's my firm belief on this.
Not trying to be rude but we've been though this over and over again and I would appreciate it if you kept these sorta comments to yourself. You have no idea how rewarding it is to see the look on people's faces with this "4 door, FWD, V6 Luxury sedan is hunting them down on a track. Is there anything wrong with the usual M3's, Evo/STI'S, vette's, etc? No! But God its boring doing the same thing everyone else has already mastered. So why the hell not do this? At least that's my firm belief on this.
I've thought about getting a used M3 or even the new Mustangs but I'm having too much fun with the TL. The way I see it is that I (and 99% of the drivers out there) haven't even begun to drive their cars even close to the car's potential and until I come close to doing that, I don't need an M3 or any other typical track car.
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!
01-22-2011, 01:06 AM
#17
Safety Car
First and foremost, I am proud to see the day arrive in which someone fully commented to a full blown "TL Diet". There are a few Acurazine members that have been performing partial diets, but nothing hardcore. After exactly four years since I created my TL Diet thread, this TL Diet II sequel is a fantastic 4-yr anniversary gift.
Here is the link for any newbies.
Putting the TL on a diet (click here)
How did you make your sunroof plug? I am just curious to compare notes.
Your seats are only 12lbs each?
My OMP seats are 20.5 lbs each. What brand and model are your seats? Are the seats FIA-Homologated?
What seat bracket was used and how much the brackets weigh?
Nice job on finding lighter seats than mine.
Here is the links for other readers -
AC Delete (click here)
AC Removal is Possible (click here)
From my rough estimates that I have conducted in anticipation of doing this mod, the weight reduction should be approx 39 lbs (for the two rear-door windows and main rear window).
Estimated Reduction for rear door windows
------------------------------------
Each rear door glass = 8.0 x 2 = -16.0
Each Regulator = 5.0 x 2 = -10.0
Add Lexan = +4.0
Add brace = +1.0
--------------------
ESTIMATED TOTAL = 21 lbs
Estimated Reduction For Rear Window
------------------------------------
Rear Window = -24 lbs
Add Lexan (using 1/8 thickness Lexan) = +5.7 lbs
--------------------
ESTIMATED TOTAL = 18 LBS
Great. Are you thinking about a single outlet? I look forward to seeing the weight reduction on this. In the coming years, I would like to do a single outlet for the weight savings.
Thank you sir
I am anxious to see the pics 
. When will you be home?
And in closing, remember that you can't have your own Diet thread unless you have loss at least 10-lbs of body weight as a sacrifice to the performance gods!
Here is the link for any newbies.
Putting the TL on a diet (click here)
Your seats are only 12lbs each?
My OMP seats are 20.5 lbs each. What brand and model are your seats? Are the seats FIA-Homologated?What seat bracket was used and how much the brackets weigh?
Nice job on finding lighter seats than mine.
AC Delete (click here)
AC Removal is Possible (click here)
Estimated Reduction for rear door windows
------------------------------------
Each rear door glass = 8.0 x 2 = -16.0
Each Regulator = 5.0 x 2 = -10.0
Add Lexan = +4.0
Add brace = +1.0
--------------------
ESTIMATED TOTAL = 21 lbs
Estimated Reduction For Rear Window
------------------------------------
Rear Window = -24 lbs
Add Lexan (using 1/8 thickness Lexan) = +5.7 lbs
--------------------
ESTIMATED TOTAL = 18 LBS
Great. Are you thinking about a single outlet? I look forward to seeing the weight reduction on this. In the coming years, I would like to do a single outlet for the weight savings.
. When will you be home?And in closing, remember that you can't have your own Diet thread unless you have loss at least 10-lbs of body weight as a sacrifice to the performance gods!
01-22-2011, 02:37 AM
#18
Haha Inaccurate you have to be the best thread constructor on AZ! Just to make this quick cuz I'm on my phone, I am planning on doing a single exit exhaust in the near future, I planned ahead and had a flange put in on my catback and its amazing how much just the rear section weighs with two Magnaflows and tips.
My seat selection was pretty limited because I have a pretty large frame compared to most track drivers! Due to my budget I opted out of the sparco evo2 and went with the legit, non knockoff NRG Fiberglass seats and am very pleased with them. Sorry but I'm not sure about the FIA Homolated question, I'll get back to you on that one.
And yes, some personal weight loss is always in the plan too!
I followed your thread on the sunroof plug but I also ran rivets on three sides for extra support and am very happy with it!
Thanks for the lexan numbers! Definitely sounds doable to me!
Thanks again Inaccurate for all your motivation on the much misunderstood TL Diet!
Pics in the morning!
My seat selection was pretty limited because I have a pretty large frame compared to most track drivers! Due to my budget I opted out of the sparco evo2 and went with the legit, non knockoff NRG Fiberglass seats and am very pleased with them. Sorry but I'm not sure about the FIA Homolated question, I'll get back to you on that one.
And yes, some personal weight loss is always in the plan too!
I followed your thread on the sunroof plug but I also ran rivets on three sides for extra support and am very happy with it!
Thanks for the lexan numbers! Definitely sounds doable to me!
Thanks again Inaccurate for all your motivation on the much misunderstood TL Diet!
Pics in the morning!
01-22-2011, 09:12 AM
#27
Here are some pics, didn't know the wife took our laptop to Atlanta for work so phone pics will have to do until tomorrow.
Here's the now empty dash area
Another shot
Front shot
Rear shot
Here's some shots of the sound deadening I've already removed
One more
And the inspiration for it all!
Here's the now empty dash area
Another shot
Front shot
Rear shot
Here's some shots of the sound deadening I've already removed
One more
And the inspiration for it all!
01-22-2011, 09:37 AM
#33
To me no. I think at stock weight, sure, the HP and trq would help pull the heavyweight around. But traction in the corners would be lots harder to control and optimize at my weight without running a much better tire. Which would only last about two track days and that isn't what I'm after right now.
01-22-2011, 09:57 AM
#36
nice work, I have recaro buckets i still need to install that weigh 9.9 lbs each. For mine I am going to use a harness bar that connects to the b pillars and connect my harnesses to that.
I was thinking about taking out the ac, but not sure I am willing to give that up yet. I plan on deleting cruise control and some other things not needed tho. I only want to get down to 3000-3200 lb tho, no lexan for me.
I was thinking about taking out the ac, but not sure I am willing to give that up yet. I plan on deleting cruise control and some other things not needed tho. I only want to get down to 3000-3200 lb tho, no lexan for me.
01-22-2011, 08:07 PM
#39
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^ x2, and have you considered a different steering wheel? Would love to see some exterior pics as well.