I was reading on the tuner source page about a Cobalt that bested a few cars on the track but the more amazing thing I read was the fact that they shave 500-600 lbs off the weight!

Snippet:
Some of the production Cobalt elements were replaced with carbon fiber counterparts, including the hood, doors, roof, decklid, rear wing, side rocker extensions and Sparco car seat. The vehicle’s glass has also been replaced with Lexan, and interior trim has been kept to a minimum. The end result is a vehicle weighing a mere 2,350 pounds.

****, That's only 300lbs more then the Lotus Elise which uses a wimpy 1.8L toyota VVT motor compared to the Supercharged 2.0L motor. I bet weighing in only at 2,350lbs would make the car push at least a low 13 with some stage upgrades. Maybe we shouldn't just be focusing on motor upgrades and maybe trimming this fat bitch to something skinner.

It's all about power to weight I'm always told... Chime in..

 

but most of us would like to drive our cars comfortably on the street. Plus you can't use the CF roof if you ever want the car to drive on the street again. Totally Illegal

 

Well the focus should be put on at least some things, leave the roof but I'm sure other things can be swapped out for better weight savings and aerodynamics. I can't believe that this car couldn't afford to lose a few pounds to get better times on the track..

 

stage upgrades would at least get it in the low 13s, shaving 650lbs, should be at 12s no?

 

if u want to shave weight. buy a integra or a civic.

 

things that are on a diet will always go faster it's called "power to weight ratio"

 

Every 100lbs is a 1/10 of a second quicker in the 1/4 mile

-Rich

 

Yeah that's what I go by. And the staged upgrades won't get us in the low 13's trust me. Stage 2 is rated at 14.0 flat so there will be some of us to go down in to the high 13's. With slicks maybe we'll see low 13's but if not definately mid 13's.

 

If you've got a sunroof that should be the first to go, those things (plus the glass) weigh a TON with the motor and everything. They make carbon fiber filler panels that will go over the hole left by the sunroof (don't know of any for us yet though). Replace the front seats with lightweigh (but sturdy and safe) racing seats. If you don't carry passengers, take out the back seat. You can do the carbon fiber on the hood and trunk...body panels I'd be a little weary of though and like someone else said - cf roof is a BIG no-no if you want to stay street legal.

 

or all of you can just go to the gym. haha

 

Some of us don't have that much weight to lose

 

Well i just bought a CF Hood, which is like 10 lbs less than the stock hood, and i installed the K&N CAI which is 3lbs less than the stock air setup.

 

Edit: that was my catback that was 3lbs less than the stock setup.

 

lol, and if u shave enough weight to get into the 12's.... u then need a roll cage... more weight!

 

how is a carbon fiber roof illegal, some stock model evolutions come with a carbonfiber roof and they are able to drive on the street

 

Some cars have no roof at all. I mean its heavier, yeah, but why is it illegal?

 

thats my point, i dont know where everyone got this idea that a carbon roof is illegal, if so then a convertable is illegal too

 

You don't need a roll cage when running 12s.

How is ANY officer in the world going to know your roof is carbon fiber???

You guys can take out your sub and amp, passenger and back seats, do you have a rear windshield wiper? If so you don't need that. Get creative.

Wow, good one.So dumb.

 

I agree with most of your post however its not so much the cop that pulls you over for a carbon roof (since they are legal if oem... ///M6) its more that your car is not within its oem crash test specifications...and if you get in an accident your fucked (particularly if you kill someone)

 

if you cause an accident that kills somebody, your fucked anyways

 

You mean like your passenger? How is a carbon roof going to kill someone else?

 

Ahh this takes me back...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...61988&f=23&h=0

 

not the roof itself you tool ...like the people you are carrying ..yourself ...

and your not always fucked when you hurt someone in a crash ...if you are properly insured (ie without illegal mods)

 

I doubt a carbon fiber roof will reduce the rigidity of the car enough to cause any problems, like killing someone.

 

Doesn't seem like theres much you can do to these cars.

Most of those body panels and stuff won't add up to 100 pounds, but would cost you thousands for CF.

You guys should start looking for things in the engine bay that can be pulled: AC, power steering, EGR, CAT, lighter cat back, misc. bolts/brackets. Sub/amp is a good one.

But personally I'd stay away from the CF body panels, they arn't worth the money.