Re: weight differences

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.gmi.edu>]

On Fri, 7 Apr 1995 LToy@aol.com wrote:

> Recently, someone (forgot who) posted a weight for a 5ktq of 3360#.  
> This is intriguing because my '91 200 Q supposedly weighs in around 3800#
> (gvwr - payload capacity), but I've never put it on a scale.  If I remember
> correctly, this is about the same # reported in the auto rags.  What's the
> diff?  how do i get my weight down?
> 
> Based on this, and thinking about my last post (re:  hondas), here's some
> other 
> power:weight ratios:
>     Accord  2400#  120bhp 20#/hp 
>     4kcsq   2850#  115bhp  24.3#/hp
>     5ktq    3350#  162bhp  21#/hp
>     200q20v  3800#  217bhp  18#/hp
> This reminds me of a colleague's comment (he's a performance driving
> instructor with an '89 944 Turbo):  "the cheapest performance increase is to
> reduce the weight of the car."  food for thought.
> 
> Linus.


	Linus,

	The GVWR and the vehicle's actual weight are two different 
stories.  The GVWR is its maximum payload, I thought.  Interesting 
numbers to be found, if you try Scott's 5KTQ; 3360# and 
320HP=10.5#/HP!!!!  That is Corvette territory!
	Unfortunately, there are few things that can be done to reducethe 
weight of a typical sedan without really spending alot of time and 
energy.  There may be a few brackets/or accessories taht can be 
removed.  The fenders could be made of Carbon fibre, but they 
aren't that heavy to begin with.  The hood is quite heavy, so 
maybe a composite hood would help some.  That would be expensive 
though.  This whole issue is precisely the reason I would like to 
use a 4000CSQ as a start for a killer Q-Ship!  2850# and AWD!  Put 
in the turbo motor from the 5K and bump up the boost.  Imagine 
2900#/320HP=9#/hp!!!  That is ZR-1 performance, in a 4KQuattro!  
Boy, what fun taht would be!

Later,
Graydon D. Stuckey

'86 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro		'83 Mazda RX7, SCCA Solo II F-Prepared
'83 Mazda RX7, street car		'85 Mazda RX7, street car
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