How much weight can be removed? Project sleeper.....

Wanting to know how much weight can be removed off of a plain jane Caprice wagon. I know of a good donor wagon that is similar to mine in the fact that it has no power anything except for the tailgate. My thought is to take as much weight off of it as possible without completely gutting the interior. Lose everything that it doesn't need to run. No AC or heat, backseat and ??????? Would like to keep it as a totally streetable sleeper that I can drive to my local track and beat on. Remember, this is to be a streetable sleeper that can be driven to and from the track and a summer cruiser. Want it to look the part but go low 12.0's on motor. Budget is $3500 for parts/machine work and what ever else. Let's hear your ideas or thoughts! LT1 will be the engine of choice also.......

One guy on the ISSF drilled out a bunch of metal with a hole saw in the doors, etc/ you could remove everything under the rear plastics, drop the 3rd seat, essentially gut the interior and put the plastics back in. Replace the steel in the back with carpet covered plastic tso it 'looks' like the stock bed area.....

With some effort you could probably get it down a bit. If you are real serious, get in touch with Steve Morris as he had to drop the weight of his ROADMONSTER as it was too fast and too heavy and sanctioning bodies, got involved.....still my fave pic

One of the coolest cars on the planet. At over 1700 HP on pump gas Steve IS the man!!

Although I would not call it a sleeper.

Spend your $3500 on a LS3 4L80E combination with the right cam and valve train. You will lose a lot of weight with an aluminum engine such as the LSx motors. Then begin to gut and cut. Put a roll pan on the back and lose the front and rear bumpers. Lighter wheels would help, lose the power seats. power motors in the doors, keep the third seat (kids love it), remove the air pump, etc........

Latest paint scheme:



and Tim you are right, it's not a sleeper, it's a hot rod!

Not going to happen on a 3500 dollar budget because you are only going to be able to remove
so much weight from one of these wagons.Be prepared to push a boatload of nitrous thru that
LT-1 at the most,one time to get into the low 12s.After that first dose you gonna need another
LT-1.Best of luck and lots of pictures please.
Jim

I saw that number on the website.....I'm old skool, need 1/4 mile times, but I figure that'd be under 7 seconds

I did see a vid of him making a 1/4 mile pass around 194 mph some months back. He's my wagon hero, lol....I need to keep up to see if he runs that thing in FL, I would drive to see it run for sure.

I am going to guess around 7.5 seconds and 210 MPH.


http://www.eldemoniorojo.com/calculator.htm

Flasheroo wrote:

Not going to happen on a 3500 dollar budget because you are only going to be able to remove
so much weight from one of these wagons.Be prepared to push a boatload of nitrous thru that
LT-1 at the most,one time to get into the low 12s.After that first dose you gonna need another
LT-1.Best of luck and lots of pictures please.
Jim

I build engines so any expense other than parts/machine work is free. Trans work is done by a friend and we trade work. If 500 lbs is able to come out then I can do it with relative ease. The question is how much can be removed without making the car swiss cheese (what would you remove). If it doesn't run 12.0's then so be it. The idea is a streetable sleeper that hauls the mail with LT1 power. No nitrous, turbo or blower. As fast as possible in stock looking trim. My daily driver wagon has run 13.80's with cam, intake, exhaust at 4600 lbs so this isn't a stretch.

I think Steves best has been 6.87 at 206mph but could be off a little.Thats a 30,000 engine in
that beast and one hell of a driver.Gotta go Victorias Secret on CBS starts now.
Jim

This is from a Camaro...........

Engine Compartment
460.9 lbs – LT1 (5.7L) Manual with oil and flywheel
428.8 lbs – L36 (3.8L) Manual with oil and flywheel
405.5 lbs – LT1 (5.7L) Auto with oil and flexplate
391.2 lbs – L36 (3.8L) Auto with oil and flexplate
40 lbs – Optima red-top battery (sounds heavy???)
32 lbs – Madman manual rack & PA chromemoly k-member
25 lbs – Pair of stock manifolds with AIR tubes off LT1
18 lbs – AC compressor with lines
18 lbs – ATI 3 core F-Body intercooler
17 lbs – AC compressor with lines
14 lbs – Dyna Battery
12 lbs – Plastic insulation on firewall
12 lbs – ATI 2 core F-Body intercooler
11 lbs – Full windshield washer reservoir
10 lbs – ABS unit
9 lbs – AC condensor
9 lbs – AC condensor with accumulator
8-9 lbs – OEM motor mounts (pair)
8 lbs – Bracket for PS/AC compressor
7 lbs – Competition Engineer solid motor mounts
7 lbs – AIR pump hoses and bracket
4.4 lbs – Cruise control
3 lbs – EGR valve and aluminum tube
3 lbs – Wiper motor
3 lbs – BMR 2 point strut tower brace
3 lbs – All exhaust heat shields
2 lbs – Factory oil cooler lines
1.5 lbs – Horns (pair)
1lbs – Heater core lines

Drive Train
190 lbs – Moser 9″ (3.250 bearing) w/35 spline axles, Strange nodular iron section, full spool, 3:70 gears, no oil
135 lbs – Stock 7.5 rear end w/3.73 gears and oil
40 lbs – Centerforce heavy flywheel
35 lbs – Vigilante torque coverter new in box (inc box!)
34 lbs – Steel 2pc V6 driveshaft including center bearing carrier
28 lbs – A TH400 with 9″ converter is 28 lbs lighter than the 4L60E
20.5 lbs – LT1 stock flywheel
20 lbs – LT1 stock flywheel
16 lbs – Stock steel LT1 driveshaft
12.5 lbs – TPiS lightweight flywheel
12.2 lbs – 3rd gen aluminum 1LE driveshaft
12 lbs – LPE aluminum driveshaft
11.5 lbs – Stock aluminum LS1 driveshaft
10 lbs – RK Sport aluminum 1pc driveshaft
10 lbs – ??? brand lightweight flywheel
4 lbs – Transmission tunnel insulation

Wheels & Tires
58 lbs – AFS chrome 17×11 GS offset wheel with new Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire
56 lbs – AFS chrome 17×11 GS offset wheel with BALD Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire
56 lbs – 18×9 chrome Cobra R replica wheels with 285/35/18 tires
55 lbs – AFS silver 17×11 GS offset ZR1 wheel with new tire
55 lbs – 17″ Prime chrome 5 Stars with 275/40 tire
55 lbs – 17″ chrome Firewhawk wheel with new tire
54.5 lbs – Replica SS wheel with Khumo 712 275/40 tire
52 lbs – AFS chrome 17×9.5 ZR1 wheel with new Dunlop SP8000 275/40/17 tire
50 lbs – OZ Monte Carlo 17×9.5 with 1/3 tread 275 GSC
50 lbs – AFS polished 17×11 GS offset ZR1 wheel with new 315 BFG Comp TA drag radial
48 lbs – 16×8 stock chrome 5 star with Kuhma Estca Supra 712 tires (V rated)
45 lbs – 99 TA stock 16″ chrome wheels and tire (SZ 50)
44 lbs – 93-96 Camaro wheel with Nitto drag
41.5 lbs – 93-96 Camaro wheel with bald 255 BFG drag radial
40 lbs – Weld Pro Star (15×10) with new Hoosier QTP 28×11.5-15 (no tube)
35.3 lbs – New Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire
31 lbs – New Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire – hmm?
31 lbs – Kumho Victoracers 275/40/17 tire
30 lbs – New Dunlop SP8000 275/40/17 tire
29 lbs – 97 to 99 Vette standard rear wheel
28 lbs – Kumho Victoracers 315/35/17 tire
27 lbs – Weld Pro Stars (15×3.5) with Cooper 165R tire
27 lbs – 18×9 chrome Cobra R replica wheel
25.5 lbs – Hoosier A3S03 Autocross tire 315/35-17
25 lbs – Firestone SZ50EP stock size tire
25 lbs – New Futura 275/40/17 tire
24.5 lbs – Goodyear GSC 245/50/16 tire
24 lbs – 97 to 99 Vette magnesium rear wheel
22.5 lbs – Hoosier A3S03 Autocross tire 275/40-17
22 lbs – 90 Vette stock wheel 17×9.5
22 lbs – Hoosier R3S03 275/45/16 tire
22 lbs – 01 Camaro SS 17×9 wheel
22 lbs – 2 piece Centerline Sabre type 17×9.5 wheel
21.5 lbs – 97 to 99 Vette 18×9.5 wheel
20.06 lbs – 00 Vette standard rear wheel
20.5 lbs – OE ZR1 17×9.5 wheel
20.5 lbs – AFS replica 16″ SS wheel
20.1lbs – 97 to 99 Vette magnesium front wheel
20 lbs – CCW 17×10 wheel
20 lbs – CCW 17×11 wheel
20 lbs – 3 piece Centerline Sabre 17×9.5 wheel
19.5 lbs – 1996 stock Camaro wheel
19.5 lbs – Stock 5 star 16″ Z28 wheel
19 lbs – 2000 stock Camaro wheel
19 lbs – 97 to 99 Vette 17×8.5 wheel
18-19 lbs – Centerline 17×9.5 wheel
18.08 lbs – 00 Vette standard front wheel
18 lbs – Fiske FM5 17×9.5 wheel
17 lbs – 2000+ stock Camaro wheel (different than above?)
13 lbs – Weld Pro Star (15×
10 lbs – Weld Pro Star (15×3.5)
10 lbs – Bogart DragStar 15×10 racing wheel

Interior
65 lbs – Wolfe weld-in 6pt. roll bar
42 lbs – 1997 Camaro front leather power seat
40 lbs – Carpet with the sound deadener
38 lbs – Spare tire and jack
36 lbs – Spare tire and jack
34 lbs – Passenger seat
32 lbs – 1997 Camaro front leather manual seat
29 lbs – Rear seats
24 lbs – Heater core
20 lbs – Front & rear seatbelts with bolts
17 lbs – Passenger airbag with bracket
10 lbs – Driver side airbag
9 lbs – Center console (Trans Am)
7 lbs – Under dash AC plastic moulding
7 lbs – Bose speakers (95 Z28)
6.9 lbs – 6 way power seats over manual seats
5 lbs – Stereo
5 lbs – Rear pair of seat belts and retractors
4 lbs – Rear panel with speaker
4 lbs – Rear hatch cover / divider
2.7 lbs – Power windows over manual windows
2.7 lbs – Sunvisor (pair)
2 lbs – Sunvisor (pair)
2 lbs – Glove Box
2 lbs – Rear hatch cover
2 lbs – Insulation glued to dash
2 lbs – Factory Monsoon amp
1.8 lbs – Power door locks over manual locks
1.8 lbs – Rear floor mats
1.3 lbs – Remote truck release motor
1 lbs – Rearview mirror
0.4 lbs – Keyless entry option over no keyless entry
0.4 lbs – Rear window defogger

Exterior
44 lbs – 93-97 Stock Camaro hood with insulation
31 lbs – Rear bumper reinforcement and brackets
23 lbs – Front bumper reinforcement and brackets
12.3 lbs – T-tops
4 lbs – Front impact absorber
3 lbs – Wipers
2.7 lbs – Z28 fog lamps
1.8 lbs – Body side mouldings

Suspension
33 lbs – Suspension Techniques 35mm front sway bar
14 lbs – Front sway bar and brackets
14 lbs – 2002 stock torque arm
13 lbs – Stock rear springs
13 lbs – Front sway bar
12 lbs – Edelbrock torque arm
8 lbs – Rear sway bar with end links
2 lbs – Rear spring perches
2 lbs – Front sway bar mount

OK I can talk,that no talent drunk Kanye is trying to sing!Remove anything that is not needed.
Power steering,power windows,rear wiper system and cleaner,big gas tank,bra,unnecessary
exhaust,replace heavy glass with lexan,roof rack,carpeting and so much more!
Jim

1200 for 6.0 and 4l80e trans,(don't worry about the mileage or if it,s using a little oil). 1000 for cam/springs upgrade oil pump upgrade,sell the lt1 4l60e to finance the swap parts,..
500 for deep gears,4:56-5:13'swith spool,. 500 for hi stall,.beg for a good tune,.
it'll go 12's easy enough,.
keep the interior and the a/c,..weld in $50.00 worth of bars for the rear susp,.loosen off the front,.
look for some good slicks,.

Nick, experienced with racing junk,.

headers optional,.

Unless you're in shape the the point is moot.

The fastest way to lose weight is usually from the guy driving it in these overbloated times.
Swiss cheesing the body panels and frame to make up for your big belly is sort of pointless.
Leaving the Coke-Cola, hoagy and fries in the pits before you make a run instead of in your belly is good for at least a tenth.

What are you saying Al,that some of us may need to lose a few pounds.I take offense to that as
I need to lose more than a few pounds myself.Easiest way is find a 100 pound driver with good
driving skills which helps a bunch.
Jim

Al H. wrote:

Unless you're in shape the the point is moot.

The fastest way to lose weight is usually from the guy driving it in these overbloated times.
Swiss cheesing the body panels and frame to make up for your big belly is sort of pointless.
Leaving the Coke-Cola, hoagy and fries in the pits before you make a run instead of in your belly is good for at least a tenth.

I weigh in at 200 lbs at 6'4'. Am I a fatty and didn't know it? I could put a blow up doll in the seat and drive it by remote control....Nah...That is no fun! I want to drive it.

Hey motorcity,if you are a fatty at 200lbs and 6 foot 4 inches I am in big trouble at 6 feet and
mumblemumblemumble.You must be skin and bones!
Jim

Well I am going to take another look at the donor wagon and if all goes well, it is coming back to the shop for teardown. There is a guy that races a stock looking RMW or OCC and runs high 11's. I can't remember if he is here or at Impala SS forum. Would be cool to get his take on this project.

I believe you are refering to Drag-on wagon he's out of philly and has run 11.84 on the motor, and ran a best of 10.88 on the bottle

You then have nomrlz who has run 13.94 on the motor, and 12.35 on the bottle.

And then Palomino who has just recently made his maiden voyage with a RMW. Shake down runs produced a best of 12.4

1phastsswagon wrote:

I believe you are refering to Drad-on wagon he's out of philly and has run 11.84 on the motor, and ran a best of 10.88 on the bottle

You then have nomrlz who has run 13.94 on the motor, and 12.35 on the bottle.

And then Palomino who has just recently made his maiden voyage with RMW Shake down runs produced a best of 12.4

11.84 on motor is stout. Would like to hear more about all these wagons!