Rapom's Rocket - just another Duster build thread

72bluNblu said
What significant amount of weight? The subframe connectors and radiator support? Those are worth their weight in chassis stiffness. The 4 link is probably lighter than the old leaf springs, not to mention the Fox shocks are lighter than the old ones.

Adding the relays and additional wiring does add some weight, but I wouldn't say its a lot. And removing the rear shock mount bumper probably saved 150lbs. No kidding.

The column modifications don't add any weight, and the new master cylinder weighs half of what the old one does. Same with the aluminum radiator. The hydraulic clutch probably saves weight too vs all the linkage.

I thought about that as well when I was adding subframe connectors, J bars, radiator support brace, torque boxes etc to my car. The chassis stiffening is just plain worth the weight in improved handling. But a lot of the other modifications are actually removing weight, especially since a lot of the modern components are lighter than their original counterparts.

Not saying that he shouldn't have done any of the chassis stiffening things but I look at it with a different eye. Just seems like all the bracing and such could add on the pounds, unwitting or not. To me, that 4 link setup and relocation boxes look to weigh a lot more than the OE stuff with all the extra tubing and bracketry. The factory rad support is stamped steel, the one he fabbed out of tubing has to be significantly heavier than the stamped part and it's over the front of the car. Then there was the square tube cage for the fuel cell. These are just observations, not trying to be critical.

I have frame conneectors on my car as well and if at some point it goes down a track fast enough, it will need a roll bar which means more weight. However, my approach is to reduce weight from my car wherever possible so its something I am keen on. Weight reduction is a balance between strength/reliability vs. lighter parts. When you think along those lines, everything comes under scrutiny as to whether its needed or not and if it is needed, can it be made lighter without sacrificing strength or safety.