WEIGHT REDUCTION/SIMPLICITY DETAILS |
Weight Reduction Projects
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Part 3: Future Plans
Brakes The stock brakes on the MR2 are absurdly heavy. Cast iron sucks. I will be installing a custom big brake kit with twin piston calipers front and rear, which should both improve braking and drastically reduce weight. The best part about reducing weight there is that it is unsprung weight, which is even more beneficial than reducing weight in other places. The more unsprung weight you have, the worse the ride quality, and the less traction you have because your suspension has more difficulty keeping the tires firmly planted on the ground over bumps. Suspension and Hubs The MR2's suspension is also very very heavy. The hubs weigh an astronomical amount. Replacing the suspension with custom aluminum or titanium, or lighter weight steel would drastically reduce unsprung weight, and lightweight custom wheel hubs would have an even greater effect. I'm planning on installing some coilovers with separate compression and rebound settings on the dampers, and possibly switching from McPherson struts to double wishbone suspension. Seats The MR2's seats aren't bad from a weight standpoint, so long as you have the non-power seats like I do, but there is always room for improvement. I'll be installing some aftermarket seats some time in the future, which should provide both reduced weight and hold the driver in place better around corners. Carbon Fiber Dashboard One thing I've always wanted to do is have a custom carbon fiber dashboard made up to completely replace the stock one. This is very cost-preventative, but may be an option some time in the future to reduce yet a few more pounds. |