Homeschooler SVX racer - Page 8

Mr. Pockets · #**106** 03-17-2004, 09:53 AM

Man, I'm so geeked. I wish I could be in Gainnesville for the challenge...

WestCoastSVX · #**107** 03-17-2004, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mbtoloczko
At 700 lbs lighter, that car is going to be impressive. If I just ratio the stock acceleration stats by 2900/3600, I get a 1/4 mi time of less than 13 sec and a 0-60 of less than 6 seconds. What exactly did you remove to get 700 lbs off the car?

Uh, didn't you see the pictures near the beginning of the thread?

svxhunter · #**108** 03-17-2004, 12:09 PM

Regarding weight reduction: Having done it, I am of the opinion that weight reduction IS NOT a good way to improve the performance of an SVX intended for the street. There is not a lot of fat on this car. We lost a lot of things that you would not want to do without.

-The interior was stripped completely. There is NOTHING left of the luxury character of the car. No leather, no carpet, no headliner, no interior panels, no power anything, no rear seat, no passenger seat.
-All unnecessary operating mechanisms were removed. All window regulators, motors, sunroof, electric seatbelts, etc. The windows are now fixed in a closed position, and the sunroof is a piece of Lexan.
-Several safety items needed for the street no longer exist. Airbags, controllers, bumper cores, spare tire, etc.
-No more creature comforts. Air conditioner, exchanger, core, heater blower, heater core and their related fluids, ducts, vents, and wiring.
-All uneeded electronic components are gone. Stereo, security system, cruise control, electronic modules, and ALL related wiring, harnesses, etc.

Overall, one of the things that impressed me the most about this car while working on it (and lead me to buying a second restoration grade one for the street) was the beautiful engineering and conservation in construction. There really is no where to remove weight from this car without changing its character. It was a little sad for me when I got to the point where I fully understood that this car would never be returned to the street.

I think the arguement could be made that our car is not even an SVX anymore. We've certainly compromised a lot of its character. It does, however, keep the windows, the exterior appearance, and is actually developing a new "heart" of its own.

Enjoy your cars. They are extemely well designed and built. Don't look to weight reduction for improved performance, unless you are prepared that it be a one way trip.

Or are prepared to buy another one, like me!

-P^uL

Alycone · #**109** 03-18-2004, 09:59 PM

We want more pics!

You're buying another?

Chicane · #**110** 03-18-2004, 10:39 PM

Whatever you do, don't scrap it. Having an SVX racecar could be very fun, regardless of the 3k limit. Now that it's gutted, you can do almost anything without worrying about it. Heck, even an STi engine, you could try that!!

- Rob

svxhunter · #**111** 03-19-2004, 04:36 AM

Alcyone:

I have 3- the racer, a '95 parts car, and a very nice '92 LSi driver which is currently getting a 5-spd.

Chicane:

It was a $2K limit. I'm NOT scrapping it. We don't know the destiny after the race. We are probably keeping it and continuing with it. If it ever gets sold, it will either go to another SVXer, or a Grassroots Motorsports person.

It will stay as a racer either way.

-Paul