V8Ranger

I posted the weight of my 82 on another thread and there was some question as to the accuracy. I descided to try it again.
I used some barbell weights and myself to check the scales first. I weighed 170 lbs on 3 of them and the 4th was 'toggling' between 168 and 170 (it reads in 2lb increments). Then I stacked 190 lbs of weights on 1 of the scales and got 190 lb reading.


Then I drove the car on the scales.


Left front


Right front


Left rear


Right rear


Filled the gas tank and drove 1 mile to my shop


Total weight is 3064 with 1490 on the front and 1574 on the rear.
This is approximately 48.6% front to 51.4% rear.

Following changes:
Aluminum radiator
Aluminum water pump
Electric headlight actuators
AC delete
Heater delete
Emissions delete
Catalitic converter delete
Power steering delete
Removed 700R4, installed Borg Warner Super T10 with 621 bellhousing
Spare tire and jack delete


Carl

mikejpss

Would like to discuss your T-10 change over and all the fun you had with it. Bout to do the same with my 80 model, just looking for someone to share the grief with b4 I start. Any pointers/comments?

V8Ranger

I researched, searched and gathered all the components needed and it went very smooth. The only thing that I wasn't prepaired for was the starter, its different with the 4-speed. Had to order one thru the local parts store and pic it up the next morning. That is another item I intend to change - that darn thing is the biggest/heaviest starter I have ever seen! A later model lighter starter has gotta be worth another 10 or 15 lbs.
You won't regret the change, MUCH more fun to drive!

Shark Racer

Yes, the mini starters do shave quite a bit of weight and look much nicer.

Are you still running the L83? Aluminum heads and the starter will easily get you into the <3000 lb range. It's amazing they chopped so much weight off these cars by 82. My 78 has alum heads, composite rear spring and no spare tire and came in at 3400#.

69427

Nice job! I've done several of the same things on my '69.

I'm curious about T-top weights on the later C3s. I've heard conflicting claims on whether the later T-tops are lighter (or the same weight) compared to the earlier tops. Would you mind giving us the weight of your tops so I could compare them to mine?

Thanks!

vetteguy22

Hi Carl,
I weighed my wife's stock 82 vette on the SCCA sales at Laguna Seca with I believe half a tank of fuel and to the best of my recollection it weighed 3,250 lbs. I don't know if that helps you or not.
Rob

V8Ranger

Yea its stock L83. There's quite a few things I can do to shave some more weight. I am surprised how much heavier the mid/late 70's cars are.

Carl

V8Ranger

I have the glass t-tops, I will weigh them this afternoon and post it.

Carl

Rebelrob

Good info.. thanks. I bet that trans swap and removing the ac/heat knocked off the largest chunk of fat.
Yep, I think Alans 71 with BB, aluminum heads, alum intake, etc. weighs 3700 or 3800 lbs still runs high 10's ET's.

V8Ranger

My glass T-tops weigh 12 lbs ea.

Carl

flynnd_33

any info on the eletric headlights? home made kit or boughten?

V8Ranger

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html

Unfortunely they have discontinued this product, but it was pretty simple. Just brackets to adapt Firebird actuators. Got the actuators and control module off ebay pretty cheap.

Killer Lights conversion kit
Left Headlight actuator w/rod (GM p/n 16516653)
Right Headlight actuator w/rod (GM p/n 16516654)
Headlight control module (GM p/n 16521297)
Connector for control module (GM p/n 12102775)
Connector for control module (GM p/n 12102776)
C4 Corvette Headlight switch (GM p/n 1995257)

Carl

scottyp99

Boughten?
Anyway, how much weight ya figure ya lost with the electric actuators? I don't think I would want to do that, but I am curious.


Scott

V8Ranger

I'm sure it was only a few pounds at best. I did it because all the vacuum components were shot.

Carl

Gale Banks 80'

I'd say its to much work to do for a 4 speed, but not to much for a 5 or better yet a 6 speed....

V8Ranger

Going from an automatic to a 4-speed was the single best thing I have done to this car. It's amazing how much more fun it is to drive. Obviously a 5 or 6 speed would be better, but more money.

Carl

jb78L-82

My 78 L-82 is a 4 speed and I have driven or been in many C3's over the years with the automatics and to be honest those cars are VERY different to drive versus the 4 speed cars. I would love to have a 5 speed as well but for the money involved and the few miles per year I drive, it is just not worth it to me. The difference between a 4 speed car and automatic is magnified greatly with cars with the L-82 since this engine is a mid to high RPM engine and is really wasted with an automatic since it needs revs to really move.

V8Ranger

That's one of the things I don't like about the L83, it won't rev. It really start to flatten out after 4500 rpm. I'll fix that sooner or later.

Carl