Racing Q: Weight, wiring, gauges and fire suppression

[dgoodno]

:bshake :bshake :arcadefre :bshake :bshake

I have removed from my 1996 project Q the sound system, air conditioning, air bags, back seat, my reveled heated seats and the sound deafening tar (from the back seat area). This has reduced the total weight by a few hundred pounds. I’ve added racing seats and a cage. In all I’m about 3,800 pounds.

There is much weight to be lost in all the wiring harnesses. I am amazed at the amount of wire associated with the air bags. Removing wiring appears to be a daunting task that is riddles with danger. Any suggestions on how to proceed?:help

I should also lose weight by replacing the glass windows? Has anyone done this in the Q? Is there a source? If not I’ll go custom. :help

Most of the front dash remains and looks decidedly out of place.:thinker

AZ has suggested that I put the battery in the trunk where the CD player was located. I am considering this as part of a package where I also install a keyless ignition and system gauges. Any suggestions on this effort?:help

I have considered installing a computer to track and record systems information. Thoughts? Recommendation?:help

What should I consider in installing a fire suppression system?:help

[AZhitman]

Rather than picking and choosing what GOES, it might make more sense to remove everything and pick and choose what goes BACK IN.

I can't even imagine trying to be selective in gutting a Q for weight reduction... Windows are BIG weight, BTW.

[dgoodno]

AZ, when I do my second project car I will gut it and rebuild. Many things would have been easier if I had done so, but when you want to get on track you do what you can when you can.

The person who did the cage also pulled many items out. I should have done all of it myself before hand.

Next time:icesangel

[Rex]

... I should also lose weight by replacing the glass windows? Has anyone done this in the Q? Is there a source? If not I’ll go custom ...

The window glass is heavier on the 94-96 as it was thickened to increase "quietness". Moving to those would be lighter, help me out guys do the 90-93 doors bolt on? Wait too much work with the custom paint, maybe the glass itself can be transferred. I assmue the motors/regulators are out and the windows are "fixed" in the up position.

Here's a sample place that makes custom boat plexi windows, I'm sure there's a place on your part of the map.

[dgoodno]

Rex, the motors/regulators are not out. Will do so when I replace the glass. On-track the vehicle must be driven with the fronts down, so I need to be able to fix in place, but also be able to remove.

Ideal for a fab shop is one who has done a Q before so I can order without doing custom.

[AZhitman]

The good news is they are relatively flat.

I'm sure a fixed panel polycarbonate window with quick-release fasteners would be your best bet - Then you can gut the doors... Major weight savings!

[elwesso]

Have you yet gutted the front seats??? Those puppies are about 100lbs each!!!

Wiring wouldnt be something id mess with... There is a TON of crap and that would be a nightmare....

[Mayhem_J30]

What about electric windows? Obviously you can remove the rears without sacrifice of the passengers, since they can't sit back there anyway. Or totally gut the doors like AZ recommended.Fuel cell?

[dgoodno]

The wonderful heated seats are history, replaced by racing seats.

I do plan to do all four windows. As for the doors there are pretty well stripped already. I left the "wire" in for the door latch.

The electric wiring is a mess, but there is so much associated with the airbags that are gone that I feel I have to tackle the job sooner or later. I'm just afraid of cutting something critical.

[AZhitman]

I'd actually recommend removal of the airbags.

No self-respecting racer runs airbags, and with the harnesses and cage, it's pretty redundant.

[dgoodno]

AZ, the airbags are history. There must be 100# of wiring that is left from them. I need to get it out of there!!!

[AZhitman]

Attaboy!

Let's get that console out, the dash (you're gonna run an aluminum dash panel with SW gauges, right?), the sunroof motor and mechanism, the visors, the power mirrors...

What kind of exhaust are you running? (you might have said before, I'm not sure).

[dgoodno]

Yes, I need to get the rest of the dash out. My tan leather dash looks out-of-place. I'm not familiar with the aluminum dash. Custom made again, or is this something that someone has done for Q?

Yes I plan to do the gauges, just looking for recommendations. My own thought is of the five - six guages to show everything possible.

I have not mentioned before but I do have a camera mounted and film during my track time. I would love to be able to see the gauge readings on the film, but that's where the computer may be better -- or not.

The sunroof motor is gone, but I'm having major leakage problem. He pulled out the gutter which was a mistake. I have put windshield "putty" in liberal quantities on the inside, held up by tape. It still leaks.

The visor is gone and I've installed a large curved mirror.:icesangel

[Mayhem_J30]

Pull out all venting and the heater core.

[elwesso]

It actually might not be a bad idea to keep the heater core for extra cooling..... Have all the vents blow out somewhere....

[Q451990]

I'll go ahead and be the vulture here... what did you do with all of the parts you removed? My 97 Truck would look great with heated leather seats.



Heath

[dgoodno]

I hear ya, but I ditched everything except the CD player.

The wife wants me to get rid of at least one vehicle as it is. She'd really be p----d if I took the other garage bay with parts!

She doesn't understand why we need five vehicles when I'm off in Afghanistan. Women, ya know, there are just some things you can't explain.

:ylsuper

[Q451990]

I hear ya, but I ditched everything except the CD player.

I need the exact GPS coordinates of that ditch

I know, I know.. women (on average) are the enemy of all things mechanical!

Heath

[dgoodno]

Do the dealers who sell gauges also carry aluminum dash panels? Is this something I buy stock and then configue to make it work in a Q, or has someone built one specific for the Q?