'81 SC weight reduction program-LONG
 

Hello. I've been modifying my SC and look to further improve acceleration. As well as engine/tranny mod's, I've removed the entire A/C (don't need in targa), aux. heater blower( back-dated engine sheetmetal), center console, replaced steel lid w/ fiberglass tail, rear valance(when dual-in/dual-out muffler was installed), cruise control, etc. I've considered removing the rear seats, as well as my power window lifts, and replacing them with manual lifts or using RS door panels and side curtains. Is this possible to perform on a targa? I would also like to convert to a soft window. Is this possible? I like the lines of the soft window when it's all opened up better than the cabriolet, and I imagine it would remove more weight. Can I back-date the front and rear bumpers as well, to reduce weight and to match the soft-window conversion? I know I should've bought a coupe, but I compromised w/ my wife who wanted a cab. I like the look of the early cars, but wanted the 3.0 reliability and performence. Would I be better off selling my SC, buying an early car, and transplanting a newer drivetrain. I want to build a "sleeper" that looks stock and runs like hell. Thank you in advance for your opinions and other weight reduction suggestions. .SmileWavy

Goodness me! You have many questions, Grasshopper!

I don't know what a "soft window" is - I could guess, but I'd rather you tell me.

As for the other pieces, like lightweight bumpers, RS door panels, etc., all that should fit on a targa as easily as a coupe.

Two suggestions:

1) Search the board under "weight," "weight reduction," "lightweight," etc.

2) Go to this link: http://gt-racing.com/

Good luck! :)

hmm, from what I understand a softwindow conversion would be really difficult/expensive, but there is a place that sells lexan rear targa windows.

It shouldn't be a problem to go to manual windows, there are also lexan side windows available.

Remove the rear seats, seatbelts, and sound pad, I did. Seat bottoms and carpet will likely be next, to eventually be replaced by some sort of lightweight setup. I do like having my rear speakers so the rear deck is still there.

You can go to early bumpers, but it's a real pain in the front. You would be better off going to Ruf or f/g bumpers.

For a fun street car with track tendencies ;) you are doing fine, but to get really serious you might as well go to an early car.

Did someone say... Soft Window...:D
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/IMG_1112sm.JPG

You are better off selling the SC, buying an early car, and transplanting a newer drivetrain. It will be a lot cheaper and more beautiful.

Great Feedback!! Thank you!! Wifey here w/ me. She says think about an early coupe + newer drivetrain, R-Gruppe or RS clone, but only if she gets the targa and my son gets the '86 944. Sounds like fun, eh? Then maybe family DE so we don't hurt ourselves, or anybody else.:D