Firewall Layers (3 layer OEM equipped) Two removed15.14 lbHonda seems to have gone overkill with their firewall diameter thickness for your safety. Scanning through the NHRA rulebooks we were giddy to reveal that obtaining just one layer of factory equipped, three-layer firewall is sufficient enough to pass tech-n-spec. NHRA 2004 rulebook regulations state a minimum .024-inch steel firewall (per class requirements) extending from side to side of the body and from the top of the engine compartment's upper seal, cowl, hood or deck. In certain instances fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other composites may be used. Skunk2 removed the top two layers, leaving he final layer intact.
Race motor mounts brackets4.32 lbThe OEM motor mounts are designed to accommodate a factory-spec engine. In high-performance situations, the OEM motor mount will flex and bend the engine in an awkward motion. To remedy the problem Skunk2 devised a set of custom solid mount brackets that weigh in at a scant 4.32 lb. Saving weight is one issue but having a set of reliable motor mounts is just as important.
Total Weight RemovedTotal101.58 Saved!
Stage 2 (2630.73 lb) - Stage 3 (101.58 lb) = 2529.15 lb
Final numbers= 2909 lb - 2529.15 lb = 379.85 lb removed
| CALCULATIONS • POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO |
| STEP 1: | DETERMINE VEHICLES WEIGHT: 2003 CIVIC SI |
| CURB WEIGHT/MT W/O DRIVER: 2744 LB |
| GROSS WEIGHT W/165 LB DRIVER: 2909 LB |
| STEP 2: | DETERMINE VEHICLES HORSEPOWER: 2003 CIVIC SI = 160 HP TO THE FLYWHEEL |
| STEP 3: | DETERMINE VEHICLES TORQUE: 2003 CIVIC SI = 132 LB-FT TO THE FLYWHEEL |
| STEP 4: | DIVIDE THE WEIGHT OF YOUR CAR (W/DRIVER) BY THE HORSEPOWER: 2909 LB/160 HP = 18.18 |
| STEP 5: | DIVIDE THE WEIGHT OF YOUR CAR BY THE TORQUE: 2909 LB/132 LB = 22.04 |
Final CommentsRemember, just lopping off weight from any section of the car does have its consequences. Removing 200 lb off the back end of a RWD vehicle will reduce traction and handling capabilities because the front of the vehicle is now accommodating for most of the weight. The same applies to a FWD vehicle, as the main emphasis is to have as much weight to the front wheels to aid in traction. The most crucial situation comes when you are planning to drag race the vehicle. What are you waiting for? Now go out there and start dissecting your car!