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Thread: Lighter Aluminum Parts, carbon fiber.

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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Lightbulb Lighter Aluminum Parts, carbon fiber.

    So again, here I am with weight reduction and an idea popped in my head. Why not have reinforced aluminum parts such as the subframe, control arms, sway bars, and the rear suspension components. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, but I know it isn't as strong. Even though the Mirage is a light car, I wonder if a such thing could be accomplished. I figured aluminum could be strengthened by heat treatment or something. That would be cool.

    Carbon fiber parts, there is a hood, bonet I know of that is made by RSTYLE. Be nice to make the doors out of carbon fiber as well. The front doors weigh over 50 pounds which is shocking to me! Yes. I weighed them (Picture Below). Even in the doors I have lighter speakers, no sound deadening, and tiny mirrors. I haven't weighed the rear yet, so I'll guess around 35 pounds. The hatch door I haven't weighed either and I know it's a big chunk of weight. Fenders? Wouldn't be much, but at least they wouldn't dent as thin as the metal is!

    Lighter front seats as well? They weigh 29.4 pounds. That's not too bad. But I know there is lighter such is SPEEDSICK RACING SEATS. Shows they weigh 13 pounds per seat.

    Thoughts? I had tonsil surgery today (which went well) and I'm just bored and just wanted something to do if that's alright with you guys. I really appreciate the comments and I enjoy reading them!


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  2. #2
    I haven't weighed the rear hatch but I'm positive they weigh noticeably less than a front door. The most gain would probably be from trimming off what you could from the doors, lexan windows. But if you're gonna do that might as well just unbolt them and see how long you can drive without them without being pulled over lol.
    I'd remove things like the spare tire, carpet and rear seats out before removing things that are there to protect you in an accident. Smafety third.

    I assume you've read this thread? https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...ar-Seat-Delete

    EDIT: You could always just take a big dump before driving. That might be an easy weight reduction plan?
    Last edited by Fummins; 05-05-2020 at 01:36 PM.
    Mirage videos:

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE wussie cvt edition. 1.2 automatic: 37.7 mpg (US) ... 16.0 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.3 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Weight

    I've thought about Lexan windows since they are light and super strong. My back seats were removed a long time ago. Thanks.
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    You know how they chop cars in half and make them into stretch versions? Maybe you could chop the Mirage in half and make a micro 2 door version! I am sure that could drop some more weight!

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2019 Mirage ES 1.2 automatic: 38.8 mpg (US) ... 16.5 km/L ... 6.1 L/100 km ... 46.5 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Hahaha now that's funny! Smart Mirage!

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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Cool My 2 door Mirage sketch

    Here is a a sketch of my 2 door Mirage. Looks like the Scion IQ. Here is the cool thing, I serviced that car too. Changed the oil and rotated the tires. As little as that car is, I'm surprised the fuel economy isn't as good as I would think. Pretty roomy for a tiny thing. But here you go guys. I thought you'd get a kick out if this! Lol
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    Senior Member dspace9's Avatar
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    Might be too little too late.. but depending on which trim your Mirage is, changes the weight. So I know my ES 2014 Mirage, with no Air Conditioning, no bluetooth, 5 speed manual.. ie no gizmos, is probably the lightest Mirage that rolled out of the Mitsubishi factory.

    I'm pretty sure automatic transmission alone adds 150 lbs..

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 42.2 mpg (US) ... 17.9 km/L ... 5.6 L/100 km ... 50.7 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    That is true. But AC is a luxury. Really wouldn't make a MPG difference since the pulley is free spinning when the compressor isn't on. And the compressor is like 9 pounds or something? Nah. I'll pass.

  11. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Gnestovia View Post
    That is true. But AC is a luxury. Really wouldn't make a MPG difference since the pulley is free spinning when the compressor isn't on. And the compressor is like 9 pounds or something? Nah. I'll pass.
    Plus the condenser, evaporator, extra button on the dash, probably another fuse and relay, ac lines.
    How about removing the front and rear bumper rebar? The rear just unbolts, the front is spot welded to the rad support. The a pillars are pretty bulky, time for some speed holes.

    Do you already have an aftermarket steering wheel? If so might as well pull the rest of the airbags out and save a bunch oh weight. They didn't have standard seat belts or collapsible steering columns in the 50's so why airbags right? Just wear a helmet and pretend your on a motorcycle.
    Mirage videos:

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE wussie cvt edition. 1.2 automatic: 37.7 mpg (US) ... 16.0 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.3 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Yes the steering wheel is aftermarket. But idk if I should go all the way with the risk of my safety. Even tho the aftermarket steering wheel has no air bag. But still a helmet pretty much does the same thing. I just don't want to sound stupid that's all.


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