Originally Posted by thePill
The ready to run weight of the LS3 vs LSA is 415 to 550lbs. The crate weight of the LSA is around 467lbs but that only includes the 1.9L Eaton supercharger unit, the intercooler plumbing, heat exchanger, front-dress, flywheel and pump is not included. Even though the LS9 has a heavier 2.3 liter TVS, it still only weighs 529.9lbs dressed. The ZL1 LSA will be a different configuration using the heavier 2.3 liter so it may push closer to 560lbs.
No 2.3L on the ZL1, and I used what weights I could find from the same source. For some reason, GM doesn't publish the weight of the LSA on their website...so like I said, that was the weak link in the calculation, but I erred on the side of caution. May I ask where you've acquired the 550lb number?
EPS is not lighter than the mechanical power steering. It contains all the moving parts power steering does with the addition of some electrical components. Good news though, it is very close to belt driven power steering as far as weight goes.
I'm not certain we're thinking of the same type of system. You seem to be referring to a "hybrid" electric-hydraulic power steering system, where I'm 99.9% sure the ZL1's is a full-electric assist. The entire hydraulic system is replaced with a small motor used to assist steering effort. It removes the traditional power steering pump altogether and all of the fluid that goes with it. I completely guessed on the number, but it does save weight in addition to better fuel economy.
I still believe that the ZL1 will use the "V" braces the convertible uses or a variation of those, not worth using the strut tower brace if the chassis isn't completely tied together all the way back. I would throw in the tunnel brace and transmission support reinforcement too. The vert put on some 250lbs+ but in addition to the "V" braces, GM also added additional support to the actual structure. Subframe braces are not going to be that heavy but the fact is that they are added weight where the SS had nothing. All bracing support would be another 20lbs and most likely would be aluminum (hopefully), The "V" braces would be the heaviest no doubt and there are two (front/rear).. I think most STB's are about 5-7lbs by themselves.
I don't expect the V-braces or extra convertible bracing at ALL. This chassis was engineered from the beginning to handle huge power...that was also its biggest disadvantage when looking at the lower-power models, because they had to carry around that literally 'heavy' engineering. The coupe doesn't need a single piece of bracing anywhere to handle this power. I admit, the strut-tower brace eludes me...and I wonder if that may be more for show than go, but the added rigidity will help aid in suspension calibration.
The brakes are the same in the rear as the SS's so NO weight loss there, the front disc would see a slight increase. Even though the fronts are 2-piece, they are a half inch bigger and now have 6 pot's in the front... maybe a 10lb increase with fluid.
Rotors should be a tad lighter based on my research, not heavier...but looking back, 3lbs less per rotor probably not realistic.
Exterior and interior could see 20lbs or so in bells and whistle weight... That leaves the exhaust (I can see it being 20lbs lighter) and wheels/tires. If the wheels are lighter by 5.5lbs a piece, that weight loss could be mitigated by the extra rubber. The current Goodyear Supercars are not the lightest tire out there.. cheap.. but not light..
For the umpteenth time...ZL1 tires are ligher than OE. Even at 285f and 305r. Check TireRack specs...or any specs...if you don't believe me.
Nevertheless...I don't know if that reduction is included with the 22lb number that's been given to us....or separate...
GM could reduce the gas tank to a 16 gallon but that is getting extreme. When they came forward and said "we lost 22lbs in the wheels", too me that says.. That is the major chunk we saved, I am still expecting the exhaust to be very close to the SS's, and most of the weight savings coming from the mufflers (if it is not dual chambered).
With lower fuel economy, reducing the size of the tank to save 15 lbs would be ridiculous...
I know it was previously stated that the "Z28" now ZL1 was suppose to be 200-300lbs lighter... It was also stated that the "Z28" nameplate would only be bestowed on a car that was truly worthy of the name. To me, that means that somewhere in mid-development... It was deemed impossible to achieve said weight.. and shortly after, the name was changed because this is not worthy of the "Z28" nameplate. Now with that outta the way, weight savings isn't as big of an issue.
Well...you'd be assuming things again...and some thing incorrectly...
Edit: and when GM goes as far to insert carbon fiber into the middle of an aluminum hood... is the 2lbs worth the cost?
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