Removing seats for weight savings on a DD for track days

[stephenkirsh]

Looking to save weight for track days by removing the front passenger seat and the rear bench/back rest. I've read on E46F (lol?) that it's about 40 pounds front + 35 pounds rear. 75 pounds, not bad for 15 min worth of work?

So the front passenger seat comes out and triggers an error message. I plan on getting PA Soft and running it through VM Ware on my MacBook to reset that after the track day.

Rear bench pops out in like 90 seconds. I haven't taken out the back rest on the rear seats before... any challenges there?

Anybody see any problems with doing any of this?

[az3579]

Rear bench pops out in like 90 seconds. I haven't taken out the back rest on the rear seats before... any challenges there?

Do you have folding seats? If so, it'll be more work - you have to remove a Torx bolt in between the seats, from which the seats slide out. Not a big deal, just slightly more effort than ones without folding rears.

The side bolsters pop out and pull up. You'll have to use a bit of force to get them loose. Be careful because those plastic tabs on them that slide into the holder like to break.

[stephenkirsh]

The rear seats are NOT folding.

Do you think it's not worth the effort for the weight savings?

[az3579]

The rear seats are NOT folding.

Do you think it's not worth the effort for the weight savings?

Personally I don't think it's worth it, but if you don't mind doing the work, it shouldn't hurt. Keep in mind, keeping the passenger seat in could help with weight balance, depending on the track. Taking it out would make the left side that much heavier.

It's easy to do though so you have the option.

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[derbo]

They are about 40lbs. Honestly spare tire is the max I would do. Two recaros would even out lateral weight. like BP said the rear seats are marginally better. You can probably take a long bathroom break and it be better haha


-Sent from Mobile

[stephenkirsh]

Ok I guess I'll keep the passenger seat.

My main track is Sonoma, if that helps anybody with weight balance.

[derbo]

Ok I guess I'll keep the passenger seat.

My main track is Sonoma, if that helps anybody with weight balance.

We have yet to go to a track today together!

Is there a reason why you want to shave the weight? Perhaps I'm not removing enough stuff but I certainly don't feel the difference. Even with a passenger (110-210lbs) I honestly can still be close to my times without people in the car. Perhaps not the fastest but I'm still enjoying myself without the hassle of removing stuff at the pits.

[stephenkirsh]

From my autox days, I could very much feel the difference in weight with a passenger. So that's my perspective.

I just got signed off to group 2, so I haven't done a track day without passengers yet.


If there was a clean/cheap option, I'd remove the sun roof and be done with it lol.

[derbo]

From my autox days, I could very much feel the difference in weight with a passenger. So that's my perspective.

I just got signed off to group 2, so I haven't done a track day without passengers yet.


If there was a clean/cheap option, I'd remove the sun roof and be done with it lol.

You can order a new headliner and seal the sunroof with the CF sunroof delete.

I'm sure in AutoX you feel it. Im just not sure shaving that small amount of weight will make a noticeable difference on the track.

I bet a corner balance with 1 passenger and half a tank of gas would more beneficial than strippjng weight.


-Sent from a fancy smartphone

[stephenkirsh]

Ok. I'll just focus on more seat time, as that'll yield a bigger difference.