Hey everyone

I did a search, but no luck.

I want to make my front subframe lighter.

Weight from the engine aside, how much can you take out of the front subframe before its going to brake? (drilling holes etc)

I have seen pics of people drilling heaps of holes in there subframes, anyone on here done it?

thanks

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I have seen first hand a couple of racers with "swiss cheesed" front subframes. Doubt that it saved more than 2 kg although I have no confirmed figures to back that up.

From calculations, each 50mm hole in 3mm plate (are subframe webs 3mm?) will only save 15g. That's a lot of holes to make up a kg. The idea is to reduce mass from EVERYTHING. You included.

Peter Manton (look him up young ones) was a very successful racer with this strategy. EVERY item was lightened, even to the extent of drilling into the top of every bolt head to remove a gram of extra mass. Of course things light BMC racing alloy doors helped a lot too...

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Oh, and see my sig. Do a search on Lotus & Mr Chapman.
They had/have the right idea (except with the Europa).

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Jaan Fox took 150kg out of his silver slab, but that included taking 2 inches out of the roof and bodyline

I think I saw a Europa in Albury last week, either a Europa, or an odd looking replica

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

hmmm....I always thought it was "Simplify and add lightness"

Use your current one as a template to make one out of carbon fibre!! Will look trick too.

Probably be able to sell a few on here to cover the costs.....

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68 Mini
70 Moke

Have a look at the Z-cars front subframes. Given the freight would be a killer, but might give you ideas.
http://h8bmwmini.blogspot.com/2007/04/z-cars-series-subframe.html

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1970 Mini Deluxe - 1275, Weber, Clive 346 cam, MS 4-pot slotted discs, Megajolt ignition Now with new improved Mambas... almost on the road
1966 Van with Traveller rear seat conversion
2008 Prado GXL
All in various states of repair...