In preparation for a sound system install, I removed about 100 lbs of "extra" weight from the car and decided I just HAD to give it a spin . . .
Missing:
- Entire passenger compartment - seat, carpet, door liner, seat belt, roll bar
- Center consoles back (everything except the soft top) straight through to the trunk
- Driver's side - everything _except_ seat, roll bar and seat belt

Impression:
After getting the car warm, I pushed her 'aggressively' on some local roads. THIS CAR IS LOUD - Note: this is with a STOCK muffler. Could I tell the car was more than 1/2 as light as me? I don't think so - this was on street rubber and I NEVER push the car to 10/10ths on public roads. On the track I might notice the weight loss

It was a cold weekend, so to warm up my hands I just lay them (one at a time ) on the outline of the CAT on the passenger side - it worked; I've decided there is no longer a need for a heater.

I realize my gas light is on, so I pull up to the local Shell and realize "crap, can't 'roll' the window down". OK, I open up the door and get some chuckles from the attendant. I make no excuses and tell him to "fill er up - 94". Fortunately there was no need for me to remove the fuel filler release.

Since I now have line-of sight to the back of the trunk and all insulation is gone, it sounded like someone was taking a piss in the tank (I thought I had a leak somewhere before I realized it was the fuel filling up)

Experienced a joyful drive home in the new "raw" s2000 AND it got me wondering - Do I leave the car as is and enjoy the wonderful rhythm of the pulsating F20C, the treble of each little rock picked up by the S02's pinging through the cabin, hearing the vocals of the rubber screaming "DON'T LET GO" under load, and the constant harmonization of the tranny and clutch as rev match through the gears . . .
OR DO I BUY the friggin stereo and a have a SMOOTH streetable ride . . .

Its all about compromises - I love this car.

 

Post pics!!!!

 

So was there a big difference or no? The only thing that I dare do is...drive without a spare tire. I'm thinking about losing the box of tools in the trunk also. What else is heavy in the car???

 

nwk - Ok, i'll post picks, but will have to wait until friday . . . when i get back home. It ISN'T a pretty sight to behold.

Type R - Big difference? Well, yeah: a LOT louder, but I can tell I'm not exactly tossing around my old '87 crx Si (I loved THAT car as much as my current ride http://kumo.swcp.com/synth/crx/specs.html) Proof would be found in lap times. Hey, I'll put the "safety" equipment back on (passenger rollbar) and get an exact weight of all the stuff that's off.

 

A full service gas station with attendant that pumps your fuel for you? What year did this happen and does he/she check oil and tire presser?

 

They don't let you pump your own gas in NJ -- state law.

Goofy...

 

Whyn don't they let you pump your own gas in NJ?

 

Right NJ is a "full service"" state.

I think Orgeon is the only other state with that law.

 

Yea. Interesting that gas doesn't cost any more in NJ too.

 

Actually that just means we are getting screwed in the other states, where's my full service attendent for the same price