Top 5 Corvette Weight Reduction Modifications
Let’s talk extra weight, and how those additional pounds cause certain reactions from different people. First, let’s establish a scale from 1 – 10. One is the least annoying, barely registering a response. Ten is equivalent to Gilbert Gottfried reading a phone book while scraping his fingers across a chalkboard.
A fitness guru is annoyed with any extra body weight – especially their own! On our “annoyance scale,” that body weight is probably around a 6 or 7.
OK, now let’s see what a Corvette fanatic thinks about extra weight – but this time, that extra weight is on their car. It (literally) drags down performance. It contributes to subpar fuel economy. And it’s also responsible for slow 0 – 60 MPH times.
On our 1 – 10 scale, extra Corvette weight for most muscle car enthusiasts is an 11 or 12.
Which leads to the next question: how can you reduce your Corvette’s weight?
First, let’s look at some advantages of using carbon fiber parts.
Why Use Carbon Fiber Parts for Your Corvette?
Carbon fiber components are popular for many mod enthusiasts, and Corvette owners are no different. If you’re like other do-it-yourself types, you demand the very best performance and appearance out of your car. And carbon fiber parts deliver with:
- Reduced body weight. That’s the primary reason you’re reading this blog – and it’s probably the most popular reason why so many Corvette owners look to carbon fiber parts for a competitive advantage. In the tissue-thin differences between first and second place at the track, just a few pounds of extra body weight means all the difference in the world.
- Better fuel economy. With a 100-pound reduction in body weight, your Vette’s fuel economy is optimized anywhere from 2-3%. Carbon fiber accessories are the quickest, most affordable way to get the most out of your engine, from a fuel usage perspective.
- Repairs. Since carbon fiber parts don’t rust, they’re better for long-term performance. Less time in the shop means more time on the road – and carbon fiber parts are more affordable in the long run. If you live in a climate with plenty of rain and snow, the benefits of carbon fiber over steel parts are even more pronounced!
- Safety. Carbon fiber might be lighter than steel, but it’s more rigid and up to 5 times stronger, too. With carbon fiber parts on your Corvette in place of traditional steel components, you’re not only reducing body weight and increasing your fuel mileage – you’re giving yourself a safer ride.
As you can see, the benefits of carbon fiber accessories are hard to beat! Now, let’s look at some specific parts available at RPI Designs that provide all the benefits of carbon fiber.
The Ultra-Fast Diet Plan: The Carbon Fiber Way to Shed Extra Corvette Weight
Carbon fiber components were first introduced to specific government and industrial applications, including the military and aerospace industries, scientific test trials and other limited environments. However, the aftermarket car industry – including RPI Deigns – soon recognized the unique characteristics of carbon fiber parts, including a strong yet lightweight composition, super-strong attributes and a sleek, sophisticated look.
Carbon fiber components for the Corvette soon became one of the most popular categories of aftermarket performance automobile parts. For weight reduction DIY projects, nothing beats carbon fiber Corvette parts.
Some of our noteworthy carbon fiber Vette accessories include:
Want to save some extra weight under the hood? Check out these painted fuel rail covers. When you replace your stock metal fuel rail covers with these (available in carbon fiber composition), you can shed a small yet significant amount of under the hood drag. Plus, they’re available in color-coordinated configurations that’ll look great at the next car show! Our C7 Stingray fuel rail covers are one of the most popular and affordable Corvette carbon fiber upgrades at RPI Designs, and it’s easy to see why!
Function, form and fit define this Z06 style Corvette rear spoiler. But on top of all that, this carbon fiber component delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, and it weighs significantly less than any regular metal Vette spoiler. From APR Performance, this carbon fiber has the added benefit of an adjustable rear wicker bill pane. Aside from the obvious weight reduction advantage, this sleek accessory also provides high-performance aerodynamics.
Sleek, strong, stylish – it’s no wonder this front grill is used by Corvette owners for instantaneous, effective weight reduction. This component is made to order to your demanding specifications – because only the best will do for your Corvette!
Spats are making a big comeback – and if you’re interested in weight reduction, these spats are in a league all their own. Finished in a high gloss clear coat, they’re also designed for long-lasting, dependable performance.
Looking to spruce up your Z06? Try this weight reduction carbon fiber front splitter on for size! For appearance and performance, this front splitter represents the peak of Corvette aftermarket accessories – and it also makes a great do-it-yourself project!
For weight reduction on your Corvette, the smallest details matter. Why settle for a bulkier, heavier brake reservoir? This carbon fiber cover is not only stronger than its typical metal counterpart, it’s also stronger and more stylish! It’s a win-win-win situation – and perfect for your next under the hood mod!
Let’s head around back for more carbon fiber excellence – this time, it’s the rear quarter panel ducts. Paired with front fender ducts, they’re the ultimate complementary component. And they’re also lighter and more durable than other rear quarter panel ducts. Say so long to your factory panel ducts and give these ones a whirl – you won’t be disappointed.
This handful of carbon fiber Corvette components is just a small segment of our comprehensive weight reduction accessories. RPI Designs also offers a complete line of C6 Corvette and C7 Corvette parts, all priced for optimum value. For help with an order or more information about your next Corvette weight reduction modification, give our Vette part consultants a call at 888.257.8515. RPI Designs, the leader in Corvette carbon fiber parts and components, looks forward to helping with your DIY Corvette project – just give us a call today!
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