Weight penalty for delete of "air con / stereo delete" - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

On the new Boxster Spyder or GT4 , how much weight is added by speccing the air con and PCM ?

About 6 months at the gym :-)

I'll guess about 20kg, but whatever it is nothing I'd ever notice with my driving. I've heard it suggested if you really need to save the weight, don't unspec it just remove the parts and re-fit later for resale.

would never spec aircon / stereo personally in this kind of car

Remember you are driving a road car for driving in real world scenarios, on the road.... and not a race car to win anything meaningful. The amount of times i'm pleased to have the comforts a radio and a/c far out weigh the odd moment i wonder if i should have gone 'hardcore'. If i specced my 987 Spyder again, i may concede that a/c is not vital (but it is nice at times), but a radio is a must for me. Music and a good drive sometimes go hand in hand. As for the weight, i think 20kg is accurate for both.

WCZ said: would never spec aircon / stereo personally in this kind of car Would you also take a s t before you went for a drive?

I drive my track prepared Evo to and from events, and whilst it retains all its interior, being an RS it is devoid of luxuries such as A/C, music, etc. This can make for a somewhat uncomfortable journey, but I'm not driving it every day so tolerate it when I do for the benefit it gives on track. As any every day car though, you really need a few creature comforts.

For £150 you can carry a Bose sound link. Then you can stream spotify of plug in a £10 fm pocket radio. That's what I am taking for my Wales trip next month. Not so much for me though more for the passenger. I think all the new cars are all more usable and thus weigh more anyway, so you may as well spec it up. I keep my 987.2 Spyder light because I like how it feels/drives and it's a pure toy car for ltd use. I would have a Elise cup or something if the 987.2 Spyder was not so great as my 2nd car/toy , not a new porker. I don't want a caterham or a atom or xbow, but I have my Spyder set quite raw.

WCZ said: would never spec aircon / stereo personally in this kind of car I hope you aren't overweight

Nickbrapp said: I hope you aren't overweight i'm pretty slender! I just think for GT4/CSL style cars you're buying a dedicated car and paying a big premium for weight loss, seems daft to put it all back in with the AC and stereo.

i do find the air con and radio really hampers my Sunday morning drives. Maybe just causes a little bit of under steer on the sharp bend near the stables. I reckon on a clear day I could do my usual route at least 0.45 seconds quicker without all that weight dragging me down. Road cars... Not racing cars! Even if the odd track day is done, so what. 60k plus porsche and having to take a speaker and fm radio to plug into it! Hope you don't charge it off the 12v and sap any performance.

In reality all modern GT/CSL type cars are too heavy if their job is solely as a track car. The GT4 weighs in around 1350 kg - not exactly a lightweight. If a car weighed less than 1000kg I may feel uncomfortable 'adding' weight back into it if it were to be used heavily on track. These cars are not race cars, they are not stripped out and they have to pass numerous tests and regulations in order to be road legal. If they are used on track and pushed they will eat tyres and brakes, hence why many people prefer to use a really light car on track, i.e Caterham, Atom, Radical or a proper race car. I accept that a lot of people do not want to have to use a trailer or don't want to make the sacrifices that these vehicles entail. A car that is drivable to and from the track is easier in many ways. In my opinion you have two choices : buy a dedicated lightweight track car or accept that your GT type of track car is not really that lightweight anyway so spec it so that if you get caught in a traffic jam on the M40 on the way back from Silverstone you at least can sit in some sort of comfort for the two hour delay !! The feeling of being hardcore soon wears thin after sitting in traffic in 25 degrees with no air con or radio.

WCZ said: Nickbrapp said: I hope you aren't overweight i'm pretty slender! I just think for GT4/CSL style cars you're buying a dedicated car and paying a big premium for weight loss, seems daft to put it all back in with the AC and stereo. Then surely you'd pretty much refuse to take a passenger? Fag packet calculations...once you have done less than a measly jerry can of fuel, a specced up car is lighter than a brimmed "delete" car anyway? Or do the purists drive from petrol station to petrol station running on fumes?

WCZ said: i'm pretty slender! I just think for GT4/CSL style cars you're buying a dedicated car and paying a big premium for weight loss, seems daft to put it all back in with the AC and stereo. If weight is REALLY a big issue get a Mono/Caterham/Radical/Atom, otherwise get a free upgrade to AC and stereo - most future buyers don't wear hair shirts either.

DS240 said: i do find the air con and radio really hampers my Sunday morning drives. Maybe just causes a little bit of under steer on the sharp bend near the stables. I reckon on a clear day I could do my usual route at least 0.45 seconds quicker without all that weight dragging me down. Road cars... Not racing cars! Even if the odd track day is done, so what. 60k plus porsche and having to take a speaker and fm radio to plug into it! Hope you don't charge it off the 12v and sap any performance. I would love you to drive my car back to back with yours, you would be very shocked

Hard-Drive said: Then surely you'd pretty much refuse to take a passenger? Fag packet calculations...once you have done less than a measly jerry can of fuel, a specced up car is lighter than a brimmed "delete" car anyway? Or do the purists drive from petrol station to petrol station running on fumes? I hate taking people out in the R, the weight over comes the brakes :-(

WCZ said: Nickbrapp said: I hope you aren't overweight i'm pretty slender! I just think for GT4/CSL style cars you're buying a dedicated car and paying a big premium for weight loss, seems daft to put it all back in with the AC and stereo. Do you go for the really fine nomex underpants or are you happy with the weight of the slightly thicker ones?

sleep envy said: WCZ said: Nickbrapp said: I hope you aren't overweight i'm pretty slender! I just think for GT4/CSL style cars you're buying a dedicated car and paying a big premium for weight loss, seems daft to put it all back in with the AC and stereo. Do you go for the really fine nomex underpants or are you happy with the weight of the slightly thicker ones? Do you carry any luggage or shopping? or a drink, or a packet of crisps?

Not again!! LOL Do you seriously think that 20kgs will make a difference?? Its not un-sprung weight, it will make no difference at all. If you measure the difference in acceleration and braking the difference is going to microscopic at best. The only thing on that list you will notice is PCCBs, a spinning iron disk vs a spinning PCCB, steering feels lighter etc. But anyway I think you are simply barking up the wrong tree. If you are than anal about removing such a tiny amount of weight you should no issues driving around with 1/4 tank of fuel, fill up ever 50 miles or so and save 40kgs. None of these cars are in a competition,you are not going to win anything, and if they were competition cars there are of course strict weight limits to adhere to. Nearly forgot wing mirrors create a huge amount of drag, if you remove them you will save a few kilos and your top speed will increase by at least 3 mph!

JPF40 said: Do you seriously think that 20kgs will make a difference?? Its not un-sprung weight, it will make no difference at all. it's 50% of the weight saving that helps makes the cayman r so special in everyones opinion here?

20kg here 20kg there 1/2 a tank of fuel a passenger all of a sudden you are 150kg lighter. so while removing one item like AC you might not feel it, AC plus radio you might AC+Radio+ buckets seats you will AC+radio+buckets seats+lightweight wheels+PCCB+1/2 tank of fuel+passenger+don't take roof+ lightweight battery+ manual not PDK the cars night and day and we are then 200kg lighter ! Edited by PorscheGT4 on Thursday 30th April 12:32

WCZ said: it's 50% of the weight saving that helps makes the cayman r so special in everyones opinion here? Placebo effect.

PorscheGT4 said: 20kg here 20kg there 1/2 a tank of fuel a passenger all of a sudden you are 150kg lighter. so while removing one item like AC you might not feel it, AC plus radio you might AC+Radio+ buckets seats you will AC+radio+buckets seats+lightweight wheels+PCCB+1/2 tank of fuel+passenger+don't take roof+ lightweight battery+ manual not PDK the cars night and day and we are then 200kg lighter ! Edited by PorscheGT4 on Thursday 30th April 12:32 I think you're being a little conservative. if you don't take a fat passenger then your at least 250kg to the good. We're back to the 'will a fat bird fit in my Porsche' thread

PorscheGT4 said: 20kg here 20kg there 1/2 a tank of fuel a passenger all of a sudden you are 150kg lighter. so while removing one item like AC you might not feel it, AC plus radio you might AC+Radio+ buckets seats you will AC+radio+buckets seats+lightweight wheels+PCCB+1/2 tank of fuel+passenger+don't take roof+ lightweight battery+ manual not PDK the cars night and day and we are then 200kg lighter ! Edited by PorscheGT4 on Thursday 30th April 12:32 200kgs? Without a doubt but we're talking about air con/stereo. I'm adding air con and PCM etc, got lightweight seats, PCCB's etc. Anyone can make a car heavier, the debate is simple air con/nice sounds vs 20kgs?? Its nothing! And you forget this new Spyder will more than likely be one of a few cars. For me its a nice addition. If I want to go really fast I just buy a really fast car.

ac plus radio is prob more like 40kg though. like wise I have speced every thing to my GT4 as I'll use it as a daily. I think My spyder might be faster than the GT4 lol

JPF40 said: Placebo effect. maybe so but it makes more of a difference than the £x,000's of interior carbon fiber that people spec on their cars which may amount to a couple of hundred grams of weight saved!

PorscheGT4 said: ac plus radio is prob more like 40kg though. utter b ks

SFO said: PorscheGT4 said: ac plus radio is prob more like 40kg though. utter b ks A/C is stated as saving15 kg and radio 5 kg in spyder/R brochure.

For anyone saying aircon is of no benefit do consider why it's mandatory for some Porsche race cars (e.g. 997 Cup & RSR I think) - as well as car performance, driver performance is important too.

WCZ said: maybe so but it makes more of a difference than the £x,000's of interior carbon fiber that people spec on their cars which may amount to a couple of hundred grams of weight saved! I'm going full carbon because it looks nice with the seats, it might actually weigh more since its just a cosmetic feature/trim.

thegoose said: For anyone saying aircon is of no benefit do consider why it's mandatory for some Porsche race cars (e.g. 997 Cup & RSR I think) - as well as car performance, driver performance is important too. after having an MGB an Elise and my Spyder, I have never once thought, I need AC in these cars ! you have to look at the car and then I think people are crazy mad to spec it in a Spyder or an Elise.

JPF40 said: I'm going full carbon because it looks nice with the seats, it might actually weigh more since its just a cosmetic feature/trim. I normally do not like carbon interior parts but after seeing the GT4 press launch cars in Portugal the carbon dash strips and centre console surround along with the carbon backed lwb's really helped lift the interior imho. It certainly helped make the cabin look like a nice place to sit.

looks horid,tacky and cheap in real life, I have not speced Carbon. some cars I love Carbon, but it looks too fake In a Porker imo.

PorscheGT4 said: after having an MGB an Elise and my Spyder, I have never once thought, I need AC in these cars ! you have to look at the car and then I think people are crazy mad to spec it in a Spyder or an Elise. I have been at Spa with the air temperature around 34 degrees. Everyone in fixed tops seemed fairly happy to have air conditioning that day.

lsb said: I have been at Spa with the air temperature around 34 degrees. Everyone in fixed tops seemed fairly happy to have air conditioning that day. as you will note none of the cars listed have fixed tops :-)

PorscheGT4 said: looks horid,tacky and cheap in real life, I have not speced Carbon. some cars I love Carbon, but it looks too fake In a Porker imo. Well when I sat in one in Portugal I must have been hallucinating :-)

lsb said: Well when I sat in one in Portugal I must have been hallucinating :-) that's why there are options, we all like what we like and Porsche will give options to take your money if you like what they offer. I don't like it, you do, it's a non issue.

PorscheGT4 said: that's why there are options, we all like what we like and Porsche will give options to take your money if you like what they offer. I don't like it, you do, it's a non issue. Why do you feel the need feel to comment on it then ? I neither asked for or care for your opinion. When you call it tacky etc, etc it can become an issue to some as, I am sure you are quite aware of. If you want to be confrontational that is your prerogative but most people say nothing over a trivial issue of taste when they are in disagreement.

PorscheGT4 said: lsb said: I have been at Spa with the air temperature around 34 degrees. Everyone in fixed tops seemed fairly happy to have air conditioning that day. as you will note none of the cars listed have fixed tops :-) It's fine using a soft top when you're moving, but being stationary stuck in traffic is when A/C is a benefit. If A/C and stereo is a free I'd spec both. Understand others would choose to go lightweight poverty spec.

g7jhp said: It's fine using a soft top when you're moving, but being stationary stuck in traffic is when A/C is a benefit. If A/C and stereo is a free I'd spec both. Understand others would choose to go lightweight poverty spec. why is it poverty spec when it is a no cost option most of the time, poverty spec is not having PCCB :-)!

lsb said: Why do you feel the need feel to comment on it then ? I neither asked for or care for your opinion. When you call it tacky etc, etc it can become an issue to some as, I am sure you are quite aware of. If you want to be confrontational that is your prerogative but most people say nothing over a trivial issue of taste when they are in disagreement. you started the comment on it and it has nothing to do with the thread title ! It's not confrontational, I think it all starts to look a bit tacky, that's my view , it's a forum !

PorscheGT4 said: why is it poverty spec when it is a no cost option most of the time, poverty spec is not having PCCB :-)! You feel the desire to pontificate - see above.

PorscheGT4 said: you started the comment on it and it has nothing to do with the thread title ! It's not confrontational, I think it all starts to look a bit tacky, that's my view , it's a forum ! I have seen a GT4 with the 918 carbon backed buckets and carbon trim in the flesh, have you ? I affirmed a previous opinion. You pontificated about a car and spec that I doubt you have actually seen (photographs do not count) ?? You also use language likely to offend.

PorscheGT4 said: g7jhp said: It's fine using a soft top when you're moving, but being stationary stuck in traffic is when A/C is a benefit. If A/C and stereo is a free I'd spec both. Understand others would choose to go lightweight poverty spec. why is it poverty spec when it is a no cost option most of the time, poverty spec is not having PCCB :-)! It'll still be poverty spec because you don't have a A/C and a stereo (which the majority would want or want to add back in and have to do it at their own cost). Poor man can't even afford a stereo (is what people will perceive - free option or not)!

Sandy59 said: I'll guess about 20kg, but whatever it is nothing I'd ever notice with my driving. I've heard it suggested if you really need to save the weight, don't unspec it just remove the parts and re-fit later for resale. This seems like the ideal suggestion. Given that I would always want to be able to drive these cars long distances (e.g. to track days and driving tours) I would always go for basic aircon and stereo. I'd basically choose no options except bucket seats and cruise control. I'll always remember getting a passenger ride for the first time in a GT3, in a track focussed 996 clubsport at Snetterton. Tightly strapped in, in the pit lane about to go out, final checks by the driver = tweak the aircon to blow a bit colder because there are two of us in the car....

SFO said: PorscheGT4 said: ac plus radio is prob more like 40kg though. utter b ks See http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/porsche... AC is quoted as 9kg, and I doubt the standard radio is as heavy as that - so 40kg seems way over - by a factor of three?

PorscheGT4 said: looks horid,tacky and cheap in real life, I have not speced Carbon. some cars I love Carbon, but it looks too fake In a Porker imo. True the carbon seats don't really look that great either, their carbon does look low rent it looked crap in my CGT and my GT3, what am I thinking!

As the OP of this post, may I thank the very few of you that answered my original question with actual facts. And may I also thank the rest of you for keeping me entertained! THREAD CLOSED