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MG MGB Technical - Heater Removal - weight saving?

I'm having my MGB rebuilt with a view to using it for light competition, some historic racing etc. Wondering how much the heater weighs. Anyone know? Most people seem to remove it but it is useful for demisting screen etc. How much weight is actually saved?

Any other ideas on places to remove wieght? Already using an alloy bonnet and can't move to fibreglass panels.

Ideas appreciated
Grant

I don't know the weight of the heater but without water in it I guess it is less than 2kg.

If you have twin horns remove one of them.

Remove the underseal. In fact have the body shell acid dipped and then put a thin etch primer on it followed by a thin colour coat.

If you have an oil cooler replace it and the pipes with the short metal pipe.

If you have later US spec doors with impact beams in them replace these with normal ones.

If you have a tube type rear axle replace it with a banjo. Big saving.

Convert to 12v battery and remove the spare box.

3 sync gearbox with no overdrive.
David Witham

Single lightweight gell filled battery.

Strip all carpets, and trim so far as regulations permit.

Consider lightweight but comfortable driver's seat, and lightweight passenger's seat - if regulations permit.

Ditch spare wheel, or substitute lightweight.

Remove bumpers & fittings if regulations allow.

Adhesive number plates are allowed in some jurisdictions for older cars - my B has them front & rear.

I would suggest you think hard before ditching the later doors with impact beams in them in favour of normal ones. The impact beams are a (welcome) safety feature.

Nigel Steward

The impact beams weigh 10 pounds each! The difference between lif and death won't be side impact beams, since the typical SUV will come over the top of the door anyway!
You can drill holes in the front crossmember to remove another 3 pounds. If you have access to a lathe, you can shave excess weight off of the wheel hubs. Tube type shocks are much lighter if they are allowed. An early steering column is much lighter than the collapsible type if you have one. The heater will remove around 30 pounds. The demisters are unnecessary when you consider that your driving glove will work just as well. I second the move to no oil cooler. An aluminum rediator will save several pounds. A lightweight plastic cooling fan and an MGA type lower pulley will also save considerable weight. Have you lightened your flywheel yet? There's at least 6 pounds to be lost! My car weighs in close to 1800 lbs, with more room to go. The Fastcars front suspension should save another 60 pounds!
Jeff
Jeff Schlemmer

Remove the heat exchanger, block off the water outlet and inlet, and you will save most of the weight of the heater but still have the fan. Under some circumstances cool air clears screen misting better than warm air.
Paul Hunt 2

Have you tried a diet?

Iain
I D Cameron

Iain
Great comment. I am always amazed to see a huge driver get out of a little racing machine. Weight is weight whether it is the weight of the machine or the cargo.

GoKart or motorcyle racing is the extreme example of the advantage of a small driver.

Barry
Barry Parkinson

This thread was discussed on 31/10/2006

MG MGB Technical index

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