Performance difference with ICE

[stevecupra]

Just wondering, what would the difference in performance be with a boot install weighing the car down. Its a 20vt (180) with revo. In the boot there is a double 12 inch sub box and an amp rack with 3 amps in it. Will it even make a difference to the 0-60 times?

 

[UncleFester]

Yup - it will because you're carrying an extra person in the boot.

 

[tommmineh]

Will it even make a difference to the 0-60 times?

Fo' sure!

 

[Snoopie]

Probably not. Infact, you might find you get better traction.

 

[UncleFester]

Hmm i think it will, i know mine weighs in at around 100kg give or take a bit ... that's like carrying a 17 stone rugby prop around wherever you go!

 

[Reg]

Probably not. Infact, you might find you get better traction.

Think again! On a FWD car, adding weight to the back of the car will just exagerate weight transfer even more, so making traction at the front wheels even worse.

 

[UncleFester]

Depends how far the rear suspension has been compressed by the weight of the hifi i guess ... mine was already sat low at the back, when i fitted the 30mm lowering springs and uprated dampers the rear of the car didn't lower any further but the front came down to match it.

Since fitting these the handling is a lot more surefooted - will need the rear ARB fitted to sort it out once and for all as it's still a bit wayward

 

[RobM]

From experience I can say yes, it will have an effect. More on the 0-60 or 0-100 times than the in-gear performance, as once moving weight isn't as much of a problem, although it still slows you down.

Adding 100KG of weight - which is very easy with ICE, MDF, sound deadening, cables etc - will have a noticeable affect. Try finding a fat friend, or two average friends, and stick them in the back of your car and see if it still feels the same.

 

[LiCkWiD]

The time difference will be negligble, unless you're setting yourself up as a 0-60 sprinter on a more regular basis.

I'd forget about the .5 of a second or something that comes from the extra weight. If you get bitten by the weight bug, you end up tearing our comfy trim and "unneeded" panels. It works both ways. It'll only make a difference if you're seriously trying to shave nanoseconds of your 0-60 times.

The weight in this system is not centred over the driving force, i.e. the front-wheels. That said, the increased weight is not spread evenly over the wheels, therefore this will only have a slowing effect. Definitely not a traction-inscreasing one. Fact is, the car will be slightly lower on its arse-end now. Not an ideal situation for an FWD. Nevermind.

 

[dan__smith]

I'd say it would be a little slower, but you prob wouldn't notice it!

 

[RobM]

When I had a similar, fairly hefty in a Focus I had I did notice a difference, but as said above, it wasn't huge unless you're constantly doing standing starts or trying to get good 0-60 times. When I really noticed it was when I removed it all! The difference in the way it accelerated and the way it felt through corners was quite a surprise. The car felt like it had gained power and felt much more nimble.

 

[Snoopie]

Think again! On a FWD car, adding weight to the back of the car will just exagerate weight transfer even more, so making traction at the front wheels even worse.

On ice and snow in the older days.. They use to put bags of Potatoes etc in the back of extra traction going up hills and moving off.
Although I see your theory..

 

[stevecupra]

Ok, I think if it does not make that much difference i will keep the quality sounds and sacrifice the half a second or so. Cheers

 

[Nathanio]

What effect will it have on your economy and also rear tyre wear with the extra weight?

 

[UncleFester]

Haha compared to the rate the fronts wear at i've not noticed any problem. I just find it sits better on the road and seems less 'light' at the rear. Most of the time I only carry me in the car so it's not much of a weight increase. I think especially on the Diesels, there's so much torque once you're moving that fuel economy barely changes?

 

[DPJ]

On ice and snow in the older days.. They use to put bags of Potatoes etc in the back of extra traction going up hills and moving off.
..

In RWD cars.

 

[LiCkWiD]

Heh, I did wonder about that also, DPJ. I thought maybe people were getting confused as to which wheels pull on a Leon

 

[dan__smith]

Heh, I did wonder about that also, DPJ. I thought maybe people were getting confused as to which wheels pull on a Leon

The steering wheel?

 

[Reg]

On ice and snow in the older days.. They use to put bags of Potatoes etc in the back of extra traction going up hills and moving off.
Although I see your theory..

Its more than just theory! As DPJ says, RWD cars this would be true. Ask someone who used to own a Capri. It was popular to carry a little weight in the boot to try and get the tyres to dig in a little.

But on a front wheel drive car you are changing the balance towards the back, away from the driving wheels which will scrabble for grip even more.

 

[LiCkWiD]

No dan, you idiot. Christ. Power is routed through the stero volume nob. Christ almighty, give me strength Lord!