weight distribution

[miller]

Does anyone know what the weight distribution would be for the 1969 dodge charger... also has anyone tried to correct it to bring it closer to 50/50. I would think aluminum or fiberglass hood and fenders would help, what else have you done and how successful have you been?

[Brock Samson]

 
i think.. putting the battery in the trunk helps some, having a small block /6 318 or 340/360 helps too...
having some chicks help out by riding in the trunk tends to help some too... 




i wouldn't recommend the following however..   

[Charger1973]

 

[Ghoste]

With a big block car, you are looking at about 60/40 biased to the front.

[Mike DC]

Swapping out mechanical stuff for different pieces can really help the situation:
 
--  Swap to aluminum engine stuff as much as possible.  (Cylinder heads, water pump housing, intake manifold, etc.)  And go to tube headers rather than manifolds.
    You can dump 100+ pounds off the front end doing this.

--  battery to the trunk.  Not only are you subtracting that weight from the front, you're also adding it to the back end.

--  swap the cast-iron brake master cylinder to a modern aluminum one with the plastic tanks.

--  Power steering is 40 pounds, manual would help a little.

--  use an aluminum "pig" for the 8.75" rear axle.  (but it costs $800!)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The body panels can show some gains too:

--  Switching the front fenders to 'glass will probably give you about 50 pounds total.
    (I wouldn't do it.  Big problems for a small weight loss.)

--  'Glass hoods work fine.  Pretty easy to live with and they do save some weight.

--  The chrome bumpers don't weight a LOT, but it's worth doing if you're on a mission.  You might as well leave the rear bumper steel if 50/50 weight balance is the goal.
    (There's a few places that can chrome-plate a fiberglass bumper now.  I'd do it just for the fake-out factor.)

   

[Lostsheep]

Losing big heavy steel wheels.

[Brock Samson]

you guys'll getta kick out of this...       

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvzr8Pk_wQQ   

invest in hood pins,.. how much is a '71 hood again...   

[Lostsheep]

Gimmie some string....we've got ourselves a kite.