5 replies to this topic

[askey]

Hi guys just wanting peoples views or experiences on removing the rear seat bulkhead and replacing it with the mini spares carbon fibre one i now you can loose streanth and gain flex in the body removing it.just wonderd if anyone has done this or something similar and had good or no benefits from doing so....cheers askey

[Tupers]

I believe the Mini Sport panel is just designed as a cover to go over the original seat back and smarten it up. 

 

If you had a race car and the rules allowed it then it may be worth considering removing the steel and fitting the Mini Sport panel for weight reduction. On a road car cutting the seat back out isn't a good idea as you'll loose strength and run in to potential issues with the identity of the car. 

[Cooperman]

The rear bulkhead is a structural 'shear panel' and if removed it is necessary to replace the lost strength with suitable alternative structure.
Why someone would want to reduce the torsional rigidity of a road car which has to be driven in a more-or-less legal manner on the public roads is a bit hard to understand, especially as this could render the car needing an IVA inspection ('Bungle' to confirm this).

[askey]

Thats sorted that then cheers for the feed back..

[Carlos W]

The bulkhead also acts as a firewall (I think) although not a very good one as there are loads of gaps.

 

If you're looking for weight savings there are loads of better ways, go on a diet, never carry more than half a tank of fuel, poly windows, bin the spare wheel (may cause issues if you get a puncture) get rid of speakers, passengers, seats, make sure you go to the toilet before you drive anywhere. An Odyssey racing battery weighs 5.7 kg, compared to a normal battery which weighs 20ish ????

 

Etc Etc

 

Of course, if you're not looking to save weight then ignore everything above!

[askey]

Loool yes were weight can be saved it will be. But im 6ft 4 and weigh 14st so I darent lose any more wigtht and always always go for a s**t before going for a drive ahha but thanks for the reply mate....