Weight reduction

[SCIV]

My question is...are the front inner fender wells needed for structural integrity? I have searched until my fingers hurt, but can't find any solid answers. I figure if I can get rid of them, that should be 20-30 pounds off the nose.

Does anyone make plastic ones similar to new style trucks that fit our trucks?

Thanks in advance,
S.C.

[Sinister]

They do add quite a bit of structure/strength to the front end. I think someone make fiberglass ones.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by SCIV

My question is...are the front inner fender wells needed for structural integrity? I have searched until my fingers hurt, but can't find any solid answers. I figure if I can get rid of them, that should be 20-30 pounds off the nose.

Does anyone make plastic ones similar to new style trucks that fit our trucks?

Thanks in advance,
S.C.

What is the purpose of the weight reduction?

If the intended goal is weight reduction for an improved HP/weight ratio on the track, the result would be a few lbs lost @ the expense of increased drag coefficient. W/o the wheel wells, the engine compartment acts like a big 'sail panel' trapping air in the engine compartment. So if you remove them, replace them w/something lighter that still seals the engine compartment off from the exterior airflow.

[d10s69c10]

you know if this is going to be just for drag maybe drilling holes out of them with a hole saw.. i mean it would be ugly but im sure you could shave alot of weight that way.

also i dont know if it would save enuff weight but you could build fiberglass molds over/under fenders cut out a much metal from the inside and rivet the fiber to the metal perimeter.

i have seen carbon fiber bodies built but they are very expensive and i have not seen it for our truck yet.

[SCIV]

Yes this is for track performance. That is why I was wondering there were lighter replacements out there.

If I can't find something to replace them with, either I can fab something up, or just leave them in.

[Senator350]

what's the rule of thumb... like 1% horsepower for every ten pound shaved?

sounds like fiberglass inners would be easier than sin to make.. but might only gain you like 3-5 horsepower (not sure what you're putting to the wheels now)

If you haven't gotten digital ignition or a billit aluminum dizzy or chromoly fuel pump push rod or an electric fan.... you might want to look at putting that effort somewhere else first

[LuckyHenriksen]

I took mine out cuz they were rusty, and they accidently got sent to the scrapper in a pile of other junk
I haven't put anything back in, and it seems fine, and I've driven through some bad rainstorms/huge puddles here in the NW. I want some fiberglass ones, and the idea of it being like a giant scoop, reducing aerodynamics, doesn't appeal. I do notice a lot of wind noise while driving, could this be the culprit?

[Senator350]

Originally Posted by LuckyHenriksen

I took mine out cuz they were rusty, and they accidently got sent to the scrapper in a pile of other junk
I haven't put anything back in, and it seems fine, and I've driven through some bad rainstorms/huge puddles here in the NW. I want some fiberglass ones, and the idea of it being like a giant scoop, reducing aerodynamics, doesn't appeal. I do notice a lot of wind noise while driving, could this be the culprit?

well... THAT, and our trucks are about as aerodynamic as parachuttes to begin with.

[LuckyHenriksen]

Ya good point

[phipp13]

takem out and put some .050 aluminum panels on a 45deg downslope then another 45 deg down and commect it to the framerail. it blocks off the wheel well and don't weigh squat

[LuckyHenriksen]

Originally Posted by phipp13

takem out and put some .050 aluminum panels on a 45deg downslope then another 45 deg down and commect it to the framerail. it blocks off the wheel well and don't weigh squat

I like that idea, for some reason the stock ones don't look very appealing to me

[bigsnookmaster]

No aerodynamics = Bigger motor, or more nitrous.Lol

[LuckyHenriksen]

Originally Posted by bigsnookmaster

no aerodynamics = bigger motor, or more nitrous.lol

x2!

[Senator350]

Originally Posted by LuckyHenriksen

I like that idea, for some reason the stock ones don't look very appealing to me

at what point do we care aboiut cleaning all of the aluminum?!?!? don't you have to pollish that stuff :-/


also... instead of "no aerodynamics = bigger motor, or more nitrous."
I'd like to nominate "no aerodynamics = bigger motor AND nitrous."

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Senator350

at what point do we care aboiut cleaning all of the aluminum?!?!? don't you have to pollish that stuff :-/


also... instead of "no aerodynamics = bigger motor, or more nitrous."
I'd like to nominate "no aerodynamics = bigger motor AND nitrous."

Aluminum only requires polishing if you want it shiny. You can coat it w/paint or powder-coat it using different textures for some contrast.

[OARNGESI]

Wouldnt fiberglass inner fenders be a bad idea on a truck that you drive on the street im just thinking how many duallys there are that the rear fenders are all torn up from rocks and blow outs maybe not an issue on a drag truck though

[SCIV]

Actually I am working on a twin turbo 6.0L setup. I know the weight loss overall isn't a big advantage, but the weight off the nose would help with transfer.

This isn't a daily driver, so rain isn't an issue. I guess I will leave them in for now, and then do some testing at the track with and without them.

Thanks everyone for the insight.

[50MOTORHEAD]

I don't think that you would be pleased with no inner fenders.I run without them on my 55 chev car. You should see all the slop that gets thrown on my motor now.I did it so I could run wheelwell headers. Now I have a dirty motor and a floor that you could fry an egg on. Not quite what I expected.STUPID BRAIN THING !-KB