Chassis rigidity with back seat out

8600RPM · 01-11-2017, 09:14 AM

Believe me I've searched and can't find an answer whether removal of our fold down seats effects our handling and chassis rigidity at track? Gts adds a cage so can't compare that.any data on this?

tlrid3r · 01-11-2017, 10:40 AM

I don't think it adds any rigidity, the bottom seat is all foam and plastic with plastic tabs holding it. The seat back is hard backing but it's on a hinge that has a lot of play. I always remove the seat out, before track and never felt a decrease of handling. More of a weight improvement. I eventually just left the seat out for many track days. Now I installed a cage and notice an increase of stiffness. My cage is welded in though.

cenix · 01-11-2017, 03:13 PM

The improvement you'd see, if any, is weight loss. The seats will have no effect on your car's rigidity whatsoever.

Richbot · 01-11-2017, 10:04 PM

No

Datka · 01-11-2017, 10:35 PM

What is the weight of rear seats? Is it even worth the trouble removing them?

macdude357 · 01-12-2017, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datka

What is the weight of rear seats? Is it even worth the trouble removing them?

43 pounds plus a few pounds for the head rests.

Move Over · 01-12-2017, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macdude357

43 pounds plus a few pounds for the head rests.

My rear seats came out to be a total of around 64 lbs. Just the 60% seat of the 60/40 split weighed in at 30 some alone.

The upper deck weighs another 22lbs if anyone is wondering.

macdude357 · 01-12-2017, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Move Over

My rear seats came out to be a total of around 64 lbs. Just the 60% seat of the 60/40 split weighed in at 30 some alone.

The upper deck weighs another 22lbs if anyone is wondering.

I was going off this which said 43.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135122

Maybe coupe vs. sedan?

64 pounds makes me think about doing this for track days in my E90.

Move Over · 01-12-2017, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macdude357

Quote:

Originally Posted by Move Over

My rear seats came out to be a total of around 64 lbs. Just the 60% seat of the 60/40 split weighed in at 30 some alone.

The upper deck weighs another 22lbs if anyone is wondering.

I was going off this which said 43.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135122

Maybe coupe vs. sedan?

64 pounds makes me think about doing this for track days in my E90.

I want to tell you it made a difference around a track, but who knows, maybe placebo effect. I think with my back deck out, back seats and trunk linings out I lost about 86lbs.

Getting the seatbelts lined up when reinstalling was a BITCH.

I really did notice it when I put them back in.

macdude357 · 01-12-2017, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Move Over

Getting the seatbelts lined up when reinstalling was a BITCH.

Yeah, I had to do this when I installed my Quickfit Pros. If you were going to taking them in and out, maybe get an old male seatbelt connector and strap to clip in and then pull that through the opening bringing the female connector with it.

If it did it, it would be in conjunction with other things like lighter battery, BBK, titanium exhaust, etc. I bet you could save close to 175lbs with those alone.

tlrid3r · 01-14-2017, 10:45 AM

Yes mine were 46 lbs with nuts and bolts plus the seat latch.

01-11-2017, 09:14 AM	#1
8600RPM Lieutenant Colonel 657 Rep 1,749 Posts Drives: e92 m3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	Chassis rigidity with back seat out Believe me I've searched and can't find an answer whether removal of our fold down seats effects our handling and chassis rigidity at track? Gts adds a cage so can't compare that.any data on this?
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01-11-2017, 10:40 AM	#2
tlrid3r just another M3 514 Rep 1,152 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Jose, ca iTrader: (6)	I don't think it adds any rigidity, the bottom seat is all foam and plastic with plastic tabs holding it. The seat back is hard backing but it's on a hinge that has a lot of play. I always remove the seat out, before track and never felt a decrease of handling. More of a weight improvement. I eventually just left the seat out for many track days. Now I installed a cage and notice an increase of stiffness. My cage is welded in though. __________________ ///M3... Don't want more power, Just want it to turn sharper one step closer each time. -Ohlins TTX Raceline, PolePostions seats, Akrapovic EVO, ARC-8, 1/2 Cage, Seat Delete, Stoptech BBK, solid Subframe and diff bushing, spherical bearing on everything.
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01-11-2017, 03:13 PM	#3
cenix Captain 379 Rep 875 Posts Drives: E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (5)	The improvement you'd see, if any, is weight loss. The seats will have no effect on your car's rigidity whatsoever.
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01-11-2017, 10:04 PM	#4
Richbot Major General 2760 Rep 5,483 Posts Drives: Jerez Black E90 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: STL iTrader: (5)	No __________________
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01-11-2017, 10:35 PM	#5
Datka Lieutenant 450 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 ,2021 M340i Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (1)	What is the weight of rear seats? Is it even worth the trouble removing them? __________________ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." Steve MCQueen
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01-14-2017, 10:45 AM	#11
tlrid3r just another M3 514 Rep 1,152 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Jose, ca iTrader: (6)	Yes mine were 46 lbs with nuts and bolts plus the seat latch. __________________ ///M3... Don't want more power, Just want it to turn sharper one step closer each time. -Ohlins TTX Raceline, PolePostions seats, Akrapovic EVO, ARC-8, 1/2 Cage, Seat Delete, Stoptech BBK, solid Subframe and diff bushing, spherical bearing on everything.
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