Prepping as dedicated track car

[CanyonRider]

This seems to have become a popular thread and it has gotten pretty long. So for quicker access to key modifications, I figured a list of links would be nice. So here ya go:

Adding Lightness (gutting the car) starts here

Relocating battery to the trunk
V6 Engine Replacement

Rollbar, race seats, harnesses
Prepping as dedicated track car

First track day & blown engine
Prepping as dedicated track car

Adding lightness to the hood
Prepping as dedicated track car

Solid subframe bushings
Prepping as dedicated track car

09 Fusion motor swap
Prepping as dedicated track car

Adding mechanical gauges
Prepping as dedicated track car

Adding front tow ring
Prepping as dedicated track car

Poly bushings in front control arms; eccentric upper control arm bushings
Prepping as dedicated track car

ARP wheel studs, new wheel bearings, SPC adjustable ball joints
Prepping as dedicated track car

Side exit exhaust
Prepping as dedicated track car

Bilsteins, Eibachs, SS brake lines, adjustable rear swaybar v1.0
Prepping as dedicated track car

Brake cooling ducts
Prepping as dedicated track car

285/30 on 18x8.5 +50
Prepping as dedicated track car

Weigh-in
Prepping as dedicated track car

DIY Alignment
Prepping as dedicated track car

Adding more rear camber
Prepping as dedicated track car

Adjustable rear swaybar v2.0
Prepping as dedicated track car

Dyno Pull
Ready for the GO or BLOW test?

2nd track report
Track Report - 2 days @ VIR

Pedal covers
Prepping as dedicated track car

3rd track report
Track Report - 2 days @ CMP

Speed6 brake upgrade
Prepping as dedicated track car

275/35 on 18x10 +40
Prepping as dedicated track car

Limited slip differential install
Prepping as dedicated track car

Adjustable rear swaybar v3.0
Prepping as dedicated track car

Fender Flares
Prepping as dedicated track car



It has been over three years since I started a thread, so I figure I’m due.

I’m not sure how other people buy cars, but when I buy a car it is with the full knowledge that one day down the road it will be a dedicated track car. So it was, when I bought the ’03 Mazda6 as a daily driver – relegating the SHO to track duty. I still remember walking into the Mazda Dealer in February of 2003 with my race helmet and asking to test drive a 6s with no sunroof so I could check the headroom.



With the exception of the occasional autocross, the 6 has been a daily driver. Well the 6’s day in the sun has finally arrived. The SHO track car is gone and the Mazda6 has been replaced as a daily driver by yet another future track car. We will now prepare the 6 for full-time flogging. Having done this before, I will share a couple lessons learned:

1. You can’t turn a pig into a race car, but you can spend a lot of money building a really fast pig. This was true with the SHO and I expect it to be true with the 6. I don’t expect to run with the Shelbys, M3s and 911s, just to be one of the fastest FWD-4Doors on the road course.

2. Before we spend money on two-piece carbon fiber rotors, double adjustable shocks, UDPs, and coilovers, we need to shed as much weight as possible – making the car less pig-like.

So here is the starting point:
2003 Mazda 6s, 5-speed, 190k Miles
Mods:
2006 engine – 70k miles
Long tube headers
CAI
Lightweight Flywheel
Kevlar clutch
Battery in trunk
Not a bad start.

Current Weight analysis – 1/4 tank of gas, no driver:
Total weight: 3160lbs
Front weight: 58.6%
Left weight: 50.5%
Cross weight: 48.9%

The total weight looks to be about a hundred pounds below the published curb weight - I attribute that to the elimination of the cast iron manifolds, pre-cats and the light flywheel. I’m surprised the left and cross weights are so close to 50% - I’m sure moving the battery from the left front to the right rear had a significant impact.

Goal – including driver:
Total weight: As little as possible - hopefully under 2500lbs
Front weight: 50%
Left weight: 50%
Cross weight: 50%

I say “Goal” as an ideal target – we will not likely achieve. FWD cars are always weight biased to the front and most of the weight we shed will be behind the front wheels. We might be able to hit the 50% L/R goal by moving some weight around. Cross weights will change as we shed lbs, but afterwards they can only be adjusted with coilovers.

Let the stripping begin! If you are in need of any interior parts (or anything else you see come off the car), shoot me a PM and I’ll get you a price. I plan to sell or Ebay as much as I can to fund my habit.




Here’s what is coming out:
Trunk liners
Seats
Console
Carpet & pad
Headliner
Trim
Radio
Speakers
Dash
Airbags
Door panels
Window motors
Glass (except windshield)
Trunk lid reinforcing (keep the skin)
Trunk hinges
Rear doors and hinges (except skins)
Exhaust (behind headers)
Sound deadening
Heat shields
A/C compressor, evaporator, accumulator
Bumper bars (keep bumper covers)
Hood reinforcing
Front fender reinforcing

After it is striped, we’ll weigh again before adding the roll cage, fire suppression, transponder, race seats, harnesses, etc.

I’ll post pics along the way for your viewing pleasure.

[MrTea]

not including the cage, you might be able to get into the 2600# range, but even that will be tough i'd imagine. With rear seats out, 1/4 tank on my 6i i was barely under 3k# from what i remember.

blast on the track, you won't be disappointed!!

[CanyonRider]

Still shedding weight

[ashleys6]

its sooo empty lol so what did u replace the 6 with for ur dd?

[vanib]

hey, you left the steering wheel. That must be another 3 lbs right there

[JohnDoe]

I laughed when I saw your goal of 2500lbs in your original post. Needless to say, I am no longer laughing. Looks like there's less than 15-20lbs of removable interior left in the whole car. Good luck with your build. Looks like it's coming along great so far.

[ctmazda]

Dam, nice work dude. I spy a passenger side vent still standing

[NascarGreg]

God I am so jealous!

[CanyonRider]

Originally Posted by ashleys6

its sooo empty lol so what did u replace the 6 with for ur dd?

[ashleys6]

dayum nice upgrade (i do love my 6....but thats just hott)