When it comes to track day performance, weight is the enemy. In the latest phase of our Toyota GT86 build, we’ve put our project car on a serious diet. The results? A remarkable 136kg weight reduction that’s going to transform this car’s performance.
Starting the Strip
Our GT86 tipped the scales at 1,235kg with a full tank of fuel before we began our weight reduction journey. That’s already a lightweight package from Toyota, but we knew there was fat to trim.
Stage 1: Quick Track Day Weight Saving – The Boot
We began by stripping the car from the rear in the boot, as this is what you’d do for some quick weight saving if you’re going to take your GT86 on a track day.
In the boot, we removed:
- Spare wheel: 11.1kg
- Factory tool kit: 3.05kg
These items, while useful for roadside emergencies, are unnecessary for track use. We’ll have proper tools and equipment at the track should we need them. This simple modification saves you 14.15kg and takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Stage 2: Next Level Weight Reduction
If you want to take things up another level, then removing the rear seats will save you a further 10.3kg and the removal of those rear seat belts will save you an additional 2.2kg.
By taking the various components out up till this stage has now saved you 26.65kg – something that’s not to be sniffed at for absolutely no cost and that’s easily reversible if you need to return the car to standard configuration.
Stage 3: Serious Track Day Preparation
For those getting a bit more serious with their GT86, the next option is probably going to be the removal of the front seats in place for some lightweight bucket seats. Removing these takes out a hefty 36.8kg – that’s 18.4kg saving per seat! Remove the 2 front seat belts, and that’s a further saving of 2.9kg.
Our RRS Control Carbon bucket seats that we are installing weigh just 7.5kg each for comparison!
At this stage, you’ve now saved 66.35kg from your GT86 while still maintaining a practical, road-legal car that can be driven to and from the track.
Stage 4: Hardcore Rally/Race Car Build
For the hardcore folks out there who are building a rally or race car like us, then you can now go crazy ripping pretty much everything out that is left:
- Dashboard assembly: 8.35kg
- Entertainment console: 2.95kg
- Door cards (both sides): 6.6kg
- Heater box: 7.45kg
- Dashboard metal supports: 2.05kg
The factory sound deadening and carpet were next to go. While these components help make the standard GT86 a comfortable daily driver, they add unnecessary weight for competition use.
The Results
After our comprehensive weight reduction, the GT86 now weighs in at just 1,099kg – that’s 136kg lighter than when we started! This represents an 11% total weight reduction, which will translate directly into improved acceleration, braking, and cornering performance.
It’s worth noting that this 1,099kg figure includes the standard glass windows throughout the car. We’ve already got plans to replace these with lightweight polycarbonate windows in the next phase, which should shave off even more precious kilograms from the overall weight.
To put this in perspective, the power-to-weight ratio improvement is equivalent to adding approximately 25-30hp to the engine without any actual power modifications. And we’re not done yet!
Strategic Weight Addition
Of course, this isn’t the end of our weight story. We’re well aware that we’ll be adding some weight back with essential track safety equipment. The upcoming Safety Devices roll cage installation, RRS Control carbon bucket seats, RRS R6 Light Evo harnesses, and RRS fire extinguishers will all contribute to the final weight figure.
However, there’s a crucial difference – we’re strategically removing weight from areas that don’t benefit performance, and adding it back in ways that enhance both safety and handling. The roll cage, for example, adds rigidity to the chassis while providing crucial protection, making it a worthwhile trade-off. Plus, it’s required for regulations too!
It will be fascinating to see the final numbers once all safety equipment is installed and to measure what difference our weight redistribution has made to the car’s balance and handling characteristics.
Up Next
With the GT86 now significantly lighter, we’re moving to the next exciting phase of our build – a complete suspension, braking, and interior overhaul.
For the handling department, we’ll be installing adjustable 2-way YSR coilovers for precise damping control and replacing the factory braking system with a YSR big brake kit for massive stopping power improvements. The suspension will get a comprehensive upgrade with components from the entire Hardrace catalogue, including roll centre adjusters, control arms, toe arms, and bushings.
The interior is getting a serious makeover with the installation of a Safety Devices roll cage for structural rigidity and protection. We’ll be fitting lightweight RRS carbon bucket seats paired with R6 harnesses to keep the driver firmly in place during hard cornering. To replace the stripped factory dash, we’re going with a minimalist fibreglass dash panel that saves weight while maintaining essential instrumentation.
Communication is key on track, so we’ll be installing a ZeroNoise communication system to stay in touch with the pit crew during track sessions.
We’ll also be tackling those glass windows, replacing them with polycarbonate alternatives for an additional weight saving.