Rice Burner's Garage

Well guys and gals,

I am officially starting my Zero Weight Project build. The concept is quite simple. My goal is to upgrade all the different parts of my vehicle, performance, handling, quietness and stereo sound without increasing the weight of the vehicle.

This may seem like an undoable thing. Here is the plan.

1. Look for opportunities to reduce weight without sacrificing performance. In fact the goal is to increase performance and save weight at the same time.

2. To reduce the road noise levels inside the car, eliminate the existing buzzes and rattles and improve the feel of the car with a targeted Dynamat install.

3. Improve the sound quality of the vehicle by upgrading the stock stereo. Increase the SPL output, improved bass extension and drastically improve the stereo imaging and sound staging. This will be accomplished by trial and error and also by choosing products that offer a high performance to weight ratio. NO 50LB subwoofers need apply.

4. To document the upgrade with before and after performance measurements. Skidpad? Horse Power, AutoX times? Maybe even a drag run. Also, I will measure the noise floor, and sound quality improvements (SPL and RTA) at different stages of the build. Maybe I will enter the car in a sound “Q” and auto cross with the same setup.

5. Debunk myths of not being able to have a great sounding stereo and quite ride in a sports or sporty car.

6. A repeatable project. The ultimate goal is to show people that it is possible to have your cake and eat it too. Too many people think they can’t have a quiet car and great sounding stereo without severely lower performance due to added weight.

This is not going to be a “bling bling” project. There are plenty of those and that’s just fine. This is a project dedicated to the daily driver enthusiast. There will be no removing of the AC unit, no loss in creature comforts. I am to old for that… well you know.

Please let me know what you think. You advice in input is greatly appreciated.

Next up: evaluating the starting point. Mazda’s RX8