Wiper Blades
 

Does anyone know how much the oem wiper blades weigh ? I'm looking for some aftermarket refills that are both lighter and more aerodynamic, and will increase power and performance .

I go without blades. I just use the 1 inch gap to see through that the metal on windshield contact gives me. I think I gained 3 horsepower...

Interesting approach . Do you have dyno results ?

I say install air jets as this will ease the slipstream effect...should be good for an additional 5hp.

Everyone knows it's not the wipers that increase HP, but liberal use of the right wiper FLUID.

Unfortunately I do not have any Dyno info. The day I was going to take it to have it done, I opted to spend the time taking off bonnet and trunk lids and replacing them with saran wrap. Cut 200 pounds off the car...again, gained 3 HP.

Next up...taking off the steering wheel and going to replace it with vice grips. Should have better one finger turning with those. Purely comfort - not trying to gain any HP...

Just out of curiosity, what torque spec will you set the vise grips on ?

94 just like the wheels

Get some upgraded blinker fluid & muffler bearings while you're at it.

Guys, I highly recommend you don't use vise grips as a steering wheel, set to 94 ft/lbs.

Everyone knows the wheel torque is 96ft/lbs. Please make note when installing vise grips.

Carry on.

:p

Also, with the increased power these serious mods will develop. You may consider upgrading to a stiffer piston return spring. It only makes sense.

With great power comes great responsibility.

3hp from wiper delete? I call BS. My friend who has a completely different car got 3.25745 hp from his wiper delete. He estimated this using the seat of the pants data acquisition sytem.

You guys are being ridiculous. I removed a front wheel which saves significant weight, reduces road friction and reduces the cost of tire replacement by 25%. The only drawback is that it does have a negative impact on handling.

That all depends...you could plan your route so your lack of wheel--sorry, your wheel delete--is always to the inside of the turns, as any self-respecting, highway on-ramp-apex-hitting driver knows. This is what GPS on smartphones is for.

You gents do realize that the retractable spoiler was for on-road use only, right? For the track, one simply has to prop open the trunk lid with a Folger's can for the ideal amount of downforce. And if you really give the brakes a stomp it will flip up the rest of the way and give you the airbrake effect that only a Porsche engineer could dream up.

Of course if you don't have those minimum 3 gained horses from your wiper delete you won't have enough punch to get the trunk to resume spoiler duty.

Does a wiper blade delete require an ecu remap/maf change to avoid getting a CWL or throwing any OBD codes?

It depends if they're RoW blades .

I have to say as a Noob, I've learned a ton from this site...but this has to be the best thread yet. I've followed all of your advice, and I'm telling you my '98 2.5L is giving 911's a run for their money! The best part is I haven't had a single car pass me all day - so now I'm thinking about a side mirror delete and replacing with dental mirrors...who needs those if you're out front right? Gotta be another 3hp...Thoughts?

I've found that tossing out the passenger seat and replacing it with an occasional lawn chair results in a significant weight reduction/hp boost as well .

I bought new cheap brand wiper blades 2 weeks ago and i have to say i was disappointed with the power. It barely made a difference.

Next time I am going with a better brand like Rainex for that extra traction and power for wet weather.

I use those Rainex wipers. They completely eliminate hydroplaning and I can go just as fast on wet roads as dry. Don't seem to have much more power though.

Omg so today i decided to really go for it. I did it and you wouldnt believe the difference. I took out 7 quarts of oil cause you know if the ims is gonna fail might as well take some weight out and really drop 7 pounds BUT i put a quart of oil in the windshield wiper fluid and man it was like going through a black hole at warp speed!!! Last thing tomorrow is to cut a hole in floor and get rid of. Rakes...you know flinstone porsche style...

Just make sure that you don't have one of those Christmas Tree air fresheners dangling around . They can cause turbulence that will impede your vehicle's aerodynamics . Also, make sure to use plenty of lip balm too .

Damnit - I always forget about the lip balm.

I mounted my new wiperblades inside. Less aero drag, significant power gains and keeps the spit off the windshield when I scream all excited "VROOOM VROOM!"

Any videos ?

Anyone considered eliminating the steering wheel for a rope (toboggan-style)? That steering column removal is weight savings right there, and you can't really get more direct steering feedback than being tied directly to the rack, amirite? Your HP gains will vary, as it'll depend on (and equate to) how much muscle mass you gain from your new steering efforts.

What if the rope snaps ??

That's easy, Heel and toe into a "Stem Christie".

^^^:D I lol'd

You could always use a chain instead, Johnny. What with the winter workouts you had going, you should have more than enough powah for the steering.