DIY Network

1993 Honda Civic: "Racing Diet" Andrew Totolos puts a '93 Civic — already partly race-ready — on a weight-reducing program, lowering curb weight by 325 pounds and shaving standing 1/8-mile track time to under 10 seconds! From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-401

(Continued from page 1)

A pile of parts is removed from the Honda Civic to make it more track-worthy.

In this first phase of the project, to monitor the weight reduction process, Andrew puts the Civic on a set of scales. He then removes the seats, strips all of the plastic trim and pulls the carpet. He takes care not to destroy anything so the materials can be sold for a little extra cash.

Materials and tools:

standard shop tools
sports seat
harness bar
four-point harness system
corner weight scales

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Clear Out Cargo Area and Interior

• Using the corner weight scales (figure A), add up all four corners to get the total weight of your vehicle.

• The first place to remove weight is from the cargo area. Basically, take out anything that's not bolted down. A heavy speaker box can slow you down on the track (figure B). Remove any tools or spare parts, including the extra tire (figure C). You won't need these for a trip down the drag strip.

• While you're back there, you might as well go ahead and disconnect the battery because later you'll be working on the dash electronics. Leave it in the car, though, so the weight measurements stay correct.

• Next, remove all the interior pieces that are no longer needed (figure D).

• Since this car has been apart for modification a few times the back seat just lifts out. The front seats have four bolts to remove.

• Popping out the strut tower bar to remove the rear trim panel is simple. You'll still have to make small cuts in the upper trim pieces to work them out around the hatch supports. Next, work loose the entire side and remove the lower panel.

• Before the upper panel will come out, you'll need to remove the upper seatbelt mount.
  

  	Figure E
  	Figure F

• With the seatbelt mount removed, the remove the seatbelt pulley. This will be replaced with a lighter harness system that will be safer on the track.

• Once the process is complete, repeat the process on the other side of the car.

• Every ounce counts, so remove the door panels on each side (figure E).

• Then remove the center console, the emergency brake boot and shift knob, and the lower center dash and carpet.

• The headliner has to go also. Remove all of the obvious trim pieces and fasteners holding it to the roof. Then, up front, pull off more trim pieces. The last piece holding the headliner in is the dome light. After that's removed, all it takes is a little tug and the headliner comes out (figure F).

	Figure G
	Figure H

Install Racing Seat and Harness

Andrew replaces the heavy factory seat in the car with a racing seat, four-point harness and a harness bar (figure G), which will be lighter, stronger and safer than the factory setup.

The harness bar bolts to the original A-pillar seatbelt pulley mounts. Andrew then adds supports and attaches the lower mounts to the lower seat belt bosses. To complete the install, bring the seat in and bolt it to the floor along with the harness (figure H).

Weight loss update: 225 pounds removed so far.

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