Honda Civic Weight Reductions


1996-98 Honda Civics
Stock Weight - 2361 lbs (1997 Base Coupe Manual Transmission)
Stock Wheel Weight - 18.5lbs each/without tires

The 1996+ Civics's weigh approximately 2361 lbs, dividing by the horsepower of 115, we get about 20.53lbs/hp.

All Civic models, including earlier than 1996 models will greatly benefit from a decrease in vehicle weight. Because the car is fairly heavy from the factory their are many parts that can either be removed or replaced to save large amounts of weight. The performance gained from these reductions is unmatched as you will have increased accelleration as well as better braking, handling, and even an increase in your gas mileage!

Listed below are some easily removable items:

1. Front Drivers Seat (32lbs) - Replacing the front and passenger seats with non-power or lightweight racing seats is easy. Seats like the Sparco Roadster weigh in at only 14 lbs a piece!

2. Passenger Seat (32lbs) - The passenger seat can easily be removed by simply unscrewing the 4 bolts holding it in place. This can either be replaced by a lightweight racing seat or removed entirely.

3. Rear Seat (29lbs) - The rear seat is a little more complicated to remove than the passenger seat. When removing just remember where everything goes and it should be easy to put back in place whenever needed.

4. Floor Mats/Front and Rear (4lbs) - This has to be the easiest weight reduction available for the Civic owner.

5. Carpet with Sound Deadener (40lbs) - The carpet and underlying can also be removed for a quick weight reduction.

6. Spare Tire and Jack (38lbs) - Another easily removable item.

Total Easy Weight Removal = 175lbs or about a 8.5hp increase on Civic base models.

Intermediate Skill Weight Reductions

The weight reductions included below can even prove more effective than some of the reductions included above. However, once you start removing these items you are taking away from the cars overall appearance and in some cases its more predominent ammenities.

7. Windshield Washer Reservoir (11 lbs when full) - Easily removable when not being used.

8. Front Hood (44lbs with insulation) - Replacing the Front Hood with a lightweight fiberglass or carbon fiber hood is a great way to remove some weight around the front end of the car. Total weight reduction will be close to 30lbs or greater depending on the aftermarket hood you choose.. If you dont intend on replacing the entire front hood you could also remove the sound dampener on the inside of the hood. This should help in cooling your engine a little.

9. AC System (27lbs) - The A/C system is not a necessary component and can be removed. This can generate a substantial weight savings especially in warmer cooler climates.

10. Stock Batter (40lbs) - Can be located to trunk for weight distribution and replaced with lighter weight alternative..

11. Stock Wheels (74lbs) - Can be replaced with lightweight alternatives, although normal upgrades to a larger diameter wheel 18"+ may not remove too much weight. Wheels in 16" sizes can however be found from 14 pounds.

Total Intermediate Weight Removal = up to 126lbs or about a 6.13hp increase on base model Civics.

More Weight Reductions

Stock Flywheel (20.5 lbs)- Can be replaced with lightweight aluminum flywheels or machined down in excess of just 10lbs.

Stock Steering Wheel (7lbs)- Can be replaced with lighter performance steering wheel with no airbag.

Passenger Airbag Removal (17lbs)- Can save some extra weight as well. (Not recommended for normal driving)

Interior Panels - Both the drivers side and passenger side front door panels as well as the rear panels can be removed and replaced with carbon fiber alternatives to save in excess of over 40lbs.

Stock Speakers (14 lbs Stereo, Speakers,Amp) - With a weight of close to 2 pounds a piece these can also be easily removed. The stock stereo, amp, and subwoofer enclosure can also net a good savings in weight.

Trunk - Can be replaced with lightweight carbon fiber trunk. Savings of roughly 11kg's.

Front Dash - Can be replaced with carbon fiber alternative netting a savings of close to 60lbs.

Replace Stock Exhaust - There are many alternatives when replacing your Civics exhaust system. Aftermarket exhausts can weight significantly less than the stock ones.

Wiper Motors - Although they are generally needed under almost all driving conditions they CAN be removed if need be although we do not personally recommend it.

Total Advanced Weight Removal = Approx. 192lbs or about a 9.35hp increase on Civic base models.

Weight Removal Totals

1996+ Civic Base Model- Approx. 493 Pounds Removed = 1868 Pounds or an increase of 24 Horsepower

I just removed the rear seats, carpet, trunk carpet, spare tire, jack, floormats, pass airbag. The car feels so much more nimble. I'll post up some pics later

great post

"Wiper Motors - Although they are generally needed under almost all driving conditions they CAN be removed if need be although we do not personally recommend it."

haha usually most people need them unless you want to pull an Ace Ventura, but rain stings a little bit. Mainly just remove that if it is strictly a track vehicle. Great post though, appreciate the time and effort.

Or if it only sees nice days... like my buddies ed hatch.

very interesting information. Thank you so much