If you are looking to reduce weight on your S197 Mustang look no further! Our extensive guide will show you many ways to achieve the needed results.
Itching to shave off several tenths in the quarter-mile with your 2005-2014 Mustang? Then you may want to consider one of the most cost-effective modifications you can do to your Mustang, weight reduction. It has been estimated that for every 100 pounds you can remove from the car, it can run one-tenth of a second faster at the drag strip. From removing the spare tire to scraping the sound deadening off of the floor pans, every ounce counts!
Below, you will find the specific curb weights of each model of the Mustang from 2005-2014. Generally speaking, convertibles tend to weigh more than the coupes due to additional parts such as the convertible top motor, quarter window motor assemblies, hydraulic cylinders, etc. If you are looking to purchase one of these cars to start a race car project, the coupes are the best option since they are the lightest configuration and have the most structural rigidity. In our table below feel free to click on any of the year models to explore your specific year.
| Year Model | Weight Range (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 2005 Mustang | 3,387 - 3,658 |
| 2006 Mustang | 3,387 - 3,658 |
| 2007 Mustang | 3,387 - 4,040 |
| 2008 Mustang | 3,387 - 4,040 |
| 2009 Mustang | 3,387 - 4,040 |
| 2010 Mustang | 3,401 - 4,040 |
| 2011 Mustang | 3,453 - 3,969 |
| 2012 Mustang | 3,453 - 3,969 |
| 2013 Mustang | 3,453 - 3,969 |
| 2014 Mustang | 3,453 - 3,969 |
As with any race car, the weight of the factory parts can add up very quickly. Below is a detailed chart of the weight for the most common parts removed for the sole purpose of weight savings on the 2005-2014 Mustangs. By doing so, you can eliminate unnecessary features that may no longer serve a purpose in your project car. By the way, did we mention these modifications are FREE?!
NOTE: These weights may differ based on the options your car came with from the factory. Also removing some of these items may prevent your vehicle from passing state inspection, alter the handling characteristics, and increase the level of NVH “noise vibration harshness".
| Engine Bay | (lbs) | Suspension | (lbs) | Exterior/Wheels/Tires | (lbs) | Drivetrain/Exhaust | (lbs) | Interior | (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A/C System | 38 | Front Caliper w/line | 11 | Front Plastic Inner Wheel Wells | 6 | Axle Tube Weights | 9 | Backseat Hardware (belts, bracket, & bolts) | 9 |
| Battery | 31 | Front Rotor | 19 | Hood | 30 | Driveshaft | 39 | Spare Tire & Jack | 33 |
| Charge Motion Plates | 5.2 | Front Strut + Spring, assembled (each) | 21.5 | Trunk Lid (no wing) | 23 | Torque Converter (w/fluid) | 40 | Backseat Top & Bottom | 21 |
| Crank Pulley | 10 | Front Strut Assembly (w/stock brakes & calipers) (each) | 67 | Windshield | 28 | H-Pipe w/cats | 31 | Passenger Seat (no airbag, no power) | 48 |
| Exhaust Manifolds (pair) | 20 | Front Sway Bar (w/end-links) | 14 | Wiper Motor & Wiper Blades | 10 | Mufflers (pair) | 31 | Radio/CD Player | 4.5 |
| Plastic "Belly" Pan | 1 | K-member, A-arm, Motor mount assembly | 68 | 17x8 Wheels | 21 | Passenger Side Airbag & Floor Mat | 8 | ||
| Windshield Washer Tank (Full) | 8 | Lower Control Arms (pair) | 12 | Pirelli w/o Wheels | 27 | Shaker 1000 System (complete) | 85 | ||
| Sway Bar Braces | 16 | Wheels & Tires | 51 | Trunk Mat & Trim | 12 | ||||
| Upper Control Arm (pair) | 4 | Dual Amps (behind shaker 1000 boom box) | 17 |
Below we have a list of great aftermarket alternatives that both save weight compared to factory as well as create more performance benefits!
| Exterior | Suspension | Interior | Wheels/Tires/Brakes | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Hood | Tubular K Member | Corbeau Race Seats | Lightweight Race Wheels | Aluminum Driveshaft | Lightweight Flywheel |
Hoods can often be an overlooked heavy part, but there are a ton of aftermarket alternatives! By upgrading to an aftermarket fiberglass hood, you can enjoy a fresh new look and see weight savings as high as 20+ lbs.
If you are looking to shave off some excess weight off the front and rear of your Mustang you may consider upgrading to a Tubular K-Member & A-arms, Tubular Upper & Lower Control Arms, and Tubular Bumper Supports. Not only are these parts great for weight savings, but they also increase chassis rigidity, correct suspension geometry, and free up much-needed space underneath the car. This ultimately makes the car easier to work on and launch better at the track!
Depending on the brand/make of the seat, you can put your Mustang on a serious diet! If you are looking for something more stylish and comfortable, but still want to retain the racing feel, look no further than our friends over at Corbeau! They even offer a variety of seats and harness bars that allow you to mount racing harnesses into your Mustang!
Upgrading your wheels and brakes can have a dramatic effect on both weight and performance! Upgrade to our many options of SVE Wheels!
If you are not removing weight from the car, you can always improve the efficiency of your drivetrain! By upgrading to a lightweight flywheel and driveshaft, you are decreasing the rotational mass that the engine has to turn, thus resulting in better throttle response and overall improved acceleration from a dead stop. Shop our many offerings of drivetrain upgrades!
Here at Late Model Restoration, we want to help you achieve your weight loss goals with your Mustang. We hope that the information in this article will open your eyes to all of the potentials the 2005-2014 Mustangs have. If you need help with your project or racecar, please feel free to contact us! For all of your 1979 to Present Mustang needs, keep it right here with the real Mustang enthusiasts, LMR.com.
