Reducing the weight of the TA03's tub chassis

I just bought a drill and wanted to try it out. Then I remembered about my car and how heavy it was. I decided that I'd drill holes on the car wherever possible in a bit to reduce the weight of the car. Furthermore I was thinking about joining the coming stock class race and it would certainly help if the car is lightened to the weight limit of 1500g.

The first thing I wanted to drill was the tub chassis. So I went on to drill as many holes as possible without weakening the chassis. At first I drilled 5mm holes that were quite spaced out from one another. After drilling a few holes, I stopped and checked the chassis to see if I had weakened it. I find that it is still strong and drilled more holes especially at the part that holds the battery. I weigh the car and managed to shave off a few grams. However drilling holes on the chassis only wasn't enough to reduce its weight to 1500g.

I then take a look all over the car to see which parts that can be drilled out. After closer inspection, I found that the gearboxes, shock towers and the numerous screw holes can be drilled out without sacrificing the strength of the whole car. So away I went with the drill. I drilled out numerous holes on both shock towers. These parts were strong and in my opinion had too much excess "fat". Then I went ahead and drilled out the front gearbox. I drilled out a few holes in the front gearbox to increase airflow and thus cooling for the motor. I also cut off the middle rib of the motor guard. I drilled 10mm holes near the swaybar mounts. I then proceeded to the rear gearbox. Here you can drill a whole load of holes. I drilled holes all over the rear gearbox especially the hollow part and the swaybar mount as well as the rear bumper.

After I was done with the rear gearbox, I went on and enlarged all the numerous holes on the chassis that were never used.

It's quite hard to describe exactly where I drilled the holes. But after all the drilling is done, I weigh the car ready to run including motor, electronics, 2000 stick pack and body, wheels and tyres and it weighs in at a satisfying 1515g. Many would question whether the strength and durability of the car is affected after all the weight reduction. Well, after one race in the stock class race mentioned above, the car held up well and nothing broke. The car is still as durable as before it underwent its weight reduction. Hopefully it will survive the next race. Have to wait and see.