[FlatBlack65]

Looking for reputable sources (and references if possible) on the manufacturers published curb weights for each year and model of El Camino. Or, even better, anyone that has sat their ride on a scale, and with what type of motor-trans combo for each:

 

[FlatBlack65]

I read that the GM "estimated SHIP weight" for a '65 with a V-8(283) was 3080Lbs, and "estimated CURB weight" was 3237Lbs. Any validity to that? Anyone put their '65 on a scale?

 

[cees klumper]

I searched all over for the curb weight on my 4th gen 454 in order to get it titled in Switzerland. That's how I found out there doesn't seem to be an authoritative answer, but multiple plausible ones.

 

[fixitman1]

First gen Very Very Very heavy,2nd gen,not as heavy,3rd gen not as heavy as 1st but heavy,4thh gen back to real heavy,5th Just right !!! PS i know this was a honest question i don't have the answer so dont get mad oke:

 

[fauxrs]

According to some fairly authoratative people...i.e. general motors a 73 el camino custom is as follows

base: 3735 lbs
A/C: +102
PS: +28
PB: +11
454 auto: +263

other options add more of course but this aught to get you close.

 

[LOCKJAW]

I had my 64 on the county's scale recently. Car has aluminum wheels, heads,radiator, no a/c, manua steering and I carry no spare right now. Scale read 2931 lbs! Pretty light. No wonder the tires like to squeal

 

[gilby]

..Here all the info you need...:beer:
http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits.html
:beer:

 

[FlatBlack65]

Thanks gilby! that gm heritage site is friggin awesome for original info! That was my whole intention for starting that thread. I KNEW that someone knew where to find all that stuff (I didnt) good job

 

[mrblanche]

There's some really interesting information in there. The '86 came with a 56 amp alternator, for example!

 

[andiamo]

Wow thats a pitifully low amount of amps who would have thought that. And I was worried about not going with the HD alt I was looking at. 110 amps should be plenty

 

[gilby]

Thanks gilby! that gm heritage site is friggin awesome for original info! That was my whole intention for starting that thread. I KNEW that someone knew where to find all that stuff (I didnt) good job

..Your welcome,are ya heading out to Pismo on the 27th tthru 29th..?:dontknow:
:beer:

 

[gilby]

There's some really interesting information in there. The '86 came with a 56 amp alternator, for example!

yeah, And I thought my Elky was just a plane jane classic,but it's not,its a "Conquista".:nanawrench:
:beer:

 

[chevcamino]

Wow, a wealth of info on GM Heritage...thanks

 

[EdontheBeach]

..Here all the info you need...:beer:
http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits.html
:beer:

what a cool site!!!

 

[FlatBlack65]

..Your welcome,are ya heading out to Pismo on the 27th tthru 29th..?:dontknow:
:beer:

Whats going on in Pismo beach on the 27th-29th? I'm just east of the S.F. bay area, so i'm in the area....somewhat

 

[FlatBlack65]

oh, i just read up on the pismo event. Sounds really cool, but i'm a bit further away than i thought after google-mapping it. T'woud cost a bit too much in gas for that drive. Anything planned for an event a bit closer to the san francisco or Sacramento area any time soon?

 

[FlatBlack65]

I had my 64 on the county's scale recently. Car has aluminum wheels, heads,radiator, no a/c, manua steering and I carry no spare right now. Scale read 2931 lbs! Pretty light. No wonder the tires like to squeal

Hey Lockjaw, I'm liking the sound of sub-3000Lbs for a second gen with manual everything, no spare. How full was your gas tank at the time? I'm looking to go to a local drag strip here soon, and i have a similar setup with my '65 as with your '64. I plan on removing the hood and tailgate as well and also looking to find a bucket seat that i can install and remove my bench while going to the track. Do 10 things worth 30-40Lbs each, and you shave 300-400lbs, right? Oh, i weighed the components i have on hand out of curiosity. Here's a fun comparison: stock-cast iron vs aftermarket aluminum etc., and various parts i have in duplicate i was able to weigh holding them in my arms while standing on a digital scale, and the breakdown is thus: Stock cast iron exhaust manifolds(combined)=27Lbs flowtech long tube headers(combined)=10Lbs(-17Lbs) spare tire=39lbs remove that!(-39Lbs) Hood=66Lbs remove that!(-66Lbs) Stock cast iron intake manifold=41.4Lbs Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold=17Lbs (-24.4Lbs) Cast iron heads(assmbled)=46Lbs each.=92Lbs Edelbrock aluminum heads(assembled)=31Lbs(each)=62Lbs (-30Lbs) Tailgate=(guessing) at around 40Lbs (-40Lbs) Just off the stuff i've weighed, you can shave around 216Lbs for your track day or any day. And thats not talking about removing the bench seat, and running with just a few gallons of gas as apposed to a full tank (a gallon of gas weighs around 6Lbs 6X20=120Lbs. Think of taking the weight plates from your Gym, say the 35Lb plates, and stacking 10 of those in the bed of your Elco up against the rear cab. 350Lbs will DEFINATELY be noticed in your performance. Go on a diet people!! Get faster and more nimble!! Defend yourselves against tiny little imports with half-motors and oversized exhaust tips!! :nanawrench:

 

[SINISTER]

I would run with and without the tailgate.
The extra weight may be an advantage,but the myth that leaving the tail gate down to save fuel,is incorrect.
The wind turbulence without the gate is usually a disadvantage.
not sure if the weight savings is worth it.
Drag racing is consistency.
I usually use 3500 pounds for A bodies,4500 pounds for b bodies as a good weight estimate.
Obviously there could be maybe 500 pounds difference depending on motor size and A/C.

 

[69 SS396]

Also runnung with an almost empty tank might translate into traction problems.

 

[84elcoconquista]

3,200 lbs is light! 5th gens are 3,450lbs.