Drive shaft: Switch to a carbon fiber drive shaft or a lighter steel fabricated shaft, which will reduce rotating weight. Even though carbon fiber is lighter than steel, the drive shaft diameter will be larger with carbon fiber to ensure the strength needed to get the car moving. Some companies are now making a lighter steel model, which is lighter than the OEM drive shaft but smaller in diameter than the carbon fiber. In any case, changing the OEM drive shaft will be beneficial. 
      
Flywheel: Changing the flywheel to a lighter model improves throttle response by changing the mass you have to accelerate. Aluminum and chromemoly save 5 to 8 lbs. over an OEM flywheel. Expect to spend $200.00 to $400.00 for a flywheel. Other popular brands are Exedy, ACT and JWT.
     

The one drawback to installing a lighter flywheel is that the engine will decelerate quicker because of the lesser amount of mass. So if you need to accelerate quickly up a long hill you may use more throttle than before to keep up the RPMs. However, quicker engine deceleration could be an advantage in tight corner situations. The car will be able to get into the corner deeper because the car decelerates quicker, thus allowing the driver to stay off the brakes or apply the brakes lighter or later. 
      
Custom Rims: Picking rims may be the hardest modification choice. Changing the rims on your car will help to give your ride a more aggressive, personal look as well as help diminish rotating weight. However, keep in mind that some rims are designed to be lightweight while others are designed for strength. 

When fitting rims, you need to consider rim diameter, width, bolt patterns (4, 5 or 6 lug nuts), and offset measurement. For example, a 5:114.3 rim has 5 lug bolt openings at 114.3mm apart. Most compact import cars are 4 x 100, 4 x 114.3 or 5 x 114.3. Offset is the distance between the mounting surface on the hub and the centerline of the rim. A taller rim allows you to run a lower profile of tire, which gives you less sidewall flex and increased cornering ability. Choosing a wider rim will allow for more tire and tread for better cornering and performance. 

Some popular rim brands are Falken and G-Racing. They come in many different colors and styles, such as gunmetal (black), white or a shiny chrome-like finish. They come in hundreds of different styles, so you’re bound to find something that’s appealing as well as useful. Expect to pay at least $250.00 per wheel. 
      
Brake Rotors: Drilled lightweight brake rotors will perform better and cool quicker. Cooler brakes increase brake performance. The slots in a drilled brake rotor will help to dissipate gasses and debris made from the heat and friction of the brake rotor meeting the brake pad. The slots also help to channel water away from the brakes, making them more efficient in damp conditions. Expect to spend $60.00 to $90.00 for Power Slot brake rotors. 
      
Clutch: Clutches that are lighter and stronger can be used to reduce rotating mass and decrease clutch slippage to get the most power to the wheels. Bullfrog and RPS Turbo Clutch are popular brands. Expect to spend $300.00. 

Static Weight Modifications 
      
Seats: You can switch the front seats to a Carbon/Kevlar fiber, which are potentially stronger and safer in a crash situation if mounted properly. Racing seats weigh a mere 11 lbs. each and can absorb 2200 lbs. of stress. Some seats come with flame retardant covers, which is a must if you’re racing and running nitrous oxide. Make sure you follow the instruction manual exactly or the seat can become unbolted in a crash and cause drastic damage. Seats can be purchased for as little as $350.00 each or as much as $2,900.00, depending on the style. Keep in mind that a proper 5-point harness will need to be purchased separately for racing applications. Popular brands include Bride, Tuner FX and V-Racing. 
      
Battery: A smaller battery such as gel cell battery will reduce weight in the engine compartment. Unlike a regular lead acid battery where the acid is in liquid form, this battery has acid that’s in gel between the lead plates. This kind of battery can be mounted anywhere in the car, such as in a battery box located behind the driver’s seat. However, doing this modification with a lead acid battery is not recommended because it can leak and cause burns. 
      
Carbon Fiber body panels: Many enthusiasts are turning to carbon fiber body pieces to lighten the load carried by their vehicle. Carbon fiber panels are lighter than steel and look sharp. They offer a high-strength and lightweight alternative to OEM steel body panels. Look at Carbon Creations for options. 
      
Trunk lids and Hoods: Switching your steel hood and trunk lid with carbon fiber will help to lighten the weight located higher up on the car. When looking for the most in handling and speed, weight that’s located lower on a car will corner better and be faster. Carbon fiber is half the weight of steel and is stronger—a carbon fiber hood weighs 25 lbs. less than an OEM hood. Look to spend $535.00 for a trunk lid and $500.00 for a carbon fiber hood. Carbon Creations is a popular brand but there are many other options available, companies such as APC and VIS Racing offer carbon fiber models.