It's been talked about as much as e-36 headlights, vtc's and intermittent stalling....well not really.
I remember a few threads discussing it. but i don't remember anyone having a definate answer and my curiousity is just eating at me.

so here goes:
WTF IS THAT DAMN CYLINDER MOUNTED JUST BEHIND THE FUEL PUMP COVER? it doesn't have any electrical harness to it and i don't really think it serves a pupose. my only guess is that it is a support for the gas tank mounts(I've probably just answered my own question ).

you people who have been here for a while now will remember these threads

 

are you talking about the big bulky weight in the trunk?

you shouldnt have it, your a VE.... (as I recall).

MrGone

 

nope...vg

 

i believe it's in all 3rd gens...just added weight to keep the car stable. if you have subs (or any added weight) in the back you can pull it out.

 

Shock211, I must have been very tired, because your window trim is a clear sign of being a VG. Good job disguiseing your car


I am pretty sure VE's did not have the weight, well actually all SE's at that point.

so GXE = weight, SE = nothing.

MrGone

 

yup u right....i stand corrected.

seems like VE cars didn't have it.

 

but what about the 89-91 SE's?
I dont think they had it either, but I am not as sure about that one. since ive only seen one of them (well actually 2), but since they were both purchased used, they could have came with them. Also the 2nd one I saw had subs and **** so I cant really use it as an example.

MrGone

 

I have a 1989 SE and I don't have that cylinder thingy.

 

I have a 91 gxe an i've got 2-12'a in a box...so if i take that wieght out, it will not affect nothing in the car...i guess what i'm sayin is that i'm good as long as i have extra weight in the back?

 

Does anyone know how much this thing actually weighs? I seem to remember it was around 50 pounds from past threads but I am not sure about that. Since some cars came with it and others didn't then the presumption is it really isn't needed. I know our cars are front heavy but it is hard to see what putting something like 50 pounds in the trunk is going to do to solve this problem. On top of that it is better to have a heavy front in then a light one if you are on ice and snow.

If it was on the GXE's and not the SE's maybe they removed it out of the SE just to give it a little more weight advantage...

 

well for myself i know that my car is lower an inch from the back than the front...i just assumed it was from the weight of the box(it is rather heavy).....maybe if i take out this weight it'll look more even.

 

now i know what you guys are talking about its in the trunk and its a black cylinder. Hmm i was wondering wtf is that for added weight hmm i guess but why would they do that

 

i have a 90 se and i have the cylinder...i was gonna remove it but i needed somethin to fill the holes with...for all that removed the cylinder...what did you fill the holes with??

will

 

I believe its for "weight distribution"

have a pic of the holes?

MrGone

 

what are you all talking about? I would like to see a pic of the thing to know where to look. Is it under the carpet in the back or what?

also would a 94 gxe have one?

 

just look in your trunk...it will be a round bulge in the carpet behind the seats...if you pull back the carpet you can see the cylinder...its pretty big...if i had pics i'd post them...hope my description helped

 

I remember reading somewhere that it reduced vibrations.

 

Matt93SE knows what it is

 

black box..ya know data recorder. so if you're speeding it knows it and sends the info via your rear defroster antenna to a station that monitor's your speed/location/etc etc..sorta like a GPS. also helps when you get into crashes..it knows how fast you're going prior to impact.

 

thats a clever answer... that belongs in the archives