| Handling Tips |
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The following is a short explanation on how to tune your car. Remember that a
lot of the information in this article has been generalized. I have had this
article in my box for several years, but I have no idea who wrote it. I take
no credit for the information contained it.
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Slot Car Raceway
Handling & Speed Tips
GTP & Stock Cars
Handling is very important to a slot car. If a car is not handling properly, you
will not be able to drive your car to its maximum potential.
Lead weights are usually added to the front, on the outsides of the floating pans
to keep the car from tipping in a turn. Racers can vary the amount of weight
utilized depending on his or her driving style and how the car feels to them.
If the car still tips in a turn, add more weight to the outsides of the car, never
weight the center section of the chassis, as this will actually cause the car to
handle more adversely.
Tire selection is another important factor that affects the handling of the car.
Experiment with different tire combinations, until you find the type best suited
to your driving style.
The next step, make sure your car's tire width is at its 3 ¼" maximum permitted
width. This can easily be checked with the use of a "tech tool," by showing you how
many axle shims need to be installed to obtain the optimum width.
Gear ratio has a big effect on the speed and lap times of your car. Try different
ratios until you have found the right one which will give you the best lap times,
but be careful. Too high of a ratio may give you fast lap times but at the expense
of the motor; it puts excessive loading on the motor, which will overheat the motor
very quickly and in all likelihood not last through the race. If the motor runs hot,
try a lower ratio, but not too low, as this will reduce your top speed. Experiment,
and learn from it.
A couple of final tips, check for excessive friction or binding in your drivetrain,
for example, too tight of a gear mesh, misaligned axle or armature bushings, bent
axles, etc. Friction causes loss of horsepower.
A low center of gravity is always better for handling. Keep the car as low as possible
but still have clearance when checked with a "tech tool." This is checked by placing
the car on a "tech block" and sliding the appropriate end of the "tech tool" underneath
the chassis; if the tool is not able to slide under the car, or if the car is raised at
all by the tool, there is insufficient clearance under the car. This is usually
rectified by simply installing a new set of the proper height tires on the car. The car
should just clear the "tech too," if the car is too high with the new tires, just wear
the tires down a bit to the minimum diameter to obtain the optimum car height for the
race.
One last tip, make sure the body is mounted properly, as this has an effect on the
handling as well. Tape the body clips to the body and chassis to keep from losing
the clips during the course of the race.
Good luck on race night!
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