From Aluminum to Wood

[EvilJester]

Quick question on prep for different tracks. Our pack races are on a 42' four lane best track and that's what we tuned my sons scout car towards. Our district race will be held on a 38' two lane wooden track. I've seen a few post in other threads mention a little bit about adding more steer but thought I'd throw the question out there again. Right now the car is set up using graphite, steer is set at 3" over 48". COM is 5/8, We have 12 cubes behind the axle and the rest in front for our triangle leaning weight towards the DFW.
What range steer should we shoot for on a wooden track? Do you guys have any other suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Vitamin K]

I'd avoid making the weight on the DFW too light, if you think the track might have some bounces and bumps. At a 5/8" COM, I think you're okay, but might be worth hearing a few opinions.

 

[Rebel Racer]

I'd avoid making the weight on the DFW too light, if you think the track might have some bounces and bumps. At a 5/8" COM, I think you're okay, but might be worth hearing a few opinions.

I have a wood test track, 32' home made. 4" in 4' works well for me! You could go less but the aggressive COM may get you in trouble with the wiggles in between a rough transition.

 

[Crash Enburn]

It's been a while since I've been on a wood track. But I know that the last one I was on caused some big jolts to the cars. I would consider moving a couple cubes from the very back of the car and putting them in front of the axle to get the car closer to a 3/4" COM.
I'm not sure if you should go with more or less steer... Would more steer cause more likelihood of jumps and bumps? Or would it help the car recover better from any?

 

[bracketracer]

IMHO, running a scout car at 3" of drift in traffic is risky. Not because you don't know what you're doing, it's because of what may end up in the other lane. We go around 5" in 48" just to make sure an adjacent car doesn't get our car loose. You only lose a couple thousandths with a little too much steer but you'll lose hundredths if you get loose and drag a rear wheel.

 

[Thinkin'Bout Racin]

IMHO, running a scout car at 3" of drift in traffic is risky. Not because you don't know what you're doing, it's because of what may end up in the other lane. We go around 5" in 48" just to make sure an adjacent car doesn't get our car loose. You only lose a couple thousandths with a little too much steer but you'll lose hundredths if you get loose and drag a rear wheel.

Bracket Racer,

I have been chatting with you in another thread, but wanted to say thanks for the above information. It is REALLY helpful for rookies like my son and I. Heck, this will be our first car without bent rear axles. We are both excited and apprehensive as to how the car will perform. THANKS!!! We have been running about 4" - 5" over eight feet and have had some issue with the cars being loose ...again thanks for guidance!

 

[EvilJester]

It's been a while since I've been on a wood track. But I know that the last one I was on caused some big jolts to the cars. I would consider moving a couple cubes from the very back of the car and putting them in front of the axle to get the car closer to a 3/4" COM.
I'm not sure if you should go with more or less steer... Would more steer cause more likelihood of jumps and bumps? Or would it help the car recover better from any?

Agreed. This track is not only wood but not maintained well. Watching the cars run down this track last year, was pretty bad. every joint caused bouncing. I will take your advise and move the COM closer to 3/4".

IMHO, running a scout car at 3" of drift in traffic is risky. Not because you don't know what you're doing, it's because of what may end up in the other lane. We go around 5" in 48" just to make sure an adjacent car doesn't get our car loose. You only lose a couple thousandths with a little too much steer but you'll lose hundredths if you get loose and drag a rear wheel.

I definitely see where your coming from. As I mentioned above, this track makes me nervous to begin with. I will move the COM ahead a bit and heavy up a little on the steer.


Thanks for all the input from everyone.