Holy Grail - Wheel Base

[Falcon777]

Well ....... I have built and tested various wheel bases and have found that the shorter wheel bases seem to create more speed than the longer wheel bases given that it is"on the hill" longer. Even at official BSA block bases, we have seen blazing fast times with BSA box wheels and 89 nongrooved axles that have beaten cars with all the bells and whistles. I realize that wheel base is only a component of several factors but all things considered, the question is what is the Holy Grail of wheel bases for a Super a stock? What have you found to be the optimum wheel base?

 

[Rocket car]

Nope. Anywhere between 5"and 4 3/8".

 

[bracketracer]

Yep, as long as the wheels are far enough apart that the body doesn't dig in you're good to go!

 

[Guest]

At first I figured the same thing.

The wheels starting higher on the hill will give it a bit more weight higher.

Now I figure that this tiny amount is rather insignificant.

Then I reasoned that the short (4.375") wheelbase would also have a quicker moment at the transition. This may be true.

After my last car swam down the track like a fish, I am gravitating more towards the longer wheelbase.

 

[Kinser Racing]

lasercat, you just need more steer. /images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[Guest]

lasercat, you just need more steer. /images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif

HA! True, but I need a lot more than that!

Hey Kinser, or anyone,

If you don't mind sharing I am very interested in your thoughts on the shorter wheelbase regarding the moment at the transition. It seems right to me but based on no tests.

Thanks Kinser

 

[Kinser Racing]

The weight in the back of the car will stay on the hill a little longer the shorter the wheelbase. It really completely depends on putting everything together and getting those combinations just right. I've seen fast cars of many wheelbases. At the 2012 Nationals 5 kids had a long wheelbase car and DD4H had a short wheelbase car, 5 kids won. So, it really depends on many things. Your steer will be different with wheelbase differences.

 

[Guest]

The weight in the back of the car will stay on the hill a little longer the shorter the wheelbase. It really completely depends on putting everything together and getting those combinations just right. I've seen fast cars of many wheelbases. At the 2012 Nationals 5 kids had a long wheelbase car and DD4H had a short wheelbase car, 5 kids won. So, it really depends on many things. Your steer will be different with wheelbase differences.

That sounds like a real grandmaster duel.

The builder that picked the name "Synergy" knows the score.

Thanks so much Kinser.

Oh one more thing. Please forgive me if I asked this question before.

What is your preferred wheelbase for SS?

 

[Kinser Racing]

4.375"