Long or short wheel base

[Reggie]

I was just wondering what is the best, a long wheelbase or short like 5 inches? I have built cars in both and have had them run almost the same. Keep in mind I have only made a few cars and had no way to properly test them. So which one can you get the most speed out of?

 

[Mojo Racing]

5" is a good wheelbase to run. When you are talking to league racers, many of them actually consider 5" to be extended.

For Cub scout racing though, a good wheelbase for center of gravity and stability is 5".

 

[Reggie]

My sons past two winning cars where five inch. This year many of the cars were extended. Competition was alot closer this year. Everyone really stepped things up. I just wondered if stretching to max wheelbase would keep the winning streak alive. I expect it will be even closer next year.

 

[SuperSlow]

I personally wouldnt consider 5 inches a short wheelbase. Im not a pro but i would make that decision based on factors like what type track you were running on, how you are weighting the car, and what type of problems you have had with other wheel bases that you may be trying to overcome. Seems like you have experience with 5 inches and you have done well with it, do what is good to you till its not anymore.

 

[Reggie]

Yeah I guess you are right, there is room for improvement at 5 inches. We have yet to break 3 seconds in 42 feet. We have had a few in the 3.0's. So we need to figure out how to get faster with five. I watch the league races on here the pros do it all the time.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

We are racing all of the time. I can tell you what wax I use, weight on the FDW, wheelbase, my favorite axles, bend on the FDW, etc., but it really will be of little value without racing more than once a year (or at least, testing on your own track). I don't want to sound like I am pushing league racing, but the only way to get faster is to build and race. Any pro will absolutely tell you that is how they got to be faster...

 

[TRE]

We are racing all of the time. I can tell you what wax I use, weight on the FDW, wheelbase, my favorite axles, bend on the FDW, etc., but it really will be of little value without racing more than once a year (or at least, testing on your own track). I don't want to sound like I am pushing league racing, but the only way to get faster is to build and race. Any pro will absolutely tell you that is how they got to be faster...

That' the truth

 

[jatofau1]

My kids use 4.75 inches. They win all of there races. Note as mentioned every car build is different and requires slightly different weighting. Without a track to test the car it is hard to fine tune the car to get me most speed. Good luck.

 

[Reggie]

Three years ago my son entered an extended wheelbase car it was the only one in the pack. The guys checking cars in said we will allow it this time but next year it's not allowed. He won his den and third overall. The past two years no one said a word about it. We made cars with five inch wheelbase's instead and took first in his den and overall. I think the rules should be the same as your council or district. The rules at the National Championship in NY are the same as our councils. They are pretty open.