Question about positioning weight

[John Thawley]

Applying the logic used for doctor's scales or triple beam scales, where the weight slides along the beams to create balance, I have a question and thought about weighting a new car.

I'm thinking of using the slotted tungsten disk with the heavy side of the slot positioned to the rear of the car with the axles aligned with the slot. I would also add two 1/4" cubes in the slot. Obviously, that's going to be pretty aggressive... and it's going to be nearly 4oz. of ballast.

My thinking (question) is why couldn't drill 1/8 holes down the bottom / center of the car and use tungsten putty to tune the COM by placing it in the appropriate hole that results in the desired COM? Theory being that the small piece of putty would gain leverage the further I move it forward. ?? It sure would result in a slick and simple COM tuning process.

Anyone have any thoughts about this?

JT

 

[Quicktimederby]

You can definitely do that, but it would be a lot of extra work. the nice thing about puddy is that it will stick to the bottom of the car. So you really don't need the holes. You can just move the puddy around till you find the right spot. Then if you want you drill and install the puddy.

 

[W racing]

You want your weight as concentrated as possible or it will slow you in the transition...

 

[John Thawley]

You want your weight as concentrated as possible or it will slow you in the transition...

Yes... that's my objective. By using the disk, I'm concentrating 4oz. practically at the rear axle... the disk will straddle it.

I'm simply trying to find a way to have some flexibility in the COM once the car is complete. Hence the reason for using the tiniest amount of putty to tune the COM. My question is regarding my theory of moving a tiny-tiny piece of putty (as needed) toward the front of the car.

JT

 

[ljo]

Build a practice car to test your com. I prefer cubes, over any other method, much easier to move around.

 

[W racing]

Always build two cars. One to get your COM right and the other to keep... Of course you can make as many as you want onc eyou have the prototype made...