Currently working on a car which has a weight pocket of 2x5 behind and in front of the rear axles. Current setup is 10 behind and 14 in front of the rear axle. DFW weight is about 19 gram, a little high in my opinion. I can take 3 cubes out and put a tungsten plate on top of the car across the rear axle which gives me a DFW weight of about 17 grams. My question, should I sacrifice aerodynamics by putting weight on top of the car and have a better COG or should I put the weight inside the car increasing the aerodynamics but sacrificing COG. I tested the 2 setups on a 32 ft wood track and didn't see much difference, however the 42 foot best track might show a difference. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Weight further back or aerodynamics?
- Thread starter FDM
- Start date
I played around with it, I can get around 16.5 gram FDW weight if I move the plate all the way back, but then I will have 2.2 oz behind the rear axle. I think having the plate over the rear axles instead of having the 3 cubes 0.5 inch forward should already be better.
Do you have a way to test the car to see if it wiggles? This will make all the difference in the car. If you can put more weight to the rear and not get the wiggles the faster but there are a ton of variables. Do some research on steer for the car. If the car bounces down the track, it will not be as fast. Watch some of the BASX videos.
I ran it down a 32 feet wooden track, it seemed fine, however on a best track with a different transition it might be different. I think I will play it safe this time and just put it over the axle and slightly towards the back. Although with the amount of weight on the front wheel I am not too worried. This car has more wood towards the font than I normally would run but it's that scouts first time ladder car and handling a coping saw so I played it safe with the amount of wood left.
