Traction question

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Gus - 11 Aug 2005 01:37 GMT

I just got into racing 18th and it is a blast but I have some serious
traction problems. I drift in every corner and cannot go full throttle out.
I use traction compound (we race indoors/carpet) like everyone else but it
does not seem to matter. I am racing similar rubber like everyone else
(medium). Anyone with ideas?

Thanks

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Justin Mahn - 11 Aug 2005 08:46 GMT

> I just got into racing 18th and it is a blast but I have some serious
> traction problems. I drift in every corner and cannot go full throttle out.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Thanks

If your setup is the same as everyone else, then it must be your
driving. Learn how to accelerate without spinning out. It's possible
that using a computer radio with an exponential throttle curve would
help you out. Otherwise, maybe gear it up a tooth or two to get rid of
some torque?

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Techpriest - 11 Aug 2005 16:06 GMT

Do you have to use rubber tires? On carpet I run soft foams on the
rear and stock rubber on the front and no compound and the rear end of
my HPI Micro will "hop" around a corner but never slide.

You may have your gearing to low. Put a bigger pinion on the motor and
it will increase your top end, but reduce your acceleration. If your
geared to low you will break the tires loose easier.

You did not say what kind of car you have so we can't get to specific.
Can you move any weight to the rear? The battery is pretty heavy so
that is a great tuning tool. When I tried running rubber tires on the
rear I added 1oz of lead to the back of my RS4 Micro to keep the back
from sliding so bad.

Ask one of the other drivers to try your car. It is amazing how much
better my car is "tuned" when somebody else is behind the wheel :) You
might just need to hear what I hear every time I race, "Slow Down!"

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Gus - 11 Aug 2005 23:55 GMT

Thanks to both Justine & Techpriest...it might very well be my driving! :-)
(And yes we have to use rubber)

I'll play with pinions and see if that helps.

Thanks
Gus

> Do you have to use rubber tires? On carpet I run soft foams on the
> rear and stock rubber on the front and no compound and the rear end of
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> better my car is "tuned" when somebody else is behind the wheel :) You
> might just need to hear what I hear every time I race, "Slow Down!"

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Techpriest - 16 Aug 2005 15:59 GMT

If you have to use rubber, make sure you scuff up your tires. Use a
green scratch pad like you use to wash dishes. I found traction
compound helped a lot with rubber tires but it did soften the plastic
HPI rims, so be careful.

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / August 2005

Traction question