|
Post by wooden shoe1 on Oct 13, 2006 9:57:38 GMT -6
Can someone simply tell me the best location for the COM for a wooden Awana track (32 ft. - I think). I read Docb's lecture on the subject and I think he says to put it at 1/2" in front of the rear wheels.
Wooden Shoe
|
|
|
Post by parrish on Oct 13, 2006 10:29:39 GMT -6
Can someone simply tell me the best location for the COM for a wooden Awana track (32 ft. - I think). I read Docb's lecture on the subject and I think he says to put it at 1/2" in front of the rear wheels. Wooden Shoe My personal opinion (not backed up by science, but rather track time) would be 3/4" to 1.0" in front of the rear wheels. An aggressive COM on a wooden track can be a dangerous thing if the track is not set up perfect...
|
|
|
Post by woodenshoe1 on Oct 13, 2006 11:32:05 GMT -6
Mike,
Thanks for the info. We run on an old Awana track and a 32' Piantendosi wood track and I have been pretty aggresive in rear weighting them. I'm wondering if my cars would compete very well at WIRL/PDDR or if I need to rebuild them. What do most WIRL/PDDR cars run for COM on the 42' Best track?
Wooden Shoe
|
|
|
Post by builderjim on Oct 13, 2006 11:53:54 GMT -6
WS, You never know until you try. I've been trying to keep up with these guys for over a year but they seem to stay one step ahead of me. Last year in Oct., the winning average time for Modified was 3.0093. For stock it was 3.09. Now these guys are running like 2.94 (Mod) and 3.01-3.02 (Stock). Jim
|
|
|
Post by woodenshoe1 on Oct 14, 2006 10:48:01 GMT -6
Thanks Mike and Jim,
I still would like to know the difference COM would make on a 32' track and a 42' track. Any help would be appreciated. Jim , I'm seriously considering trying to compete with you fellas. That's why I need to know the info about COM. I understand this is just one of many factors but I feel like in constructing a car it is very important. Thanks again.
Wooden Shoe
|
|
|
Post by wheeler on Oct 14, 2006 13:35:24 GMT -6
Wooden Shoe; Doesn't matter how long track is, it's about collecting maximum energy from incline. Fred
|
|
|
Post by BAM Racing on Oct 14, 2006 14:45:47 GMT -6
...I'm seriously considering trying to compete with you fellas. That's why I need to know the info about COM... I think that if you stay around 3/4", you should be fine.
|
|
docb
Addicted to Speed
Atlas Derby Cars
Posts: 100
|
Post by docb on Oct 14, 2006 15:35:21 GMT -6
I would agree
|
|
|
Post by JOKER on Oct 15, 2006 0:01:01 GMT -6
Wooden Shoe; Doesn't matter how long track is, it's about collecting maximum energy from incline. Fred Fred is right - the benefit you get on the flat comes from what you gained on the incline. TYPICALLY - MOVING YOUR WHEELS BACK COMBINED WITH WEIGHT PLACEMENT AS FAR BACK & AS LOW AS POSSIBLE IN THE CAR WILL GIVE YOU MORE FALL-TIME ON THE INCLINE BEFORE HITTING THE TRANSFER ZONE. COMBINED WITH LOW AXLE/WHEEL FRICTION - THIS WILL ENHANCE YOU CAR'S ABILITY TO REACH MAX. SPEED FASTER WHILE FALLING DOWN THE INCLINE. THE ALIGNMENT/SET-UP OF THE CAR WILL DETERMINE YOUR STABILITY IN THE FLAT. THE BETTER YOUR ALIGNMENT/SET-UP THE LONGER IT WILL TAKE FOR YOUR CAR TO SLOW DOWN ON THE FLAT. (THEREFORE - the farther back your weight is placed - the better your alignment needs to be to maintain speed on the flat.)
|
|
|
Post by woodenshoe1 on Oct 15, 2006 9:58:55 GMT -6
Thanks everyone for your input! Looks like it's time to try my hand at building a car that could at least compete with Bogger.
Wooden Shoe
|
|