MissX

Why Dodge Stratus is the most popular body for touring?
Obviously there are so many other types.
Does body shell really affect performance? I talked to many people, some could feel the difference, some couldn't. Please help because I want to use HPI Mercedez DTM 24hour.

Addict sa RC

MissX, as per my experience the popularity of the Dodge Stratus stems from its inherent neutral handling characteristics. Since we set up our chassis to handle in a way we like it to move, putting on a body that isn't neutral skews these settings. It's either the body makes the car push (understeer) or loose (oversteer). So to make life simpler, most racers just bolt on a known neutral body.

If you're just starting out then just go and use the body you want as the body is one of the last tuning option there is. As you improve your driving and setup skills you will notice the difference in handling between each of the car body you used.

daniz24

I think the differences between each bodies are only their wing design.... (hi, med or low downforce).

dtm

Why not? Go ahead and use it! If you cannot feel the difference then you are one of the 'lucky' ones! Don't be governed by what other people say. I use to have a Ford F150 truck body on my TF4R. I use to take great pleasure at overtaking Stratus'!

Speedo

daniz-nope. Look at the desings, if the nose is lower, or more angled, you will get more steering...Its all about air flow. Though wings do make a difference. If you have a push, try trimming some off your wing. This will loosen up the rear of the car, letting it swing around a bit more in the turns.

imataquito

i prefer stratus cause it does not let my rear end go tail happy and it also gets me more stearing

i feel the difference with diff bodies! MAJOR DIFFERENCES

MissX

Some said that if the body is longer like Chrysler 300M it's harder to turn,and if it's shorter like Mitsubishi Eclipse it's good on tight tracks.

Would body weight affects the performance?
For example HPI weights 125gr
Protoform weights 100gr

But I can tune my total car weight is 1500gr. Does this make any difference?

rcethilon

The best all-round performance body(but illegal in most races) is the HPI Mclaren. HPI no longer makes it. I think Kyosho has got the franchise.

The Eclipse doesn't handle tight corners as well as a Stratus does.

black-knight

The S60 Volvo is becomming very popular in Australia, all the fast guys are using it. The Vectra is also poular..but the Stratus still sits at the top

Alvin

Went from a HPI Stratus to a HPI Evo 6, whoa, difference is there boy. Lower top end, easier to flip and rear and is not so planted. But I love Evo 6

But for serious races I guess I would buy a Protofoam Stratus for usage.

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

I read a review either online or in a publication where different manufactures Stratus bodies were rated. One for excellent front wheel down force and the other excellent rear and so on. The Protoform was in the middle or said to have all the goods (rated the best overall) and specified as neutral. So go Protoform.

Buster Bennett

Vectra = Perfect if your chassis is tuned correctly

Accord = Perfect if you need a little more front steering

Stratus = Perfect if your car is not properly setup

(All protoform bodies)

That about sums it all up! ;o)

sonneteer

The protoform Alfa Romeo 156 is getting very popular here.... couple of front runners here uses them.... it looks awsome too!!!

daniz24

My choice : Andy's Stratus with Yokomo 170mm wing.

PIIHB!

iTrader: (14)

I prefer the Vectra over the stratus (though, I can't feel a differance.) I also through on a dahm's Spice GTP body this weekend just for kicks and the car was glued to the track! But my yoke needed a little extra power when running the GTP body.