jhberger

iTrader: (1)

Don't ask why, but this got me thinking about geometry. With offset axles, the effect of caster is amplified when turning. There is no caster difference when going straight.

To see what that meant to weight transfer, I threw my 104 with offset axles on the gram scales and got this:

LF RF
224 221 -- wheels straight
205 241 -- wheels right lock
259 188 -- wheels left lock

Obviously, I have more travel to the left than to the right. Guess I'll address that later. The point is that there is considerable weight transfer -- more than I'd expect from caster alone. If anyone has scales and a 104 with inline axles, we can see those numbers as well.

So the effect is that as I steer right, the right front loads up, but also sends weight to the left rear. As this dynamic happens, you'd expect the car to turn smartly to the right. As I exit the turn and reduce steering lock, the weight gets more neutral and the car wants to go straight, bringing on the corner exit understeer that RedBull mentions.

I'm new to pan car setup, but an experienced friend of mine tells me that you can never have enough caster. He may be on to something. The offset axle is a clever way to add needed caster effect when you can't get it otherwise.

JayL

Anyone done chassis/top deck testing with rubber tires(F104pro CF vs fiberglass F60)?

Arahawak

iTrader: (32)

Back to back testing nope, but the fibreglass chassis/top deck combination provides more traction/flex on asphalt.

On carpet, might want to revert back to CF.

Personally, before the fibreglass chassis/top deck was available, i ran CF on asphalt and the car is abit washy even with foams. Crazy stuffs you need to do to find grip. With the fibreglass chassis/top deck, i have better traction/flex generally and lesser stuffs to do to find the grip.

In theory, soft setup for asphalt and hard setup for carpet.

alan1467

Anyone know where to get the fibreglass chassis and top deck?

cheROK1212

iTrader: (13)

Wondering the same. For now we may have to part out a F60. Not bad when you think you get the frp chassis, F60 bodyset, a crappy set of rubber tires and spare front end parts and a metal axel

BP SHADOW

iTrader: (24)

I ordered mine through Tamiya America directly. I realize you guys aren't in the States, so that wouldnt be an option for you. I am just finishing up the build of my FG car, although I am running the carbon top deck because I won it in the raffle at the TCS race.

j.d.roost

iTrader: (32)

While we are on the topic of top decks,I need some help.
I can't get a satisfying fit for my bullet style lipo packs (checkpoint and and zippy).
I have my upper deck notched in the rear but can not get my -,+ wires in the pack in a way that does not either hit the friction plate (full deflection) or rub the underside of the body..(unless I rase the rear of the body up high on the posts).
I have tried standing the connectors straight up and also at a 90° bend and just can't get it to fit right. Sloppy wires and too close to the graphite for my liking.
I have thought about chopping off the front half of the upper deck and just taping the pack to the chassis. Could use some pics of you setups if you are using bullet connectors.

Thanks for any help.

reenmachine

iTrader: (26)

Here's a pic of mine -- Orion 3600 lipo. I cut a section of the top deck completely away (I race on outdoor asphalt so the flex is welcome). I left the front portion of the top deck there to hold the battery retainer piece. Works perfectly!

cheROK1212

iTrader: (13)

Thanks, just ordered also.

j.d.roost

iTrader: (32)

That helps.
Thanks.
I notice that you are running your steering servo vertical.
Any benefit to this?

reenmachine

iTrader: (26)

It's a low-profile servo so I tried it this way. My steering is so incredibly twitchy I'm starting to think this may be a factor, so I'm going to try it the regular way next. It packaged nice this way though. I'm also thinking about trying a good ol' $13 sloooow servo to calm things down.

bl4

iTrader: (5)

Hi are you using the red touring soft spring?

Arthur Burns

iTrader: (1)

Anybody have any tips for gluing the F104 rubber tires? (Tamiya ones).

Thanks!

reenmachine

iTrader: (26)

It's more of a bright orange...don't remember where it came from but it's soft.

Whatever you do, don't look to my pics for setup hints. My car is all over the place right now.

rtypec

iTrader: (2)

I can answer that one...considering I just glued up 3 sets of rears I use Panther tire bands to hold the tire to the rim...sometimes, I use extra rubber bands. That and a fine tip glue attachment with uber thin CA works.