318LikesSchumacher cougar LD3
05-13-2025 | 04:29 PM
#556
Haven't had a chance to run her again and was converted back to a carpet LD3. Will probably give it another go at some point but not sure when:
Well, finally got a chance to run my LD3 hybrid thingy again on Friday on a wet clay track. Since last time out I swapped to a carbon chassis (KC -5mm), added the 5mm front end spacer and moved the rear hubs all the way forward. What a difference, it felt so much better and was actually a lot of fun to drive. Steering is still pretty aggressive and because of belt tension it feels like there is extra drag brake, but once you realize that and adjust it was actually very stable, tossable and as long as inputs stayed smooth it was happy. Since the trans ratio is only 2.1:1 (vs B6/7 2.6:1 or LD3 2.53:1) it wasn't as punchy out of corners, to be expected but I was still able to clear even the track's big triple with a bit more of a run up. Still some more tweaking to do but definitely a big step in the right direction.
05-14-2025 | 03:05 AM
#557
Tech Rookie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 16
Is there a way to purchase the parts for this conversion? I run on carpet and always wondered how well this would work, I would think it would work great.
05-14-2025 | 11:19 AM
#558
if your running stock, then the klinik stock upgrade ups the transmission ratio and gets rid of the 3 side gears up front. This is next to impossible to find :/
05-14-2025 | 12:31 PM
#559
A donor KC would be ideal. One thing to keep in mind is the stock KC chassis is 5mm longer than the LD2/3 chassis, I found a CF -5mm KC chassis so no prob there. The front end of the LD3 will bolt up to the KC chassis except for the rear, front plate screws, you'll need to drill holes for them since the KC uses the older style front end. The holes in the rear of the chassis are the same as the LD2/3 so the FR and RR straps bolt right up, so do L1/L1R rear trans housing (upper and lower) if you want to go that route.
05-17-2025 | 04:26 PM
#560
05-23-2025 | 04:20 AM
#561
06-25-2025 | 11:20 AM
#563
Tech Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,033
UK Astro Racers
Any UK (or other nations) astro turf racers about, moving from a B7 and thought I would try the Schumacher LD3. Purchased second hand and I presume it's a Mod car as it comes with a ball diff fitted and a gear diff as well. Is there much to change from kit to get it working on medium grip astro?
Thanks.
Thanks.
06-26-2025 | 04:32 AM
#564
Tech Rookie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
From: Australia
Any UK (or other nations) astro turf racers about, moving from a B7 and thought I would try the Schumacher LD3. Purchased second hand and I presume it's a Mod car as it comes with a ball diff fitted and a gear diff as well. Is there much to change from kit to get it working on medium grip astro?
Thanks.
Thanks.
06-26-2025 | 05:06 AM
#565
Tech Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,033
Hey, welcome to the LD3 club! For medium grip astro, the ball diff is usually a good choice as it can give you smoother power delivery and better traction compared to the gear diff, especially in lower grip conditions. That said, it’s worth experimenting with both to see what suits your driving style.
06-26-2025 | 10:50 AM
#566
Tech Initiate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 20
Any UK (or other nations) astro turf racers about, moving from a B7 and thought I would try the Schumacher LD3. Purchased second hand and I presume it's a Mod car as it comes with a ball diff fitted and a gear diff as well. Is there much to change from kit to get it working on medium grip astro?
Thanks.
Thanks.
The ball diff should generate more grip and handle the bumps / sand better if it's built correctly and well maintained. The gear diff will give you more drive and be more consistent run to run with less maintenance but is a bit more of a handful and can catch you out over the bumps.
There's a Setup for Herts from Ben Smith on the Schumacher site, that's a really good starting point. If you're using splinters then glue your sidewalls up to the start of the webbing and don't be afraid to turn your dual rate down to take some steering out. Enjoy!
06-26-2025 | 10:32 PM
#567
Tech Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,033
The LD3M has the laydown transmission whereas the LD3D has a standup transmission the instructions show both so you can work out which you have. The LD3M is the car for dry astro, which tracks do you race at in the UK?
The ball diff should generate more grip and handle the bumps / sand better if it's built correctly and well maintained. The gear diff will give you more drive and be more consistent run to run with less maintenance but is a bit more of a handful and can catch you out over the bumps.
There's a Setup for Herts from Ben Smith on the Schumacher site, that's a really good starting point. If you're using splinters then glue your sidewalls up to the start of the webbing and don't be afraid to turn your dual rate down to take some steering out. Enjoy!
The ball diff should generate more grip and handle the bumps / sand better if it's built correctly and well maintained. The gear diff will give you more drive and be more consistent run to run with less maintenance but is a bit more of a handful and can catch you out over the bumps.
There's a Setup for Herts from Ben Smith on the Schumacher site, that's a really good starting point. If you're using splinters then glue your sidewalls up to the start of the webbing and don't be afraid to turn your dual rate down to take some steering out. Enjoy!
07-04-2025 | 12:43 AM
#568
Tech Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,033
First Run
Managed to run 3 packs through the LD3 at the local club, much nicer steering compared to the B7, tried get as close to kit setting as possible and it handled really nice. I didn't have timing but straight away it felt the same pace as the B7 - will be able to judge better at next weekend's meeting.
Cut staggers were a better front tyres compared with Splinters which were a little too safe, going to play around with the Ackerman and front pivot height to see if I can a little more high speed steering on a long looping bend we have.
I presume I need both gearbox half's, idler gear and motor plate to convert it to laydown gearbox, any other parts required?
Really pleased with the car and quality (ignoring the pistons) looks really good.
Cut staggers were a better front tyres compared with Splinters which were a little too safe, going to play around with the Ackerman and front pivot height to see if I can a little more high speed steering on a long looping bend we have.
I presume I need both gearbox half's, idler gear and motor plate to convert it to laydown gearbox, any other parts required?
Really pleased with the car and quality (ignoring the pistons) looks really good.