Dirt oval suspension concept query

[jdrobbie]

Hi all, needing/wanting/would like to have try advise or clarify my current thought process with out having tested it myself at the moment. This is a preferred thought concept as opposed to a specific chassis or buggy or modified or sprintcar etc.

When adjusting suspension/shocks for DIRT OVAL STARTING SETUP POINT, is it better for
Option A - harden/stiffen RF and RR
OR
Option B - harden/stiffen RF and LR

I am trying to come up with a preferred or best case starting point as track time is limited for me prior to event. Better to have firmer R side of vehicle or to aim for better weight transfer/crossweight idea???
Hoping to try get some direction from people with experience to help me out

 

[xjtorc]

In 1:1, your option A is correct. For RC, throw everything you know about 1:1 tuning out the window...

Use this as a loose starting point for whatever you're setting up:

 

[jdrobbie]

Thanks for the quick feedback @xjtorc

Unfortunately dont have options for shims at the moment but have adjustable shock collars/springs and obviously mounting points so idea was to throw some + camber on the left side but i was/am arguing with myself about which corners to firm up. Have got 45wt fronts and 40wt rears so at least I am in the right area there

 

[RetroThutmose]

Hi all, needing/wanting/would like to have try advise or clarify my current thought process with out having tested it myself at the moment. This is a preferred thought concept as opposed to a specific chassis or buggy or modified or sprintcar etc.

When adjusting suspension/shocks for DIRT OVAL STARTING SETUP POINT, is it better for
Option A - harden/stiffen RF and RR
OR
Option B - harden/stiffen RF and LR

I am trying to come up with a preferred or best case starting point as track time is limited for me prior to event. Better to have firmer R side of vehicle or to aim for better weight transfer/crossweight idea???
Hoping to try get some direction from people with experience to help me out

it really depends on the surface and grip levels. This is also going to depend on chassis and class as these variables make a huge difference in oval performance. What works for a tire B6 build kit midget doesn't translate to a 21.5 LM foam tire pan car or a traxxas slash-based bomber/SS/mudboss, etc.

Basically every oval race day is tuning for the track. You should have a pretty basic setup from previous races, or from friends and the internet. Then you spend your time tuning to the track as it is different every day, and even hour to hour grip levels can change dramatically. In the summer it can go from greasy and medium grip in the morning to tacky insane grip by late afternoon, all at an indoor facility.

 

[CertifiedMike]

In the summer it can go from greasy and medium grip in the morning to tacky insane grip by late afternoon, all at an indoor facility

Same exact thing happens to me when I go sun bathing!

Just like he says... prepare your car all week. Then be prepared to change it all in 1 hour once you're at the track.
Traction is the name of the game. Finding its balance is how you'll win the race.

I do want to hear more about your racing and what works for you! Please post about it! I love racing!

 

[ahr43]

Murfdogg is useful:

 

[RetroThutmose]

Murfdogg is useful:

Yes this is a great place to start!

 

[jdrobbie]

Yes this is a great place to start!

Yas! Link worked! When I found this referenced in other threads, it would take you to a web browser PDF and it would always timeout. Click on this link and it gives immediate download option so thank you good sir

 

[jdrobbie]

it really depends on the surface and grip levels. This is also going to depend on chassis and class as these variables make a huge difference in oval performance. What works for a tire B6 build kit midget doesn't translate to a 21.5 LM foam tire pan car or a traxxas slash-based bomber/SS/mudboss, etc.

Basically every oval race day is tuning for the track. You should have a pretty basic setup from previous races, or from friends and the internet. Then you spend your time tuning to the track as it is different every day, and even hour to hour grip levels can change dramatically. In the summer it can go from greasy and medium grip in the morning to tacky insane grip by late afternoon, all at an indoor facility.

Yea, completely agree with the track changing and chassis's behave different so definitely on the same page.

Initially, I am transitioning my Losi SCT from outdoor offroad racing to outdoor dirt oval racing every other week. That was the concept of me asking the question around "suspension good theory" because I didnt want to be a spoon and ask "tell me how to win races on lap one in my Losi SCT bla bla......"

Had racing last night, didnt even think too much about it and threw everything at it. Track was tacky, put on a ribbed RF tyre, dropped ride heights, stood R side shocks as much as possible, layed down L side shocks as much as possible and went for it. TQ'd then got drilled by back runner in A main and DNF'd. It was a great "starting" point and now can tune to the track with that base set up.

 

[CertifiedMike]

because I didnt want to be a spoon and ask "tell me how to win races on lap one..."

Just get on the track and run REAL fast!!!

Don't be a spoon!!!

Sounds like you already know how to tune.

Good luck at the track!!!

 

[Road America]

Those murfdog pages are really good - thanks!