Right/Left?

[mnm]

Is there really an advantage with engines mounted on the left to the right? This seems to be the method used to mount engines on most sedans out there. I'm just curious as to what there is between right side and left side mounted engines?

 

[Candyman]

I don't believe there's a big difference. Although it may appear to put more weight on one side, the designers usually try to offset that weight by putting the radio on the other side of the chassis so it's typically neutral when all's said and done.

 

[evan811]

ithere seems to be more scratches under the engine on the chassis then anywhere else...

 

[2mcgrath]

yeah all it really does is alter the weight in some way

 

[Diver6127]

ithere seems to be more scratches under the engine on the chassis then anywhere else...

If there is, that's a tell tale sign of suspension tweak adjustments and ride height.

 

[niggle]

I don't believe there's a big difference. Although it may appear to put more weight on one side, the designers usually try to offset that weight by putting the radio on the other side of the chassis so it's typically neutral when all's said and done.

Yeah, the designers do their best to optimise static balance but for a kit build it all depends on which RX pack, RX and servos you fit. The servos on my buggies have plastic cases and are not particularly heavy, I try and offset the heavier engine on the other side of the chassis by fitting a failry beefy RX pack (5 x AA cells). For ultimate balance you would need to invest in some corner-weight equipment, attach ballast weights to the chassis and adjust the pre-load on the shock springs side to side.

You also have to consider the dynamic balance.

With a shaft-drive chassis the engine has to sit to one side of the centre diff/drive shafts, and the torque reaction when accelerating causes the chassis to tilt over to one side (side to side weight transfer).

With a belt-drive chassis, it is possible to fit the engine nearer to the centre-line of the chassis and the torque-reaction during acceleration causes weight transfer front to rear rather than side to side.

 

[RatzoRC]

ithere seems to be more scratches under the engine on the chassis then anywhere else...

Or a lot of turns in one direction.

I mean if you drive in a large circle and only make right turns, the left side of the chassis may become scratched more than the right.