Question:
Hola el Doctor-
I just started in RC cars not long ago. I’m trying to get the same edge as the SC10 drivers I see at the track. I’m getting tired of getting passed lap after lap. My Losi is stock except for my steering servo. How can get more low end torque for the jumps and still have enough speed so I can at least keep up with the rest off the pack? Please help with any advice you have. I don’t have the finances to just go buy motors and ESCs just to try and see if its what I need.
Thanks for any help!
Steve
Answer:
Hey Steve,
Unfortunately you didn’t tell me enough about your set up to give you accurate advice, so we’ll just go over a few things first.
I’ll assume you’re not driving a RTR and you’re running in the stock class (or 17.5 class) and have good, quality electronics. The one thing you’ll want to do first is to practice, practice and practice. Part of the issue might be that those drivers continually passing you have 1) found the fast way around the track, and 2) know how to keep up their cornerspeed. Cornerspeed, especially in the stock class, is a MAJOR ingredient to a fast lap; the slower the car is in the corner, the slower it is around the WHOLE track. Watch the fast guys go around the track; see where they take the jumps, the corners and where they brake. Watching them is great info…now go out and do the same thing.
Once you’ve learned the line, it’s time to work on the car. Have the right tires…they’re probably the most important tuning part on the car. It is said that 70% of a cars handling is tires…a poorly set up car can still be drivable with good tires; not so much the other way around.
Next is gearing. Your gearing may seem spot on, but believe it or not, not all 17.5 motors are the same. You’ll need to experiment with gearing to match your motors powerband. It’s a little time consuming but you can see why it’s important.
Finally, the battery. A decent battery will provide good power to the motor (through the ESC), but a GREAT battery will provide GREATER power. You can use the packs you have for practice, but pick up one good, high-quality pack for qualifying and racing. Pack suggestions would be a LiPo from Reedy, Thunder Power, TrakPower, Trinity or even Orion.
Work on those few things and I guarantee you’ll notice a difference in both laps times and the speed of your Losi!
Good luck!
The Doc
