THE SCIENCE OF SETUP: Episode 3 - Weight Transfer [VIDEO]

0 Dec. 15, 2016, 3:08 p.m.

By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

This bi-weekly column by RC Crew Chief founder Bob Wright delves deep into how and why particular adjustments alter the handling of your RC car or truck. You can download a trial version of RC Crew Chief for free and follow along to learn more about how to get the most out of your vehicle by tuning it the right way to suit track conditions:
rccrewchief.wrightdesign.ca/RcccDownload.aspx

The Science of Setup
By Bob Wright

CLICK HERE to view Episode One - Setup Physics and Terminology

CLICK HERE to view Episode Two - Suspension Properties

CLICK HERE to view Episode Four - Overall Suspension Stiffness
CLICK HERE to view Episode Five - Camber and Camber Gain
CLICK HERE to view Episode Six - Roll Center and Camber Gain
CLICK HERE to view Episode Seven - Steering Ackermann
CLICK HERE to view Episode Eight - Shocks, Part One
CLICK HERE to view Episode Nine - Shocks, Part Two

The Science of Setup Episode 3 – Weight Transfer

In the first two episodes we laid the ground work by describing the physics and suspension properties behind setup. Now we are going to start looking at specific areas and show how to adjust and manipulate chassis settings to achieve desired handling characteristics. First up is “Weight Transfer” - also referred to as “Balance.” This is how the Total Lateral Load Transfer (TLLT), discussed in Episode 1, is distributed between the front and rear of the car. It is one of the primary tools we have to adjust handling.

If you wish to follow along with the demos you can download RC3 here. The program will install in Trial Mode which means a few file management functions are disabled but otherwise it’s fully functional. All the on road and off road models that will be used in the demos are also preinstalled to make life easier: