[A.J. Gee]

Originally Posted by dimblum

I was hoping to get some advice from some of the experienced racers out there. Here is my quick story:

I've been racing my DB-01 Durga at a local club track for about a year now. The car is fully loaded with hop-ups, Orion 3800 lipo, Novak GTB w/13.5, etc. I started in 'Novice' Class, moved up to 'Stock' and just started 'Super Stock 4WD' (all cars using 13.5 in the class).

I have learned quite a bit about racing and better ways to set up my car from helpful racers at the track and from "a lot" of online research.

I quickly realised how much my driving had to change with the 13.5 when a fellow racer came up to me and said "Why are you driving your car like you have a 17.5 when you are running a 13.5?" That really woke me up.. I was going too easy on my driving and not really using the break or pushing the throttle to keep up with the pack.. My final race ended up being the best even though I broke the rear belt cover and had no rear suspension for the last two laps around the track.. Did I loose, yup, but I finished a lap over my previous qualifying runs - and I had to ease off the throttle once the rear end of my car was dragging around the track .. Let's just say I was determined to finish the Main

I didn't care that I lost. I was excited because I pushed myself to drive more aggressive and learned to use the breaks properly at some of the hairpin corners to get me around the track faster.


I was hoping to get some tips from other 4WD racers out there on ways that I might further improve my skills and control - and maybe improve the setup of my car..

Here is my basic setup:

Track condition - Outdoor hard dirt (sometimes dusty)

Tires - JConcepts Double Dees (green compound (super soft))

Center One Way - it does not spin as freely as it used to. Is there a safe lubricant for One Ways?

TRF Aerated Dampers - Tamiya Yellow sping (front) red spring (rear) 25W oil all around

Tamiya Hard Anti Rollbar (rear)

Tamiya Slipper Clutch (Standard 3.5mm setting)

Novak GTB w/13.5 and Team Orion 3800 lipo (as above). FDR at 6.8 to match Novak's recommended gearing for 4WD. Temperature is good after 5-6min runs, gets hot after 12-15min (on practice days).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Dan

I personally don't race my Durga, but i can try to answer some of your questions to the best of my knowledge. Looking at your setup and all it seems like you already know what your doing to a good degree. You have the proper tire compound for the type of track you are racing on. You have the best dampers i guess you can have for this car and come to think about it, your car has more option part's than mine since i dont use a roll bar but i do have the front one way opposed to your center. Im not really sure the differences between them on the track. If you dont already have the 501x diff halves you really look into getting a pair especially if ur gonna be racing and all.
As far as set ups are concerned, you can tinker around and see what works best for you. There are a couple set up sheets around here and on the net if you look around. You can also tighten your slipper some more and see hoe that feels. Make sure your shocks are all in sync as far as rebound is concerned. Basic stuff like that. It's all test and trial i guess you can say. Just have fun with it, experiment different settings, research the net and see what works best for you and your track. But as i said earlier, you seem to have the proper hop ups and some knowledge of your own. As time goes by you will learn more things during that ride. Good Luck