Thoughts on overdriving DB-01 front diff?/501x overdrive experiences?

[SidewaysLS4]

I'm making my Durga into a speed run car, and doing a good bit of chassis tuning so that it will run straight on less than ideal surfaces (dust patches, side grade, bumps, etc.). So far I have it with as close to zero steering/suspension slop as possible without being locked solid, a rate gyro to solve bump caused directional changes while at speed, and it is pretty good so far. My latest thought is to install a 501x 36T front diff pulley to overdrive the front end a bit in hopes that a little front drive bias might 'pull' the car straight as a 1:1 FWD car does in the snow, or at least that is the theory I'm working on.

Before going ahead with this, what do you guys think about this? For the guys that have the origional 501x with overdrive fronts, how does this work out for directional stability in your experiences?

Thanks!

[stefke]

Even with the WCE, I used an overdriven front drive most of the time. It makes the car more stable when on power so reading your story I can advice you to try it

[jimmy]

yup, definitely makes it more stable on power

[MikePimlott]

Originally Posted by jimmy

yup, definitely makes it more stable on power

Jimmy, Do you run 18T centre pulleys a 37T rear pulley and a 36T front with 369mm belts ??

any one else any info on gearing ?

[mole2k]

I always run my 501 with an over-driven front as does everybody at my club to my knowledge.

[jimmy]

At the moment Mike I'm running my older 501X with small stuff - but in the red 501X I have 18t pulleys, 369 belts and 37t rear / 36tfront. I run a one way so it's the 36 one way pulley.

I don't think I've ever driven the DB01 with an over drive - but I could be wrong. I might have switched over at the Euros this year but I can't remember. The DB01 has the weight a little further back so maybe that makes the rear a little more planted on the loose? not sure.

[SidewaysLS4]

Thanks for the input guys, 36T pulley ordered.

[sosidge]

How about the handling off-power? Any difference on turn-in?

[bender]

I found that you get less steering off-power (ie: turn-in) and more steering on-power.

[MikePimlott]

Originally Posted by jimmy

At the moment Mike I'm running my older 501X with small stuff - but in the red 501X I have 18t pulleys, 369 belts and 37t rear / 36tfront. I run a one way so it's the 36 one way pulley.

What spur you run with this configuration ?

[MikePimlott]

Originally Posted by MikePimlott

What spur you run with this configuration ?

anyone? which spur gear are you running with the big belt conversions.

[jimmy]

I run the 87t AE spur in both cars Mike - Its stronger than the tamiya spurs and wider so you can get a better gear mesh easier.