502 Wheelbase

[DaveG28]

This is probably relevant to all cars, but as far as I can see there's two opposing effects of shortening wheelbase and I was wondering which one tends to win out (on the 502 or generally)

1. Shorter wheelbase should make a car more nimble?

2. If you shorten it by moving the rear wheels forward, you put more weight rearwards and therefore add rear grip?

Is the effect of 2 differen depending on whether you change the wheelbase using the inner hingepin spacers orthe outer?

Basically, in some conditions I am after a nimbler car with more grip relatively front to rear, I was wondering if shorter wheelbase could do the trick?

[rc10fan]

take aloof at lee's set-up on trfracinguk he mentions in his setup sheets about spacers on the rear inner hinge pin i tried this but it caused the rear wishbones to have alot of excess play. mine are .5mm spacer (rear) on the hub and .5mm (forward) on the inner hinge pin and to remover the play i used 3mm at the rear of the hinge pin. i have no idea if this will cause any issues. but i didnt have any other spacers to use lol i guess this will have moved the wheel base closer together thus giving the car more rear end grip. or i could be talking aload of pants and it will worsen the problem lol

[fastinfastout]

Originally Posted by DaveG28

This is probably relevant to all cars, but as far as I can see there's two opposing effects of shortening wheelbase and I was wondering which one tends to win out (on the 502 or generally)

1. Shorter wheelbase should make a car more nimble?

2. If you shorten it by moving the rear wheels forward, you put more weight rearwards and therefore add rear grip?

Is the effect of 2 differen depending on whether you change the wheelbase using the inner hingepin spacers orthe outer?

Basically, in some conditions I am after a nimbler car with more grip relatively front to rear, I was wondering if shorter wheelbase could do the trick?

Yes a shorter wheelbase car will make it more nimble. But it depends 'how' you shorten the wheelbase. If you grind down some parts like arms and space them out with spacers so that the wheelbase is shorter.....Yes. But no if your putting the rear hubs in the forward position, as that will put more weight on the back wheel, creating more traction and making the car LESS nimble.

I would also like an explanation on how putting the rear hubs forward will put more weight towards the rear. I know it does, but its hard to explain to someone when they think a short wheelbase car will give more rear grip by the hubs method.

[mof]

Originally Posted by fastinfastout

I would also like an explanation on how putting the rear hubs forward will put more weight towards the rear. I know it does, but its hard to explain to someone when they think a short wheelbase car will give more rear grip by the hubs method.

It adds more weight on the rear because the chassis moves rearwards compared to what touches the ground (tires), thus reducing weight from the front and adding it to the rear.

[Jan Larsen]

What mof said.