Post by JOKER on Feb 28, 2007 15:27:19 GMT -7
Each time we build a car it involves three components:
Combining all three usually makes for a very memorable car. Often we make the mistake of going for a unique design or the "bling" factor. There is nothing wrong with that, but inadvertently we sacrifice time that should be spent on the components that improve a car's performance. I often make this mistake & fail to focus on the timeless principles that make a car go fast. Sure, there have been recent significant discoveries that have lead to faster times.........but the same physics that made a car fast in the 70's are the same today.
Here is a good way to focus on the important factors that will lead to consistent/fast cars:
- design
- aesthetics
- speed enhancements
Combining all three usually makes for a very memorable car. Often we make the mistake of going for a unique design or the "bling" factor. There is nothing wrong with that, but inadvertently we sacrifice time that should be spent on the components that improve a car's performance. I often make this mistake & fail to focus on the timeless principles that make a car go fast. Sure, there have been recent significant discoveries that have lead to faster times.........but the same physics that made a car fast in the 70's are the same today.
Here is a good way to focus on the important factors that will lead to consistent/fast cars:
- once you have settled on a design......make a note of every part of the car that could slow it down
- optimal weight placement should be determined by your design & the type of track
- aerodynamics - is it satisfactory?
- friction elimination - determine every part of the car that has a touch point - (this includes how many wheels touch the track....how many places the wheels touch........how many places the axles touch the wheels)
- Once you have determined all the touch points - try to eliminate some if possible.........the ones that remain will require decreasing friction as much as possible - (think of ways to decrease these surface areas & polish as much as possible.......polishing is not just for axles
- Lubrication & alignment are what remain..........there are many methods.............pick the one that will perform best for your personal set-up