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I have two of my three can am cars up and running with only the forward magnet. The Lola came with some lead added beside the motor and mid chassis. The McLaren has no weight added. The Lola is slower and looser in turns. Both are running trued PG urathanes.

Also running a DTM with no mags and PG urethanes. I have not added any weight to it. It drives nice but could be faster I think.


Questions:

How much weight should be added? What is the ideal weight range? Where should the weight be added? Rear, mid chassis or forward? Center of chassis or outboard? The McLarens have lots of room in the side pods.

How do you know when you have the right amount? Too much?

Thanks.

Bruce

Unless you are only running on ovals, the only thing that matters is front-to-back positioning for center of gravity. I have tried side pod weights in all kinds of situations, and unless its an oval, it just doesn't matter, no matter how much sense it makes.

Meanwhile, the overall weight has to be proportionate to the motor, more than anything else. The old Scaley Camaros and Mustangs had a very consistent ideal weight, and a 1/4 ounce is enough to make them (or a Fly, for that matter), run right. Just as a general rule, get the guide and braids right down on the track, and then add weight if necessary to the rear after that for traction.

Adding weight does not necessarily increase a car's grip. For a start urethane tires work best if they have been polished, if they have any texture on the tread at all they will need to be polished. The main reason that I add weight is to lower the center of gravity of the car. If the car wants to lift the inside rear wheel in the corners adding weight behind the center of the car as low as possible will help a lot. If there is enough track clearance I put thin pieces of lead on the bottom of the car.

I would start near the front to keep the guide in, 2-3 grams if you're running magnets. Then it's trial and error. I was told a while ago, picture the chassis as you look overhead and draw a triangle from the guide mount to front of the rear tires. With in this triangle is where weight placement would be to stabilize a car, add or remove grip or limit tipping. Somewhere out there is a diagram for slot car weight placement. It's on the interweb as I remember seeing it before.

Thanks. Yes I like playing with toys...

This track will be my “pool table” in my man cave. Great fun so far.

Is there any way to adjust Carrera front tire height other than tire size?

Thanks.