Weight --- Front or Back ???

[T-Man]

Well, I figured I would start a new link on this.

I see that Jason is making the front links shorter to put the weight up front. I am going the other way. I was trying to crawl straight up a wall and it would not go. I put just a little bit extra weight on the tail end and it went straight up.

So, when climbing, it does make more sense to put the weight more centered or back (hence all the new rear engine buggy's in the comps) because as you go up, you need that weight in the back to put the power to the ground.

These are my thoughts. Pick them apart and let me know what you think, and I will let you know how it works.

Not trying to debate you Jason, as I do understand your thought as well, but I think this might be the better way. But, I have been wrong before.

[DirkDigler]

Actually....most of the comp buggies are trying to put the engine more towards the center of the rig.....way down low. the driver sits right out on the front of the truck.
I think that this is one area that comparing 1:1 and rc just doesn't make a lot of sense.
I watched Jason's clod crawl last week and it is amazing!!!! You can see what a difference the longer rear links make in every situation.....especially on steep climbs.

[Grizzly4x4]

Many people believe a 50/50 weight distribution is best, and that is what the mid-engine buggies are attempting to do.
But that is not the only thing that makes "moon buggies" perform so much better. Moving the engine to the middle of the chassis lets you mount it lower, this lowers the CG significantly.
A low CG, low weight, and good weight balance all combine to make a better crawler. Just like in r/c.

Personally, I like a little more weight on the front. My chassis' have always been designed with the battery forward of center and the rear links longer than the front.
The El Diablo chassis has the battery biased forward 1/2" and allows for moving it even further forward if needed.
Jason rig did indeed werk well with the weight biased forward but that is only part of the equation.
I dont know about sticking weight on the rear, I would say try to balance what weight you already have and keep it low.

[bastard]

Ok you guys are close but...

Many people believe a 50/50 weight distribution is best, and that is what the mid-engine buggies are attempting to do.

Actuly The new mid engine buggys are still front heavy. Our new car will be 63% front and 37% rear. This is done by adding lead shot to the front tires.

But that is not the only thing that makes "moon buggies" perform so much better. Moving the engine to the middle of the chassis lets you mount it lower, this lowers the CG significantly

The biggest advantage is you can get the 63/37 weight with the rig weighing less then with the motor is in the front. Our old comp buggy weighed 2200lbs with out water and weighed 3180 with a 60/40 bias.
That is alot of weight in the tires!!!! It was added in front and rear.
The newe car ways 2000lbs with out any lead and will be in between 2500-2600lbs with the 63/37 weight bias . This will be with no lead in the rear it will all be in the front. So that is 500-600 lbs of lead in the front tires. that is 1/5 of the cars weight touching the ground That is a preet low center of gravity. 8O

[rckjeep]

Isn't that kinda like cheating? I'm sure that the comp rules don't say a thing about adding 500-600 lbs. in the tires but ut seems kinda low down to me(no pun indended)

oh I'd say center, but I think there is some balancing that would make things better.

[Clod_Master]

Originally Posted by rckjeep

Isn't that kinda like cheating? I'm sure that the comp rules don't say a thing about adding 500-600 lbs. in the tires but ut seems kinda low down to me(no pun indended)

oh I'd say center, but I think there is some balancing that would make things better.

If you're in the unlimited class, then the whole point is to build the most innovative stuff. If you get a good idea, everyone copies it, and hopefully you stay a step ahead of the rest. :P