Weight Transfer

[Steve]

Using a modified (mid engine mount) ZZ, I put a battery tray on the back using a slotted piece of lexan. The tray can lock in place anywhere along the slot. The idea was to see if mounting the batteries further to the back would improve traction off the line.

I started with the tray mounted all the way to the back. On launch, the front end would come up just barely, which is what I was shooting for. I should also mention that the drive gear was slotted for a little extra punch.

5 run average ETA: .6925 / best run .686

I then moved the tray all the way forward, so it just cleared the rear tires.

5 run average ETA: .6912 / best run .685



NOT what I had expected at all! I was positive that moving the batteries back would increase traction, and certainly result in a lower ETA.

Did moving the batteries back decrease traction, even though the nose came up a little?

Perhaps it DID increase traction to the point that the motor bogged down?

Tomorrow I'll test with the tray in the middle of the slot, any bets on what we'll see?


*** As a side note, I ran 5 runs with the slotted drive gear in the "non-play" position: Average ETA: .792