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Post by 3cubdad on Jul 24, 2008 9:16:58 GMT -6
Question for those running in this class... It looks like everyone running in the class is using needle axles. Do you think that big axles could be competitive in this class? I really like the different design criteria and look and was looking at building one for the BGN. However, I've never run needles or oil lube before. Between the 2 hotel rooms for 2 nights, and all of the stuff for our other 6 cars we're entering, I think if I suddenly ordered a bunch of needle wheels and axles and lubes Mrs. 3CubRacing might find another use for my band saw!! It's probably not the best time to experiment with something I haven't done before, (needles and oil), before a big race. I've got everything to make it with big axles, I'm just curious as to whether anyone thinks it could be competitive, or if I should just build another stock and modified! Thanks, 3cubracing
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Post by ProQuest on Jul 24, 2008 10:02:15 GMT -6
Hey 3Cub,
As a general rule, the majority of builders who race in any given class will try to take full advantage of all allowed modifications to increase performance. Needle axles are allowed in the Hotrod 66 class, so you can expect that most of the cars entered in this class will have needle axles. As a general proposition, all other factors being comparable, a car with needle wheels and axles will out-perform the one with big axles. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.
But the Hotrod class is as much about style and esthetic's as it is about speed. So, I'd say, if you want to dip your big toe in to test the waters with a big axle Hotrod -- go for it. Have fun building something cool, and don't worry about whether it is competitive on the track.
Steve H.
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Post by beakerboysracing on Jul 24, 2008 10:02:28 GMT -6
If you get your weight distribution right and your alignment right, I think big axles can be competitive. Stock class cars are running 2.90 -2.92 on big axles while HR66 are 2.88-2.90 on needles. I have an idea.............. Think pine chassis and Balsa wood body. I think that would work and be very fast! See ya Scott Beakerboys
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Post by Da Pine Racing on Jul 24, 2008 10:23:27 GMT -6
Hi 3cubdad,
Look at the pictures for the HR66 "Wishbone" built by Barga Racing. That car was the record holder and still is one of, IF not the fastest car in the class.
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Post by Bubba on Jul 24, 2008 13:32:08 GMT -6
I have to more or less echo the comments above. Generally, running needles instead of big axles probably gains you something in the range of 2 hundreths. Bear in mind that needles doesn't necessarily mean oil. We run graphite on our Pro-Mod Disclosure and do fine with it. If I were you, instead of building "another" (your words) stock or modified I'd go ahead and build a HR66, just to get my feet wet in that class (and 'cuz they're sooooooo coooooool ). We built our first one for Lima last year (see "Green T - Team Bubba's first HR66 entry" for pics), and while it was near the bottom of the field, it was still a whole lot of fun. Reasons we were near the bottom (in my mind at least): 1) Running big axles 2) Didn't know much about alignment at the time 3) Several very conscious decisions I made that cost me aerodynamics (and CG) but paid off in aesthetics (ex. big plastic engine on front). 4) Very, very tough competition IMO you should build your first HR66 and have fun with it, "Do Your Best", and don't be afraid to sacrifice speed for good looks in this category. Since you mentioned Stock and Modified, I assume you already have some lightened wheels for the back and razors for the front? If it weren't for Old School, Pickups, Semi's, Door Slammr's (PDDR), I would probably spend most of my time building HR66's. Not knocking the "plank racers" , many of those cars (esp. the paint jobs) are way beyond my meager abilities. I just think a 3 dimensional car (i.e. one with some height to it) opens up a lot of creative opportunities for a more life-like ride ;D Bubba p.s. If you are thoughtful about it you might be able to build a pickup you can run as an HR66 and then add a front tab / bumper and a couple ounces of weight for the PWD Pickup race You are planning to enter the pickup race, right???
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Post by 3cubdad on Jul 24, 2008 21:56:55 GMT -6
Thanks guys!
Bubba, I like your reasoning. I started planning the design today. (yes, I already have the lightened for the rears and razors for the front.)
I'm excited about this build. I've also got a VERY unique build going for my BGN modified. Hopefully in a few more days I'll be able to post some pics. Definately not your typical plank or wedge. Just don't know how fast it will be, but that's only half goal!
I like the idea of the HR66 truck, (I'm leaning towards a 1932 Ford), but I probably couldn't enter it in the PWDR truck race because it won't be from the Beta kit, and I can't wait to get started on it!
Steve
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