Stamped steel chassis

[FABMAN]

What are the better stamped chassis that are being used. And what advise is there to setting one up. Thanks

[Dan P]

Champion Turboflex - I have some articles I'll send you.

Parma Flexi 1 - go here - http://www.parmapse.com/tips.asp?a=flknat

All stamped chassis need to be straightened, flattened, and squared. Most will be a little crooked out of the bag. (The parma article and the stuff I send you will explain this in detail).

The JK Scorpion and Cheetah are also good, but for a beginner I recommend the Champion. Easiest to get working right.

[FABMAN]

Thanks for the email Dan. That is just the kind of info I needed to help me build a car right.

[Mike Wyatt]

I see the fundamentals of a 2-piece chassis as weight, guide length (distance from the guide to the rear axle), and the method used up front as support when it "tips". I can comment on the three I have used:

A longer chassis (longer guide length) is more forgiving- easier to drive. A shorter one is quicker- harder to drive. Just like a motorcycle, bicycle, or car. A Mazda Miata is quick - a Crown Victoria ain't.

A lighter chassis is quicker on the acceleration, quicker out of the turns, and into the turns (braking performance) - a 120 gram car just coasts farther and is harder to get up to speed than a 90 gram car.

"Wings" up front act as outriggers- and many set the car up to ride the "wings" in the turns vs. the front wheels. Since they are more stable- don't bend as easily- they are a more reliable outrigger than wheels.

Parma Flexi 1- short guide length, light in weight. The Flexi 1 front wheels are critical because they are the outrigger. (Watch a good F1 driver- they have the body off, setting the fronts, every heat.) The Champion Astro with the aluminum pan gives you all three- light weight, outriggers, AND short guide length.

Champion TurboFlex- long guide length, front wings protect the front wheels, can be set up as outriggers. The longer guide length makes the T-Flex more forgiving, but maybe not as quick. With the aluminum pan, it can be pretty light, too.

So which is "best"?? Beats me. They are all fast-- set up properly. Set up poorly, they all suck. That's what makes this game so much fun!!!

It IS easier for a new guy to set up a Champion TurboFlex out of the box, though.

[FABMAN]

Thanks for the info Mike. I never thought of it like that but it makes sence.

[cheater]

Good post, Mike! There's a lot of experience and information in what you've said.

[mudhen]

bitterly learned lessons:

parma flexi-1,

read the article in SLOT CAR JOURNAL. built the car, and boy was it great. then i wrecked, bent the fronts, and lost

rjr storm,

i'm just not smart enough, i guess.

champion turbo,

i'm told that this is a good chassis for the old and feeble.and it's true. easy to set up but heavy.

jk cheetah

yeah, yeah, i KNOW that some folks swear by them, but i quit doing drugs, years ago, so i can't relate.

the new GAMBLER chassis.

so light, i can crush it in my bare hand. i can't wait;)

xxoo mudhen