Basic set up information

Intro

When you first go to a track that you have not been to before, start with a baseline set-up and work from there. It is always difficult to decide which process to use when tuning your chassis. You do not want to become over analytical because you will end up chasing the set up in circles. Start with minor changes (such as front and rear track width) and if it proves to be a positive modification head in that direction.

TOE, CASTOR AND CAMBER

The baseline castor, camber and toe are a very good neutral setting and should not be wondered too far from. These three adjustments are one of the last things to be adjusted.

Toe – With more toe out you will reduce straight speeds and increase tire temp due to more scrub. It also increases the angle at which you are able to turn. For wet conditions you want to run 3 to 4 mm of toe out for more stability.

Castor – On high-speed tracks you may want to run more front castor because it gives the driver a heavier wheel and more confidence. On a tight circuit you will want to run less castor (easier steering) so the driver does not become fatigued if it is a long duration race. Adding castor will reduce understeer and assist a rear tire in coming off the ground, thus having the kart run more free. More castor does the opposite for oversteer. When castor is put in the kart, you will have to redo the alignment of the kart.

Camber – You want to run more camber with a softer side wall tire (such as VEGA XM). For reduced understeer you can increase the camber and it is the opposite for oversteer.

Top pills

TORSION BARS

The rear torsion bar has three settings.

Full Stiff - This setting offers rear stability and grip. It tightens up the chassis, meaning that the kart does not run as free.

Flat – This setting offers rear grip as well. It is not as drastic of a change as putting the rear torsion bar full stiff.

Removed – With this setting the kart runs free and you will find it has very good turn in. The kart will be more consistent over the course of the race.

Side Torsion Bar – We have found that running the side torsion bar offers more stability on high-speed corner entry. If it is a tight twisty circuit which doesn’t have long duration corners it is recommended running without it. Be careful that the front tire does not become overloaded when not using the side bar.

TRACK WIDTHS

Front - If you are struggling with understeer you will want to widen the front track to give you more front grip. In doing this it will also make the front end heavier and harder to steer. If the front of the kart has a positive turn in you will want to narrow the front, thus making it easier to steer. If you go too narrow, the kart can either understeer or have a quick change of direction.

Rear - If the kart is hopping, motor being pulled down, isn’t running free or sliding, you will want to widen the rear track. If the back is too wide, it creates too much rear grip and causes the front end to "plow" through the corners. Another thing to try, in the event the kart is pushing, is to try narrowing the back end.

AXLE DIFFERENCES

SA = The softest - This axle is used to free up the rear or to take understeer (push) out of the kart. In doing this it can also take way rear grip.

A = The second softest axle - This axle has slightly more rear grip than the SA axle.

B = The medium grade axle. This comes standard in all shifters and 100cc chassis’. This is a versatile axle, which offers good rear and front grip.

C = This axle is the stiffest. This axle is rarely used, unless you are having problems putting the power to the ground. We recommend that you do not put the C axle in a Junior chassis. Generally used for 125cc or heavy 100cc open classes.

ADJUSTABLE WHEELBASE

We recommend that you start with the wheelbase in the neutral position. We have found it advantageous to run the longest wheelbase on tracks with fast or long duration corners. The longer wheelbase improves long corner stability and reduces front tire temps. The shortest wheelbase is beneficial on short tracks with tight corners.