RC Wheelbase Tuning (Simplified)

Quick List – Short Wheelbase vs Long Wheelbase – Where to Start – Tips – The best way to change your Wheelbase – Useful links for WheelBase Tuning

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Wheelbase tuning for RC cars - kyosho ZX-6

Short Wheelbase vs Long Wheelbase

Short WheelBase

Transfer weight faster
More – total weight Transfer
More – on-power (rear) grip
More – off-power (front) steering
More – off-power (rear) rotation
More – max weight on transfer tire
Usually equals more max grip
More – agile and responsive

Long WheelBase

Transfer weight slower
Less – total weight Transfer
More – on-power (rear) rotation
More – on-power (front) steering
More – off-power (rear) grip
More – stable
More – equal weight on the tires
Better – on bumps
Better – on high-speed cornering
Helps – stop wheeling (on-power)
Helps – stop endo (AkA stoppie) off-power

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Where to Start

I would recommend starting with a longer wheelbase. I find with a longer wheelbase, your car is more consistent, more stable, and overall easier to drive. Then start working your way to the shortest wheelbase you feel comfortable with. The reason you want to shorten your wheelbase is it transfers weight faster and more of it, making the car more agile and grippy. but going too short, the car will become hard to drive, and you might need to slow down to keep the car stable.

The best way to change your wheelbase for performance

When to run a shorter or longer chassis

Some cars don’t have this luxury and if they do it can be expensive. The reason it’s better is mostly due to changing the weight location on the chassis in addition to moving the wheelbase. It also keeps your drive axle in its original location, moving this could affect the way your car drives positively or negatively.

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The next best way to change your wheelbase

(and easiest) is to use the rear hub to adjust the wheelbase. “reason”??? Moving the rear hub back (longer wheelbase) keeps the chassis weight forward (more weight in front of the rear tires).

Where moving the front hub forward (longer wheelbase) moves the chassis weight rearward (more weight behind the front tires). the “reason” this is not as good is it keeps more weight to the rear… Just think things like stopping wheeling and on-power rotation will not be as good Vs if you made the rear hub longer. In short, you don’t get as much on-power stability by moving the front hub forward, or as much on-power grip by moving the front hub backward. it’s still effective but not as much.

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(FAQ) Frequently Asked Question

What is wheelbase in RC car?

Wheelbase refers to the distance between the front and rear axles of an RC car. it provides more stability and smoother handling but also makes the car less responsive

I usually recommend going to a longer wheelbase for most RC cars need more stability and less responsiveness (especially off-road).

How do you measure RC wheel base?

The wheelbase can be measured by using a ruler or measuring tape to determine the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels.

What is the difference between wheelbase and track width?

Wheelbase refers to the distance between the center of the front wheels and the center of the rear wheels on a vehicle (front to rear).

Track width is the distance between the center of the left and right wheels on the same axle of a vehicle (left to right).

Is longer wheelbase better?

Usually, it’s better to have a longer wheelbase in off-road RC but It depends on the intended use of the vehicle.

A longer wheelbases typically provide more stability especially at speed, while shorter wheelbases offer better maneuverability and a tighter turning radius.