Hyper7 needs more steering

[Chevy-SS]

I've got the new Hyper7 PCR version. It's a great buggy but I definitely need more steering. The track where I race is very technical and this buggy pushes in the corners. I know there is a lot of information available on chassis setup, but I was wondering what other buggy racers are doing to get more steering. Some quick tips would be appreciated. What's worked for you?

Thanks

[scottm]

Two friends of mine have that buggy, and most of the problem seems to be the sluggish servo. Try a good servo, like a hitech 945 or a Airtronics 94358. Otherwise, thry normal setup stuff like lighter front springs and lighter front shock oil, a little front toe-out, etc.

[Nitro_Keebler]

Does the PCR have the pivot ball rear suspension?

If not, my buddy did an upgrade on his and it helped.

[Chevy-SS]

Thanks for tips. My first upgrade WAS the Airtronics 94358. I'm still not sure if I like this servo. It's strong, but I like the response of digital servos better.

The "normal" setup stuff is what I was most curious about, in other words, what seemed to work best for other racers? There are some pretty good jumps, so I can't go too light on springs or shock oils. Toe-out is a good idea. You guys running reduced camber to get more steering?

[mcvickj]

This thread should get you started.

http://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/sho...threadid=17038

[scottm]

Just watch the dirt pattern on the tread, and adjust camber until it is even across the face. I think 2-4° in should do it, mabe a degree more in front than in back. Another factor is diff oil. I personally think it is a mistake to run heavy oil in the front, as that will hinder differential action, which you need for tight turning.

Great link mc, I missed that! I'm glad to know I was in the ballpark with most of my setup, just camber should be -1 to -2°

[Chevy-SS]

mcvickj, that's a good link. I had checked it our prior to posting this new thread (just so you guys don't think I was too lazy to do a search). I guess I am trying to get real-world racers feedback from someone who made a few adjustments in their buggy setup to specifically address (and correct) the issue of understeer.

Thanks

[Jeff Cain]

I have my setup on my webpage if you're interested...

http://home.earthlink.net/~rshackelford/

[scottm]

Good tips Jeff, and I like your mechanic. She will need an extra low creeper!

[uDi_MP7.5]

How do you want to gain more steering? just more steering full stop, more on power steering, more off power steering, trying to swing the backend around, etc etc....

I run on a similarly tight track, and I dropped my 7.5 into short wheelbase mode, seemed to help when just rolling around the corners. Jumping to thicker diff oil in the rear diff might help slide it around a bit more, as well as running more rear brake bias... I haven't tried, so someone correct me if im wrong.

Originally posted by Chevy-SS
Thanks for tips. My first upgrade WAS the Airtronics 94358. I'm still not sure if I like this servo. It's strong, but I like the response of digital servos better.

Sell it to a diehard 358 fan and try a futaba S9350. Get back to be if your not happy and i'll gladly take it off your hands. Digital, plenty of torque, and will zip left to right a lot faster.

[scottm]

uDi, I checked out that 9350 servo here:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBXA7&P=7

It is a good price, but it is slower and less torque than the 358. Does digital make up for that? Do you use fast frame rate on your transmitter with that servo?

[militarymaxx]

Every race I go to I ask all the guys what they're running, what weight oil, what springs, all that stuff. I get different answers with each person I ask. It comes down to what works best for their driving skills. I can't take credit for the below link, got it from another user, but it should be in everyones favorites list. Tons of great info on chassis setups, dynamics, how things work and why. What will happen if I move this there, all kinds of stuff.

http://users.pandora.be/elvo/

[uDi_MP7.5]

Originally posted by scottm
It is a good price, but it is slower and less torque than the 358. Does digital make up for that? Do you use fast frame rate on your transmitter with that servo?

scottm - IMHO (others may disagree so lets not bring that up here) the airtronics servos, especially the 35x line are highly overrated. There is no way you will have 200oz of torque and .12 or .13 transit time in reality.

The 9350 will have more than enough torque for 1/8 buggy (that 140oz rating is closer to the truth...) and the higher holding power of digital should more than make it up. i.e it will have the torque to turn the wheels, but more importantly have the power to HOLD them there.

As for speed, im confident the 9350 will blow the 358 away. Nothing to worry about there.

I run HRS with my servos which is futaba's "fast frame rate" feature, and the digital servos will shine with something like that, but no huge deal.. run it if you have it of course.

[Chevy-SS]

uDi, I'm glad to hear someone agree with me about the 94358 servo versus digital. I have two trucks (EK4 + Maxx) running Hitec HS-5945 digital steering servos and they steer perfectly. The LHS owner where I bought the Hyper7 didn't have any digital servos and he convinced me to buy the 94358. It's not a bad servo and it looks better (on paper) than my HS-5945's, but the 94358 doesn't steer as well as a digital. Of course, that's just my .

Regarding the original question, I am trying to get into and around the tight corners without slowing down so much. Some guys at my track set the rear brake to lock up first and slide the rear end around. Then they nail the throttle when lined up. This seems like it may actually be the best way to win, but I have only been racing for a short while so I am not sure.

Thanks for your replies, gents. I always enjoy reading the various comments and opinions on topics like this.

[scottm]

Thanks for the info uDi. I need a new servo for my Storm, so I will get something digital. The futaba is no doubt a solid choice but does anyone have experience with a JR digital? I am pretty down on Hitec right now since 4 out of 6 645's crapped out in the last month.