Ways to make the kart loose.

Seth Blackburn · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:55 pm Post subject: Ways to make the kart loose.

Resently, I have been having a hard time with my kart. I have discovered that I have actually been driving it too tight, and not knowing what a kart should feel like doesn't help. I have lowered my seat as far as it will go, and moved it forward some, which helped some, but not nearly enough. Even on used YHCs on a track that is not used that often, I still have too much grip. So, how would you rate the following on how big of a difference they make?

1. Loosening/removing seat struts

2. Loosening the main seat stays

3. Replacing the third bearing bolts with zip ties

4. Widening the rear

5. Widening the front

Any help is appreciated!

Christopher Hill · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:36 pm Post subject:

The answer to your question isn't as straight forward as you might think. First you have to define what phase of the corner you are trying to change the balance of the car in. Entry, Middle, or Exit. The best way to answer your question is to gain a basic understanding of how tires work along with spring rates. If you understand that you should be able to work out the rest on your own. The other reason it's not cut and dry as to what to do is you have to look at the whole package to tell you what the right change is. Some karts are too soft already and so making it softer wouldn't handle the problem. If you give me more specific data I can give you some ideas. But like I said educate yourself on those two items and you'll never need to ask for help again.

Christopher

Clayton Hayes · Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:23 am Post subject: kart loose

Dont forget you can give the front more bight to loosen the rear like widening the front
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Brent Harper · Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2007 5:58 am Post subject:

Shorter rear hubs, softer axle, lower rear of kart(raise the axle), rear bat out, side bar out.. Try all of those things.. Good Luck!!
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Joshua (BlueBayou) Lyon · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:12 am Post subject:

All those things work. If thats not enough you can loosen the side pod bars. If the seat is too far back none of these changes will help a push, and the seat would need to go forward. Laying the seat back (so your head sits lower) will take away rear grip too.
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Seth Blackburn · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:46 pm Post subject:

Well, I need it to be loose in all parts of the turn. I'll just have to try and make the chassis as soft as possible next time I have practice. The front is actually stuck really well, so I should be able to get it loose some how.

Rick Blood · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:28 am Post subject:

Drive it harder.
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Joshua (BlueBayou) Lyon · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 9:04 am Post subject:

...or maybe your driving it too hard.

Cool

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Randy Lyon · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 9:48 am Post subject:

Use this on your rear tires:

Seth Blackburn · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:01 pm Post subject:

Lol...

Unfortunately, I don't think it is so simple as changing my driving. I am driving it about as close to the limit I can get it the way it is set up now. The first time I went out last time I had practice, it felt about right, but got much tighter each time I wen't out after that. The track is only open a couple times a month for people to practice, and only for about 4-5 hours. Last time I was plagued with brake problems (they kept locking up almost instantly), which makes it extra frustrating because I can't work on the tuning at all.