Tom, I agree that weight distribution can make or break your handling
characteristics in the event of traction loss. In our car the only weight
behind the rear axle are the batteries and the fuel tank, all the other
ballast is ahead of the rear wheels, and as low to the ground as possible.
Anyway- it's 11:30, time to head back into the garage before bedtime, only 9
more weeks! Gotta get this thing finished up !
Darrell Ferguson
BLACK RADON ENGINEERING
# 939 BBFALT
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Thomas E. Bryant [SMTP:saltracer@awwwsome.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 9:50 PM
> To: John Beckett
> Cc: Keith Turk; land-speed@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: Horsepower and Wings
>
> Interesting conversation! I have had the opportunity to consider the
> alternatives allowed to improve traction. I have changed my mind about
> about ballast. It is usually thought by many (myself included at one
> time) that if the rear wheels are spinning, add more weight to the rear.
> I have come to the opinion that more weight is not always the answer.
>
> As some of you know, we had a problem with traction a couple of years
> ago, spinning at three meets, going upside down on the last one. After
> talking to many, who are more savvy than I, it was determined that
> balance was the big problem. Center of gravity versus center of
> pressure. Adding weight to the rear may have solved the wheel spin, but
> if they should spin, there is more imbalance than before. (The reason a
> car spins is likely that the center of gravity is to far to the rear,
> therefore when the wheels spin, the rear being heavier wants to lead.)
>
> We added approximately 500 lbs to the front of the car. At the World
> Finals in 1997 I drove 224 MPH, on probably the very worst course that I
> had been on at Bonneville, the car was free-wheeling the last two miles
> and never once wanted to get sideways. After removing about half of the
> weight because of suspension problems, with my son driving, it got
> loose and again spun, this time a much slower spin with long side-slides
> which is probably why it went over. (before the weight the spins were
> very quick, almost snap spins).
>
> After the rebuild, at Muroc last year I got side ways again (no weight}.
> Since then we have added a spoiler and the weight is back in the car. So
> far it has gone straight. However, horsepower has not been up to par. We
> are still in the experimental stage, but I am convinced we are on the
> right track. I don't like to carry the extra weight, but I really don't
> need the extra thrills.
>
> If you are experiencing traction problems, I recommend, spoilers, wings,
> or anything else the law allows. Going straight is a lot more fun!!!
>
> Tom
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