JQ Products – THE Car – THE Release – Part 6
In this part, JQ takes us through some of their thoughts on weight distribution…
Weight Distribution (Engine Mounts)
Weight distribution is a key feature when thinking about a cars performance. Since we aren’t racing in a circle, and actually turn in both directions, left to right weight balance is as close to equal as possible. However, front to back weight balance can be altered. Basically, a car with weight far forward, will jump really well, (throw a hammer head first), it will push on power and at speed (slide a hammer fast in a circle head first, front will push out), but will turn well at low speed (weight = traction, not enough speed to push front end out). A car with weight far back will not jump as well (throw hammer with handle first), it will have more steering on power and at speed (slide hammer fast in a circle with handle first, rear will slide out), but it will turn less at low speed (weight = traction, not enough speed to push rear end out). As for bump handling, I believe both can be really good, weight forward, or weight back, that depends on the set up. However, it is more common, that cars with the weight further back feel more stable and better on really challenging tracks. This is specially true for beginners or hobby level drivers. A car with the weight further back will be easier to control as it has more rear traction.
So where to put the weight? I believe that depends on your driving style. Solution? Adjustable Weight Distribution. THE Car is designed so it is possible to move the centre diff-mount, and engine 8mm forwards and backwards. This makes a huge difference in the handling of THE Car. The advantage of having this unique adjustment available, is that now it is possible to set up the car to perfectly suit each track. At major events changing a chassis to a different design, is not allowed, and if it is allowed, it’s a lot of work. On THE Car it can be done on the same chassis, in a few minutes. This has proved to make up to 0.5s changes in average lap times which I am sure you will agree is A LOT! Basically, jumps, hairpins, technical, = weight forward, fast, sweeping corners, bumpy, weight back. But to each his own, be brave, try it out for yourselves!
Additionally, the chassis has locations for weights, which can be secured with a sinlge M3 countersunk screw. These weights will be available at a later stage as option parts. When building the car with optional lightweight items, which will also be available later on, THE Car will be under the weight limit. Then each driver can choose where to place the additional ballast, in order to bring THE Car back up over the weight limit. There are locations at the front and the back of the chassis. This way the centre of gravity of THE Car is as low as possible, and the longitudinal balance can be adjusted by the driver.
Centre Diff Mount
This is my proudest creation along with the Adjustable Weight Distribution. But unfortunately one that is now not anymore completely unique. The centre diff mount was the second part assembly I designed for THE Car back in 2006, right after the radio tray. Back then I hadn’t seen a laydown system before. And this is what I came up with…
Again, I wanted to keep it simple. I use only one link for the brakes, which makes it really easy to move the diff mount forwards and backwards. Also, the centre diff can be taken out without messing about with the brake system.I chose to make the mount aluminium for 3 reasons:
- 1. It saves space
- 2. It is strong, stiff, and consistent in hot weather, heat from the engine, and friction from
- brakes.
- 3. It looks cool
Source: JQ Products
