Mounting a drag race RC car body directly to the suspension using rigid non-hinged body mounts can present several disadvantages that can impact performance, handling, and overall durability. The biggest concern is, Inconsistent Aerodynamics & Handling Instability:
As the suspension moves, a rigidly mounted body can alter its angle of attack relative to the airflow. This inconsistency in aerodynamics can negatively impact downforce and overall performance, particularly at high speeds.
The lack of flexibility in the body mounting system can affect the balance and handling characteristics of the RC car. Sudden weight transfers or changes in traction can become more challenging to manage, leading to unpredictable handling behaviors.
Here are some other potential drawbacks of this approach:
- Limited Suspension Travel: Rigid non-hinged body mounts can restrict the suspension's ability to move freely and fully compress or extend. This limitation can negatively impact the RC car's traction and stability, especially on uneven drag race tracks.
- Uneven Weight Distribution: Since the suspension movement is restricted by the rigid body mounts, weight transfer during acceleration and braking might not occur optimally. This can lead to reduced traction, launch efficiency, and overall drag racing performance.
- Chassis Flex Issues: Most RC cars rely on a certain amount of chassis flex to absorb shocks and maintain grip. Rigid body mounts can interfere with this natural flex, causing the chassis to become overly stiff and affecting the car's ability to handle bumps and irregularities on the track.
- Impact Stress on Body: Without the flexibility provided by hinged or articulated mounts, the body is more likely to experience stress and impact forces from the suspension's movement. This can lead to premature wear, cracking, or even breakage of the body.
- Aerodynamic Disruption: The rigid connection between the body and the suspension can disrupt the smooth airflow that should be maintained for optimal aerodynamics. This disruption can lead to increased drag, potentially reducing top speed and acceleration.
- Handling Instability: The rigid body mounts can introduce instability during high-speed runs or sudden maneuvers. The body's inability to move with the suspension can result in unpredictable handling characteristics and reduced driver control.
- Increased Vibration Transfer: Vibration and impact forces from the suspension will be directly transferred to the body without the dampening effect of hinged mounts. This can cause discomfort for the driver and potentially damage sensitive electronics within the car.
- Reduced Ground Clearance: Rigid body mounts might limit the ground clearance of the RC car, making it more susceptible to scraping or bottoming out on the track surface.
- Limited Body Options: The rigid attachment method might restrict the types of body shells that can be used, as not all bodies will be compatible with the non-hinged mounts.
- Complexity of Repairs: In the event of a collision or damage to the body, repairing or replacing it can be more challenging with rigid body mounts in place.
- Tuning Difficulty: Fine-tuning the suspension setup for optimal performance becomes more challenging when the body is directly connected in a rigid manner. Adjustments to suspension geometry and setup might have limited impact.
In conclusion, while rigid, non-hinged body mounts might seem simpler to implement, they can result in a range of performance and durability issues for drag racing RC cars. A more flexible and dynamic connection between the body and the suspension, such as hinged or articulated mounts, is generally preferred to maintain optimal aerodynamics, handling, and overall vehicle integrity.