Edit

Tuning Basics for all Slot Cars

If you are a serious slot car racer then tuning your car and carrying out basic maintenance will greatly increase its ability to compete. Here are some hints and tips.

Edit

Truing the Tires

Truing tires is a very important step and can provide the largest performance gains. Basically truing the tires ensures they are round. Best method is to put some fine sandpaper on the track, then place the car on the track open the throttle and gently lower the car's rear wheels onto the sandpaper. Do not press down hard but just let the wheels make contact with the sandpaper. Continue ths until you are happy the wheels are round.

When complete clean the car ensuring there are no rubber or sandpaper bits in the running gear.

Edit

Check for free running wheels

First of all check that all wheels rotate freely. A problem often found with slot cars is the wheels rubbing against the body shell. If a wheel is rubbing or there is very little clearance between the wheel and the shell then you should remove a couple of millimetres of plastic from the wheel arch. This can be done using a hobby knife or one of the Dremel type tools fitted with a grinding wheel.

Edit

Check the Guide Blade (if equipped)

Check the guide blade turns freely. Guide blade problems can be caused by the wires connected to it getting trapped or caught around caught around soemthing.

Edit

Check the Guide Pin (if equipped)

Make sure the pin isn't too long or too short. Too long and it will drag in the slot - slowing you down. Too short and you'll find yourself deslotting too often.

Edit

Motor and Prop Shaft (if equipped)

Motors and prop shafts are often only held in place by plastic holders which allow some movement causing power loss and motor inefficiency. Both the motor and shaft should be glued in place using an adhesive such as super glue. Please note only the prop shaft bearing should be glued into its housing.

Edit

Lubricate Parts

Lubrication is important and should be done on a regular basis. A drop of oil on all moving parts every two or three races will be fine.

Edit

Running In The Motor

New motors should always be run in for optimum performance and longer life. First remove the rear axle and place the car on the track. Now run the motor SLOWLY for around 5 minutes. Let the motor cool and then replace the rear axle and run the car slowly around the track for about 10 minutes. These steps will ensure the the motor and running gear are bedded in gently.

Edit

Adjust the Pickup Shoes or Contact Braids

The pickup shoes and contact braids are what supply power to your motor and so should be correctly adjusted. For optimum performance the shoes or braid should be kept as flat as possible which ensures that more of the guide is actually in the slot. If using braid, the final 2-3mm should be bent down and splayed out slightly.

The contact braids should also be kept clean using some form of contact cleaner. Spray this onto a cloth and wipe the braids until you have removed all the dirt that has built up.