
- 20 -
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Lower
• Increases upward chassis travel on-throttle
• Decreases high-speed steering
• Decreases “initial” on-throttle understeer
• Better on bumpy tracks
Rear Downstops
Higher
• Decreases rear chassis upward travel off-throttle or under braking
• Increases stability under braking
• Better on smooth tracks
Lower
• Increases rear chassis upward travel off-throttle or under braking
• Increases steering in slow corners
• Better on bumpy tracks
B3. RIDE HEIGHT
Ride height is the height of the chassis in relation to the surface it is resting
on, with the car ready to run. Ride height affects the car’s grip since it alters
the car’s center-of-gravity (CG) and roll center (RC). Because of changes in
suspension geometry and ground clearance, there are negative consequences
to altering ride height too much.
Measure and adjust ride height with the car ready-to-run but without the
body. Use the shock preload collars to raise and lower the ride height.
RIDE HEIGHT AND TIRES
The car’s ride height decreases as the foam tires wear down to smaller
diameters. The foam tires may wear at different rates front-to-back, and
left-to-right, which may eventually result in an uneven ride height at all
four corners and an incorrect overdrive ratio. You should try to select tire
hardness to achieve even tire wear for longer races.
EFFECTS OF RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Lower Ride Height
• Increases overall grip
• Better on smooth tracks
Higher Ride Height
• Decreases overall grip
• Better on bumpy tracks (prevents bottoming)
B4. SHOCK ABSORBERS
Shock absorbers are a key component to setting up your Serpent 720. There
are various aspects of shock absorbers that can be adjusted: spring tension,
preload, position, and damping.