[munter]

Chris Walker will be the first to say "using the slot in the crown to keep the axle in place translates to a loss of power". Words of wisdom. It's wise to listen to someone that builds winning cars.

And I would agree with him.

Another point to consider is to shorten the motor shaft so the pinion is closer to the can bearing....
...therefore shifting the position of the weight of the motor.

[KensRedZed]

Hi Munter,

You are without a doubt, correct. Shortening the motor shaft also reduces the leverage stress and wear on the motor bushings.

But... (there's always a "but") I race on wooden tracks with urethane tires. We often have too much traction, and usually need to move weight forward. Our tall cars may roll over if you go too fast in a corner. Having the motor/weight forward allows a slight controlled slide through the corner making it more predictable before bicycling or rolling out.

We also have 17 flippin' race classes with something like up to 14 sub-classes for one event. I have some cars that barely see 2-races per year. I'm not worried about the added leverage stress and wear on the motor bushings at 2-races per year. I prefer the motor as far forward as possible without requiring a drive-shaft. Sounds strange. But it works well for the Triumph TR4A for example.

We must build to suit our race environment. Everything gets proven on race-day. 

[munter]

You are correct, Ken.

A recent chassis picture you showed I could see from the side view that the motor was shall we say, mid engined.
Front/rear balance is something few have mastered as many of the secrets are yet to be passed down.

Keep building, keep racing.

[KensRedZed]

Last but not least. I can relax and get away with some things because I don't swim in a big ocean. I swim in a relatively small pond and only need to worry about the local fish around me. I would need to think and build very differently if I entered cars in proxy races. I'll leave that to the old pros.

[Mike]

I have read from start to finish , the ideas I now have are great. But a picture or 10 would really be helpful for some of the different chassis styles. I am an old novice.

[KensRedZed]

Hi Mike,

The "scratch building" forum has a variety of builds posted. Just pick a car.

There are tutorials there for different styles of chassis. 

Or you can just start asking questions. Someone usually rises to the cause.