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Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is the amount
of weight (car and driver) being carried by the tires
and is given as a ratio, such as 60/40. The ratio can
be for the weight carried by the front compared with
rear tires or one side of the car compared with the
other side. (For example, the front and rear weight
distribution of a GTV/6 is almost 50/50, which means
that 50 percent of the weight is carried on the front
tires and 50 percent is carried on the rear tires.)
A car maintains its highest traction when all the tires
are working equally.
Aerodynamic Devices
Aerodynamic devices channel air flow
around and over a car body creating areas of high or
low pressure, which will load or unload the tires as
required. A nose spoiler keeps the front of a car from
lifting at speed by blocking some of the air flow beneath
the car, increasing traction at the front. A rear spoiler
increases downforce at the rear of a car, increasing
traction at the rear.
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Adjustable Shocks
Shock absorbers dampen the ocillation
of a spring. Adjustable shocks can be used to balance
under/over steer; stiffen front shocks for less oversteer,
stiffen rear for more oversteer and visa-versa. Be careful
not to over-stiffen the shocks as the car will bounce
over road irregularities losing traction as the wheels
leave the road.
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