HPI Tuning Guide - Introduction

Introduction

This tuning guide is just that, a "guide". It's impossible for a guide like this to cover everything that you need to know about tuning, but this is a good place to start. If you are looking for the "perfect setup" for all conditions… unfortunately there is no such thing! The "perfect setup" for your car, track, and driving style may be very different than the guy next to you on the driver’s stand. The fastest drivers get to be "fast" by practicing, testing and constantly tuning their car to make it work for their driving style. So, please use this guide as a starting point.

We've divided the guide in two ways. First, the tuning adjustments are organized according to what will have the greatest affect on the way your car handles. Next, we have organized them according to different levels of driving experience. Some of the tuning terms may be unfamiliar to you, the FAQ section of our web page has an R/C Dictionary that will help explain the terms. If you can't find the answer to a question, try a web page that has a forum in which you can ask specific questions and usually receive an answer within a day or two.

We've worked hard to put this guide together and we sincerely hope that it will assist you in getting the very best out of your car. Good luck, good racing, and have fun!

Basic Car Maintenance The key to a good set up starts with a mechanically sound car.

Keys to Finding a Good Setup Ideas and principles to keep in mind when looking for that perfect setup.

Setup Tools Tools that will help make accurate adjustments to your setup.

The Basics Where to begin when you start finding a new setup.

Understanding Physics The physics of suspension dynamics in, simple to understand terms.

Level One Adjustments Adjustments that cause big changes to your car's handling. This is where you start if your car is having major handling problems.

Level Two Adjustments Adjustments that cause discernable changes to your car's handling, but not to the same degree as Level One Adjustments. If Level One adjustments were to drastic of a change, try these.

Level Three Adjustments Adjustments that fine tune your car's handling. These adjustments make very minor changes that can usually only be felt by experienced drivers.