• Motorsport UK Registered
• ABKC Member
• Racing since 1959

Kart Set Up

Effect of tyre inflation pressures:

Pressure

Higher

Lower

Grip Decrease Increase
Contact Area Decrease Increase
Steering Response Quick Slow
Lateral Stiffness Hard Soft
Traction Braking Decrease Increase
Wet Performance Increase Decrease

(A) Centre part of tread wears quickly

(B) Both side parts of tread wear quickly

(C) Slide speed is too fast (past grip limit point): Decrease the pressure

(D) Unsteadiness and/or tottering in turning the corner: Increase the pressure

(E) Rain condition: Increase the pressure

Troubleshooting:

PROBLEM

CAUSE

REMEDY

The Kart does not want to turn into corners Understeer
too much rear end grip
(Balance is out)
  • Move front track in
  • Move rear track out
  • Add rear seat stays
  • Move seat forward
  • Increase rear tyre pressures
  • Check toe out (start with 1mm out)
The Kart turns in too quickly Oversteer
too much front end grip
(Balance is out)
  • Move front track out
  • Move rear track in
  • Remove rear seat stays
  • Move seat backward
  • Lower rear tyre pressures
  • Check toe out
Kart does not grip in corners/other Karts are faster in corners Too little grip/Speed too fast
too much slide, loss of time in corner
  • Raise seat
  • Move front track out
  • Move rear track in
  • Remove seat stays
  • Adjust tyre pressures
Kart bogs down in corners.
(Kart becomes unstable, hops and loss of time in corner)
Too much grip in setup
(when rectified it can provide better acceleration and in turn better top end speed)
  • Lower seat
  • Move front and rear track out
  • Add seat stays
  • Adjust tyre pressures
Other Karts are much faster in the straights Gear ratios too short/wrong driving line in previous corner
  • Take off a few teeth
  • Evaluate driving line
  • Shorten pipe length (flex flange)
  • Check carb settings
Kart lacks acceleration over short distances Gear ratios too tall/wrong driving line in previous corner
  • Add a few teeth
  • Evaluate driving line in corners
  • Lengthen pipe length
  • Check carb settings
  • Check kart setup

Remember!!! Tyres are best when new and could play a key role in getting your correct setup!!!


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