Karting Setup

Chassis Setup Manual
Chapter 1: Weight Distribution
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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Seat Placement/Adjustment
1.3 Factors to check during weight distribution analysis
1.4 Adjusting Kart Weight

• Chapter 2: Front End
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2.1 Introduction to the Front End
2.2 Toe Adjustment
2.3 Spindle Height
2.4 Castor
2.5 Wheel Spacers
2.6 Camber

• Chapter 3: Rear End
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3.1 Introduction to the Rear End
3.2 Wheel Hub length
3.3 Rear Track
3.4 Rear Ride Height
3.5 Axle Stiffness
3.6 Seat Strut

• Chapter 4: Miscellaneous Adjustments
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4.1 Center Torsion Bar
4.2 Tire Pressures
4.3 Front Bumper
4.4 Side Pods

• Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Chapter 6: Recommended Dry Setup
Chapter 7: Recommended Rain Setup

Chapter 1: WeightDistribution
1.1 Introduction

The most important handling adjustment is made before the kart reaches the track. The kart must be
scaled and adjusted to ensure optimum performance. The desired wieght distribution is achieved by
scaling and adjusting the chassis and moving around weights. Improper weight distribution can cause
front end push (understeer), excessive or insufficient load on anyone tire, chassis binding, and lack o
side bite in cornering among many other problems. An improper weight distribution can also lead to
incorrect diagnosis of handling problems at the track. For Tonykarts, the following weight distributio
are recommended:
43% Front Weight
57% Rear Weight
50%:50% Left/Right Weight

These are just recommended starting points. Weight can be moved around at thetrack to change the
handling characteristics of the chassis. Moving weight to the front of the kart will provide more front
end grip while moving weight to the rear of the kart will provide more rear grip. Weight can also be
moved vertically up or down. Moving the weight vertically upwards will provide more grip in the
location of the weight while lowering the vertical position of the weightwill have the opposite effect
Keep the side to side weight distribution as close to 50%:50% as possible.
1.2 Seat Placement/Adjustment

The seat placement is the single most important weight adjustment on the kart and is done before
weight distribution analysis. Perfect seat placement may result in almost perfect weight distribution
before any weight is even added to the kart. Tonykartprovides a set of specifications for seat placeme
that should be followed as closely as possible. Consult your local Tonykart Dealer for specifications f
your specific model.
1.3 Factors to Check Prior to Performing Weight Distribution Analysis
The following processes are all very important to ensuring accurate weight distribution analysis.
1. Ensure that the floor is level.

This can be done bypurchasing a 5-6 ft. level and checking the floor where the centerlines of the fron
and rear axles will rest. The floor should also be checked along both sides of the kart across the widt
of the wheel base. Compensate for an unlevel floor by placing shims under the appropriate corner
scales.
2. Set toe and center the steering wheel.

If the wheels are not centered during weighing, thegeometry of the kart, mostly the castor, will cause

the corners of the kart to be loaded incorrectly. The readings on your scales will then be false
3. Set castor and camber
4. Set spindle heights at desired height.
5. Check tires to make sure they are at race settings.
6. Add weight in appropriate places to approximate fuel and/or oil.
Remember, however, that fuel and oil weights are dynamic.They will change during a race.
7. Replicate racing conditions.
When the driver is in the kart, it's critical they maintain a normal driving position as movements will
effect readings. Wear full race gear during weighing to have the highest level of accuracy possible.
8. Zero all scales.
1.4: Adjusting Kart Weight

Kart weights are usually not at the desired specifications after the...