Serpent 747: chassis weights  as tuning device

In the set-up of racing cars in general, weight distribution and balance is very important.

In the Serpent 747  I introduced an easy way to use this knowledge in a very quick way, so that the change of the weight distribution can be made very fast, but still secure, even during a pitstop if needed.

The “sliding”  brass weights  in the 747 are locked with only 1 screw in position to the chassis. There are 3 slots to choose from . I added some markings on the chassis to make changing the position easy and precise. This easy adjustment makes the sliding weight a very powerfull set-up tool!

Each brass weight weighs 25 grams ( part number #804273 ) , and a maximum of 3 weights can be fitted. I advice to use maximum 2 weights to allow some adjustment. Of course the number of weights also depends how the weight of the whole car is and what the rules for maximum weight in your country is.

In most cases the 2 weights only are already around 3% of the total weight of the car, making this a more powerfull tool than for example anti-roll bars

By moving the weights more forward you should notice the car to have more understeer and by moving the weights more backwards you should notice it to have more oversteer.

As starting point you can put one weight in the middle of the front sleeve, and one in the middle of the rear sleeve.

To learn the benefits of the weights, I suggest to move the weights with 2 or 3 lines at a time, so you can really noice the strong change, and you will learn what it does to the handling of the car.   During a race, you will then learn to use smaller steps, to maximise the benefit.  Even during a pitstop in a final this can be done quick and precise.

Enjoy your racing !

Michael Salven