gear settings vs turn-in?

[nomis3613]

Hi,
Does anyone run deliberately tall gearing (ie small numbers) specifically to get less understeer *edit* off throttle */edit*?

Ok, that sounds like a stupid question, but let me explain! I am convinced that some cars have better turn-in if you use a lower gear (eg high revs in 2nd through the corner instead of low revs in 3rd). I wonder whether it's calculated using the gear ratios, or there's an arbitary piece of code which says the lower the gear, the better the turn-in. If it's the latter, then there would be an advantage to use taller gear ratios (eg so you're using 1st-5th instead of 2nd-6th), so has anyone played around with this?

 

[MadMax]

I intentionally customise first 2 gears long.
The long gears have less wheel spin and usually allows more speed to be carried in the corner.

If talking about stock gears , lower gear allways gives better turn in. (when the grip allows and off throttle)

2nd gear high revs lets say RWD.. on power band gives better turn in with accel.
on 3rd gear off powerband these is less power moving the driven wheels and less weight on those wheels.

On FWD higher gear is usually better because not being getting the max power instantly and cooking up the tyres.

TVR Speed 12 for example , cooks the tyres very easily.
Super long first and second gear = alot fire with less smoke.



MadMax

 

[nomis3613]

Thanks, MadMax. Yeah gearing can make big changes to handling under power (esp RWD), but I'm actually interested more in what happens when you're coasting (off throttle).

 

[esoxhntr]

Hi,
I am convinced that some cars have better turn-in if you use a lower gear (eg high revs in 2nd through the corner instead of low revs in 3rd).

This makes sense. Think about what is happening; you are using engine braking to slow the car, a milder form of trail-braking. What happens when you brake in a corner? You shift weight forward, unload the rear which helps rotate the car. The higher the gear ratio (numerically) the greater the effect - which is why you see the effect more pronounced in 2nd than 3rd.