Why Motor Orientation Matters

We've already discussed how 1:32 scale slot cars can have differently oriented motors. In this video we'll look at the common configurations and the characteristics which define them.
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[@slotcarazing]

Re-upload due to a technical problem with the previous version. Which config do you prefer?

[@TheJoeGutsExpress]

A sidewinder will deliver more of its available power to the drive gear due to having only one directional change in power delivery to the drive gear. Anglewinders make up for this with more power from the motor. As well, the less the motor is angled, the less power loss there is. When energy is moved either directionally (or from one form to another) there is energy loss in some form, often in heat. An inline configuration will deliver less power than an anglewinders or sidewinder due to this. This may or may not be observable on your particular track.

[@hamescradel4175]

Thanks ... just getting into slot cars, and your videos have been very informative 👍

[@edstud1]

There is a lot to digest in this video!

[@thatslotcarguy]

Loving the video content legend

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Exceptional intel here! TY for explaining. 👍👍😎🇺🇸

[@alexjones6872]

I tend to build nsr inline, slot it inline racer etc. I also like anglewinder's

[@Sundayslotcars]

Awesome channel! I subscribed with my personal account. Can't wait to see more videos.

[@MPSlotCar]

Great video brother! Nice breakdown of the different motor positions and their pros/cons! Cheers ✌🏼

[@Gma7788]

Wrong.
Come on fool, you name 1 full sized car that has a sidewinder engine mounting.
You're delusional.
These tiny details about slot car motor mounts have nothing to do with drivers of slot cars.
You can't even name a real car with a sidewinder mounted engine.
You wouldn't have a clue how to drive it.
You mind your own business and let the manufacturers deal with their business.
I don't think you even know where the engine is mounted in the full sized car.
You drive the small scale car as if it's the full sized version.
You don't give a stuff where the manufacturer stuck the electric motor.
You let them do their f ing job and you get on with your own life and stop gossiping. ✋️

[@MPSlotCar]

@@Gma7788 Hi, firstly I like to think everyone in this hobby can have a voice and voice their opinions on any subject.
I get what your saying and I’m not saying who’s right who’s wrong. At the end of the day this is just a fun hobby I and many others do for leisure. I do appreciate your enthusiasm on the point you’re making, although there’s no reason at all to attack anyone ✋🏼 Say, hey I don’t agree what you’re saying and this is why. Not you’re a fool because you said A B and C.
For the record, I’m a licensed mechanic and actually race my personal cars at track days. Am I a pro? No, not by any stretch of the imagination and I’ll never say I am. But again, it’s a hobby I enjoy and that’s all it is..whether it’s slot cars, cars, or whatever it is. In the end like I said, yours and everyone’s opinion is valued, but these are small scale cars at the end of the day, no reason to go and attack anyone over it. Happy holidays and all the best ✌🏼

[@Sugar_K]

we raced no magnets... but if you lowed the car enough you'd get magnetic down force from the motor.. especially the boxer motors.. was only 20-30g but it all helps

[@normangarland6558]

Its so funny but this subject hasn't changed since the mid-late 1960's. We had all three types and the debate on which was faster was raging then... Inline, sidewinders and anglewinders, first angle winders used side winder gears with angular engagement.. Plus, don't forget to use some Paste type tooth paste to break the gears into each other. worked like polishing compound. :)

[@marcosantos5572]

Great video man!! thanks for sharing your knowledge, please advise where I can buy the RedBull Ring statue that it is the track??

[@consco3667]

Great content. As a newbie I have learned a lot from you. Please keep it up

[@Gma7788]

It's all wrong information.
You don't approach driving slot cars as a manufacturer.
You name 1 full sized Ford car that has a sidewinder engine mount.
It doesn't exist.
You're listening to lunatics.
It's male gossip and it's wrong information.
You've got to drive this sidewinder thing as if it's got a mid mounted engine design.
If the Ford GT 40 slot car has a sidewinder mounted engine, you don't worry about that manufacturer detail, cause you're supposed to drive it like it's the real mid mounted engine car.
You need to tell these crazy video makers they're to mind their own business and stop telling you lies about slot cars.

[@Jatmundar]

Maybe a stupid question, but what kind of handling do you get if you put the motor behind the rear axle?

[@slotcarazing]

It’s not stupid at all, in fact there are some FLY Cars, Porsche 911’s, that do exactly this. I think AutoArt did the same. I don’t remember driving them much so I’m not 100% certain, but I cant seem to recall them having much of a reputation for handling. I’d imagine they have all of the negative qualities of a regular sidewinder but without any of the advantages. One thing that is certain is that the front end would be very light which would make it difficult for the guide to stay (fully) in the slot.
Do you have one of these cars or is it just a hypothetical? I’d be interested to hear what you think.

[@ScuderiaTurini]

I have a few of the Fly Porsche 911 that have the motor sideways behind the rear axle. They need some weight added at the front of the chassis to help keep the guide in the slot and the brushes in contact with the rails. The "Fly Racing" versions of these cars have an inline motor installed ahead of the rear axle.

[@Gma7788]

You're wrong.
You don't approach slot cars like a manufacturer cause you're not a manufacturer.
You're not interested in the stuff you've spoken about.
This stuff is what the manufacturer gets to play with.
You're interested in front mounted engines and mid mounted engines and rear mounted engines.
You must think like a scaled down driver.
You alter your cornering driving based on where the engine is mounted in the car wheelbase.
You're hopelessly lost in the wrong perspective.

[@modelracecar]

You're wrong on a few points there...and they're motors not engines