This is a optional Fioroni Tractive IV Center Differential, and is
intended for use as a tuning option for the Hot Bodies D8 1/8
scale buggy.
Fioroni's Tractive IV torque reactive differentials are the most
advanced differentials ever made for 1/8th off road vehicles and can be
effectively used on buggies, truggies, oval cars, and rally (IGT) cars.
An innovator in high end upgrade parts for radio control models,
Fioroni's Tractive IV differentials are the fourth installment of
'torque sensing' differentials, following the international title
winning Japan, Hyper, and Storm Traction differentials.
Tractive
IV differentials are a type of limited slip/torque sensing
differentials. They operate much the same as full scale Salisbury
differentials, but on a smaller scale, and perhaps arguably in more
severe conditions. The locking is enabled by internal ramps which act
like a wedge, with the throttle and brake torque being applied to it.
The rate of lock is in direct reaction and in direct proportion to the
torque input- the more torque, the harder it locks. The angles of the
ramps can be changed with optional parts to achieve various handling
characteristics.
Compared to an 'open' or standard bevel gear
differential commonly found in off road buggies and trucks, Fioroni's
differentials work quite differently, both on and off throttle. While
an open differential sends power to the tire(s) with the least amount
of resistance (think front inside truggy tire ballooning coming out of
a corner), the Tractive IV differentials balance the power output more
evenly. Instead of thickening differential fluids or changing
suspension settings to compensate for the loss of power, which often
results in an equally negative effect elsewhere on the track, you can
send more power to the wheels without a drastic change in overall
handling. By adding lock, the wheel with the least resistance is less
likely to spin, which means more power is being put down, resulting in
faster acceleration.
Off throttle, the Tractive IV differential
will act somewhat like an ABS system (Anti Lock Brakes). Your car will
be more stable under braking and if you choose, you can increase the
rear brake bias, often shortening brake distance. With today's improved
suspension geometry and constantly improving tires, these differentials
can be used effectively to lower your lap times. Another direct result
is longer tire life. The less your tires spin, the longer they will
last.
Fioroni's Tractive IV differentials are a powerful tuning
option, not a savior to a poorly assembled and incorrectly setup
vehicle. It is recommended to use the front differential first,
followed by both the center and rear. By using all 3 there will be a
noticeable change to the handling of the car as well as an obvious
decrease in tire wear. The differentials can be used on a variety of
surfaces from loose dirt to clean pavement. Make sure to try them in
practice first and make chassis adjustments as needed before using them
in racing conditions.
The standard ramp angles are 120 for
Front differentials, 80 for center differentials, and 40 for rear
differentials. Optional 60 and 100 degree ramps are available for your
tuning pleasure. For optimum performance, it is recommended to clean
and re-grease the differential after each weekend of racing, with a
maximum of 3 races in between cleaning and re-greasing. Although not
necessary, it is suggested to re-install the internal components in the
exact position, and allow a short break-in time for new or freshly
rebuilt differentials. Do not use any grease or oil except for the one
included with your differential and available as a spare part
(TRC-020). The differentials can be fully rebuilt and a full line of
spare parts is available. You can further complement your car's
drivetrain with Fioroni LIC range of lightweight axles, hubs, and
gears, available for most popular racing buggies and truggies.
Fioroni
Tractive IV differentials, like all Fioroni product, are designed and
made in Italy using only the highest quality materials and process.
Beware of knockoff 'torsen' differentials. They often work poorly and
are made of sub par materials. Fioroni Option Team parts are tested and
used by IFMAR World Championship winning drivers.
This product was added to our catalog on July 17, 2009