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The purpose of this site is to provide a location containing the data collected on RC cars and components. This data is a result of engineering tests being performed on the components to fulfill a need within the RC racing community. It is for personal educational purposes only, and does not have any guarantee of anything. I tested things, I collected data, I analyzed the data, and I am posting the results of my work for you to enjoy and interpret as you see fit. Enjoy, and happy education!

The file links to the left are .pdf files containing the results of the testing.

File Descriptions:

RC ShockDynoTest.pdf -- Uploaded 28 February 2015 -- This is the first report that shows the dyno setup, explains how to read shock dyno plots, and contains some general test results related to typical RC Car shocks. It is not intended to be specific (e.g. This piston with this oil at this speed will give you this damping coefficient which will make your car this fast.) It is intended to provide an education into how RC Car Dampers work and perform. (Uploaded 28 February 2015)

RC Car Shock Dyno Piston Types 2015.pdf -- Uploaded 28 April 2015 -- This report provides Force-Displacement, and Force-Velocity curves as measured for several different specialty pistons. These are general curves showing how the piston performs over a typical low to mid velocity input (Does not contain impact or "pack" velocity results).

Silicone Oil Viscosity -- Uploaded 28 February 2015 -- This is a table you can use to look up the actual viscosity of the oil you are using with respect to the actual temperature of the oil (can usually assume near or slightly above ambient temperatures). This table will allow you to maintain consistent damping performance throughout the day or year by taking temperature effects into consideration.

PistonDampingPrediction.xls -- Uploaded 20 February 2018 -- (Be sure to download it after you click on the link. You won't be able to edit it on the website. You will need Excel to use it.) This is a spreadsheet that can be used to make damping comparisons between up to four different piston and oil combinations. This is created for 1/8 scale 16mm pistons based on results from a shock dyno and impact tester. The equations used in this spreadsheet are based directly from this data, and will therefore only be accurate for pistons of the same thickness and diameter of the Mugen pistons. This will not be accurate for tapered pistons/holes. It will also not be accurate for pistons of different diameters. With that said, for pistons of different sizes, the relative trends may be comparable enough to help make informed decisions.

My intention is to update this page as I acquire data from my own RC cars and components. Keep checking now and then to see if any new information is added. Whatever data I add, hopefully it will help you understand your car better through engineering and physics instead of just opinions.