Auto2,
I have used two different battery positions in my XB8'08. At first, I ran the battery box as far forward as possible. I actually used the exhaust mount hole as the front locating hole for the battery box. There were rub marks on the bellcrank and battery box to show just how close it was! This setup was definitly more nose happy than the nitro car. I believe the weight balance was 5 or 10% more to the front end than the nitro car. I wound up running atleast 1 step stiffer front spring, and probably 50-100wt heavier in oil in the front to compensate.
The second setup locates the battery box much further back in the car. The rear of the battery box is in line with the rear screw hole in the side guard. I hoped to duplicate the nitro car weight balance as we have all seen how well it is performing on the track!! My 4s 5000mAh pack and Neu 1512 motor put my vehicle weight within about 30g of Rocco's nitro 808, with a weight distribution nearly identical to it. With this new chassis arrangement, I have been able to use everyones' 808 setups as reference. I think this location has resulted in better balance and a car that can be pushed harder without getting out of shape. My hard driving is like a warmup lap for our team guys though, so agressive driving may be a relative term!
I am currently trying Rocco's Austin setup; , but I am still using the stock hinge pin holders. My plan was to change to the aluminum holders once the stock pieces wore out, but that is proving to be the wrong approach! My stock mounts show nearly zero wear, so it may be a while before I switch them out.
Bryan
RC America