# Wheelbase

> How does wheelbase affect handling?

- Category: Car design › Suspension geometry
- Kind: Standard part
- Basis: Design rules and figures from the cited sources; example geometry by Xem Studio
- Page: https://xemstudio.com/objects/wheelbase/ · JSON: https://xemstudio.com/api/geometry?object=wheelbase · Plain text: https://xemstudio.com/objects/wheelbase/sheet.txt
- License: dimension sheet CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio); files CC BY 4.0 or their publisher's license
- Use in every chat: add https://xemstudio.com/mcp as a connector (https://xemstudio.com/use-with-ai/)

**Exact dimensions.** True size, with no printing tolerance added.

## Notes

- A longer wheelbase is more stable, handles bumps better and steers better on exit, but turns in more slowly; a shorter one rotates quicker and shifts more weight rearward on power but is more prone to oversteer (Tekno; CompetitionX).
- RC adjustments are small: 1-3 mm with hinge-pin spacers (CompetitionX); Tekno uses 1 and 2 mm spacers over 5 mm of travel.
- Classes cap it: 250-270 mm for ISTC touring cars (AARCMCC), 270 mm max (EFRA).

## Sizes

| parameter | value or range | source |
|---|---|---|
| RC adjustment | 1-3 mm steps | CompetitionX |
| Tekno rear spacers | 1 and 2 mm, 5 mm range (six settings) | Tekno setup guide |
| ISTC touring | 250-270 mm | AARCMCC |
| EFRA touring max | 270 mm | EFRA |
| FSAE example | 1684.47 mm | Univ. of Utah FSAE |

## Where the files are

- Tekno RC: [Tekno RC Setup Guide](https://teknoforums.com/misc/Tekno-RC-Setup-Guide.pdf) — web — Publisher's page; dimensions are facts
- CompetitionX: [RC Wheelbase Explained](https://www.competitionx.com/?p=1253) — web — Publisher's page; dimensions are facts
- AARCMCC: [Section 3: Electric On Road, Technical Rules (Oct 2006)](https://www.rctech.net/forum/attachments/australian-racing/180184d1162811203-aarcmcc-online-tech-road-oct-06.pdf) — web — Publisher's page; dimensions are facts
- EFRA: [EFRA Handbook 2010, Appendix 3: Electric Cars](https://www.efra.ws/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Handb10App3.pdf) — web — Publisher's page; dimensions are facts
- University of Utah, Mechanical Engineering: [Formula SAE Suspension System (senior design)](https://mech.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5-Formula-SAE-Suspension.pdf) — web — Publisher's page; dimensions are facts

## Questions

**Short or long for jumps?**

Long is more stable in the air; short pitches faster (CompetitionX).

## Fits with

- [Camber angle](https://xemstudio.com/objects/camber/)
- [Caster angle](https://xemstudio.com/objects/caster/)
- [Front kick-up (RC)](https://xemstudio.com/objects/kick-up/)
- [Front toe (toe-in / toe-out)](https://xemstudio.com/objects/toe-front/)
- [Rear toe-in](https://xemstudio.com/objects/toe-rear/)
- [Ackermann steering geometry](https://xemstudio.com/objects/ackermann/)