Front Wheel Drive in Forza Horizon 5 | Tuning Quickie

Summary

This 'Tuning Quickie' video focuses on optimizing front-wheel drive builds for Forza Horizon 5, emphasizing the importance of maximizing front tire grip for competitive performance in Class A and below. The video suggests using high front and adjustable rear arrow, experimenting with tire compounds like semi-slicks or rally tires, and adjusting drivetrain mods based on play style. It also covers tuning tips, such as setting differential lock, brake tuning, and chassis reinforcement, to enhance cornering and control. Practical driving advice like maintaining corner entry and using trail braking is provided to improve performance on circuits.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ Front-wheel drive (FWD) builds are best suited for Class A and below, excelling on circuits where handling is more important than power.
• 🚗 When building a FWD car, like a 97 Honda Civic, the focus should be on maximizing front tire grip, which can be achieved through front aero and the right tire compound.
• 📉 Even in lower classes, adjustable rear aero can help reduce power (PI) while maintaining or even improving handling.
• 🔧 Tire compound is crucial for FWD builds; consider semi-slicks or slicks for better grip, and experiment with rally or drag tires for unique handling characteristics.
• 📐 Maxing out front tire width is recommended for FWD builds to maximize front grip, and increasing rear width can also be beneficial.
• 🔩 Wheel choice should balance style and performance; lightweight wheels can improve handling and reduce unsprung weight.
• 🔄 Drivetrain modifications are less class-specific for FWD; clutch and transmission upgrades are more valuable for automatic players, while manual players might prioritize differently.
• 🚦 Upgrade brakes for circuit-focused FWD builds, but avoid overdoing it to prevent wasting PI.
• 🔧 Chassis reinforcement can aid in handling, but a full cage might be excessive; balance is key.
• ⚙️ Differential tuning is key for corner exit behavior; a higher diff lock can help maintain grip and reduce understeer, especially when accelerating out of corners.
• 📉 Brake tuning can be adjusted to bias the rear, which can help with turn-in and reduce the need for mid-corner corrections.

Q & A

What is the best performance class for front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

Front wheel drive builds are best in a class and below, excelling on circuits where handling takes priority over power.

Why is maximizing front tire grip important for front wheel drive builds?

Maximizing front tire grip is crucial for front wheel drive builds as it helps maintain better control and handling, especially during cornering.

Does a front-wheel drive car need rear camber angle?

Yes, contrary to a common myth, front-wheel drive cars do need rear camber angle, and adjustable rear camber can often drop performance index (PI) while improving handling.

What is the significance of tire compound in front wheel drive builds?

Tire compound is key in front wheel drive builds as it significantly affects grip. Upgrading to semi-slicks or slicks can be beneficial, and experimenting with rally or drag tires can provide unique handling characteristics.

How should one adjust tire width for front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

One should maximize front tire width for better grip, and it's usually beneficial to increase rear width as well, as it often doesn't negatively impact performance index (PI).

What are the advantages of using lightweight wheels in front wheel drive builds?

Lightweight wheels can improve handling by reducing unsprung weight and are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal.

How does the choice of wheel spacing affect front wheel drive builds?

When wheel spacing options are available, prioritizing front track width is important. Widening the rear can help reduce body roll or increase rear grip if necessary.

What role do drivetrain modifications play in front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

Drivetrain modifications are somewhat independent of front wheel drive specifics. For automatic players, these mods are more valuable, but for manual players, clutch and transmission upgrades are less critical.

Why is upgrading brakes recommended for front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

Upgrading brakes is recommended to improve handling, especially for circuit-focused builds, but it's important not to overdo it to avoid wasting performance index (PI) points.

What suspension type is suggested for front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

Race suspension is suggested as it maintains better grip compared to rally suspension, which was beneficial in Forza Horizon 4 but doesn't seem to have the same advantage in Forza Horizon 5.

How can chassis reinforcement affect the performance of front wheel drive builds?

Chassis reinforcement can help improve the car's handling by making it more stable, but fitting a full cage is usually excessive and not necessary for optimal performance.

What tuning adjustments are recommended for the differential in front wheel drive builds?

A low differential lock should maintain better grip and help pull the car out of a corner without understeer. However, increasing diff lock near 100 can exploit the game's physics to maintain grip during cornering.

Why is brake tuning important for front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

Brake tuning is important to find the right balance between front and rear braking force, which can help with corner entry and prevent understeer caused by excessive front tire load.

How should one approach tuning rear camber angle for front wheel drive builds?

Rear camber angle is a great tuning tool to manage oversteer. If the rear end slides out too much, adjusting rear camber can help pull the car out of the corner and reduce the need for correction.

What is the recommended approach to damping tuning in front wheel drive builds?

Damping should be used to fine-tune the front to rear grip balance. Increasing front damping or lowering rear damping can reduce snap oversteer while promoting understeer.

How does alignment play a role in the performance of front wheel drive builds?

Alignment is important for optimizing cornering feel and ability. Front toe adjustment, in particular, can significantly affect how the car corners and should be tested and adjusted accordingly.

What is the suggested strategy for tire pressure when tuning front wheel drive builds?

Front tire pressure should be set higher than the rear to aid turn-in. The pressure should be adjusted based on the compound and the vehicle's weight, ensuring not to overheat the tires during cornering.

What driving tips are provided for front wheel drive builds in Forza Horizon 5?

Key driving tips include staying turned into the corner without correcting, practicing braking on the racing line, not touching the gas until hitting the apex, and using light brakes on throttle for mid-corner corrections to simulate left-foot braking.

Outlines

00:00

🏎️ Front Wheel Drive Builds in Forza Horizon 5

This paragraph introduces the concept of front wheel drive (FWD) builds in Forza Horizon 5, emphasizing their competitive advantage in Class A and below, particularly on circuits where handling is more critical than power. The focus is on maximizing front tire grip using a 97 Honda Civic as an example. The speaker discusses the importance of front and rear arrow tuning, tire compounds, and the myth that FWD cars don't need rear arrow adjustments. They also touch on the significance of tire width, wheel choices, and drivetrain modifications, highlighting that sport transmission can lower PI while reducing shift times. The paragraph concludes with advice on brake upgrades and suspension choices, suggesting that race suspension might be more effective than rally suspension in Horizon 5.

05:01

🔧 Tuning Tips for Front Wheel Drive Vehicles

The second paragraph delves into the tuning aspects of FWD builds, starting with differential settings that affect corner exit behavior. It explains how a low diff lock can help maintain grip and avoid understeer. The video script then moves on to discuss brake tuning, suggesting that even a slight bias towards the rear can improve cornering. The paragraph also covers front and rear arrow adjustments, chassis reinforcement, and how to manage oversteer and understeer through tuning. It advises on damping, spring stiffness, sway bars, alignment settings, and the importance of tire pressure in relation to grip and heat management. The speaker wraps up with driving tips, emphasizing the importance of staying turned into the corner, managing throttle application, and the potential benefits of trail braking for improved cornering with FWD vehicles.

Keywords

💡Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

Front Wheel Drive refers to a vehicle configuration where the engine powers the front wheels, which are responsible for both steering and propelling the vehicle. In the context of the video, FWD is discussed as being optimal for certain car classes and excelling on circuits where handling is more critical than power. The video suggests that FWD builds should focus on maximizing front tire grip to improve handling, which is a key aspect of performance in racing games like Forza Horizon 5.

💡Tire Grip

Tire grip is the traction between the tires and the road surface, which is crucial for vehicle control, especially during cornering. The video emphasizes the importance of maximizing front tire grip for FWD builds, suggesting that upgrades like wider tires and better tire compounds can significantly enhance a car's performance. The script mentions that even in lower classes, increasing front tire width can improve grip without negatively impacting performance index (PI).

💡Tire Compound

Tire compound refers to the material composition of the tire, which affects its performance characteristics such as grip and durability. The video suggests that for FWD cars, experimenting with different tire compounds like semi-slicks or even slicks can be beneficial. These compounds can provide unique handling traits and allow for additional upgrades while maintaining grip, which is essential for competitive racing in the game.

💡Rear Anti-Roll Bar (Rear ARB)

The rear anti-roll bar is a suspension component that helps reduce body roll during cornering, thereby improving vehicle stability. Contrary to a common myth mentioned in the video, FWD cars can benefit from a rear ARB. The script explains that an adjustable rear ARB can sometimes even reduce the car's performance index (PI) while enhancing handling.

💡Performance Index (PI)

Performance Index (PI) is a metric used in racing games to quantify a car's overall performance. The video discusses how certain modifications, such as increasing tire width or adjusting the rear anti-roll bar, can either increase or decrease a car's PI. Understanding PI is important for optimizing a car's setup to ensure it remains competitive within its class.

💡Drivetrain Mods

Drivetrain modifications refer to upgrades or changes made to the components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The video explains that while drivetrain mods can be beneficial, their impact varies depending on whether the player uses automatic or manual transmission. For manual players, clutch and transmission upgrades are less critical, whereas for automatic players, these mods can be more valuable.

💡Brake Bias

Brake bias is the distribution of braking force between the front and rear brakes. The video suggests adjusting brake bias towards the rear for FWD builds to improve corner entry and maintain grip for cornering. This tuning aspect is particularly important in racing games as it can significantly affect a car's handling and the driver's ability to manage the vehicle through corners.

💡Chassis Reinforcement

Chassis reinforcement involves strengthening the vehicle's frame to improve rigidity and handling. The video mentions that while chassis reinforcement can be beneficial for FWD cars, going to the extreme with a full cage is usually unnecessary. It can provide a balance between weight and performance, but it's important not to overdo it as it might lead to a decrease in performance due to added weight.

💡Tire Pressure

Tire pressure affects the contact patch of the tire with the road, influencing grip and handling. The video advises setting the front tire pressure higher than the rear to aid turn-in for FWD cars. It also cautions against setting pressures too low to avoid overheating the tires, which can degrade performance. Proper tire pressure is crucial for maintaining optimal grip and vehicle control.

💡Trail Braking

Trail braking is a driving technique where the driver applies braking while also applying throttle, typically used during cornering. The video suggests that trail braking can be a useful skill for FWD cars, especially when combined with a heavier front brake bias. This technique helps maintain weight over the front tires, improving turn-in and grip, which is essential for high-performance driving in racing games.

Highlights

Front wheel drive builds are best in a class and below, excelling on circuits where handling is prioritized over power.

Maximizing front tire grip is crucial for front wheel drive builds.

Front arrow is beneficial even in B-class, and adjustable rear arrow can also reduce PI.

Tire compound is key for front wheel drive, with upgrades like semi-slicks or slicks being worth considering.

Experimenting with rally tires or drag tires can provide unique handling characteristics.

Maximize front tire width for better grip, and consider increasing rear width for added stability.

Bigger, heavier wheels are generally more PI efficient, but lightweight wheels can improve handling and aesthetics.

Prioritize front track width when choosing wheel spacing, and widen the rear if needed to reduce body roll or increase rear grip.

Drivetrain mods are independent of front wheel drive specifics, with clutch and transmission upgrades being less important for manual players.

Sport transmission often drops PI while lowering shift times, making it a valuable upgrade.

Brake upgrades are recommended for circuit-focused front wheel drive builds, but avoid overdoing it to save PI.

Rally suspension worked well on front-wheel drive cars in Horizon 4, but in Horizon 5, race suspension is preferred for better grip.

Chassis reinforcement can help with grip, but a full cage is usually excessive.

Weight reduction is always a strong choice if it fits within the build.

Tuning the differential is key to managing corner exit understeer in front wheel drive builds.

Brake tuning is an important aspect of front wheel drive tuning, with a bias towards the rear recommended for some builds.

Front arrow should be high on circuit builds, while rear arrow is a great tool for managing oversteer.

Damping is the final tweaking tool to balance front to rear grip, with adjustments helping to reduce snap oversteer.

Spring stiffness is usually balanced out of the box, but adjustments can be made if necessary.

Sway bars are a great tuning tool, with low or no front arb for more front grip and stiffening rear to reduce body roll.

Alignment is important, with camber and caster adjustments ensuring optimal tire temperature and cornering feel.

Front toe plays a significant role in cornering ability, with small adjustments greatly affecting performance.

Gearing is independent of front wheel drive specifics and has been covered elsewhere.

Tire pressure should be set with front higher than rear to aid turn-in, with adjustments made based on compound and vehicle weight.

Driving tips for front wheel drive include staying turned into the corner, practicing on the racing line, and managing throttle application.

Trail braking can be a useful technique for front wheel drive cars, especially with a heavier front brake bias.

Transcripts

[Music]

hey everyone welcome to this tuning

quickie on front wheel drive builds for

forza horizon 5. if you aren't familiar

with the tuning quickie series from

horizon 4 these guides move pretty quick

and don't dive too far into the details

because i've usually covered the topics

elsewhere these videos are all about

getting you the info you need to know as

quick as possible so with that said

let's jump in front wheel drive from a

competitive standpoint is best in a

class and below and usually excels on

circuits where handling takes priority

over power let's look at building a car

with this 97 honda civic a very strong

b-class choice the goal here is all

about maximizing front tire grip so

front arrow even on b-class is pretty

helpful and on lower classes it barely

costs any pi sometimes it even drops it

also it's totally a myth that

front-wheel drive cars don't need rear

arrow they do and on top of that the

adjustable rear arrow often drops pi as

well so you should usually take it your

tire compound will be key even on

low-class cars big compound upgrades

like semi-slicks or even slicks can be

worth it you can also experiment a bit

here by trying rally tires or even drag

tires in some builds which will give you

some pretty unique handling

characteristics but can allow you to fit

some more upgrades while being still

fairly grippy tire compound is in my

opinion the most important upgrade to

play with and dial in for front wheel

drive you should absolutely max your

front tire width if possible too

remember front wheel drive builds are

all about maximizing front grip and it

usually doesn't hurt to increase your

rear width either it's usually free or

drops pi due to the added rim weight but

having the extra grip in the rear will

keep it in check around corners and

prevent you from having to correct for

rim weight and size honestly i focus on

style over everything but generally

bigger heavier wheels tend to be more pi

efficient for what it's worth i often

run lightweight wheels to shave off some

unsprung weight and improve handling and

because they look better if you have

wheel spacing options prioritize front

track width and you can widen rear if

you need to reduce body roll or increase

rear grip drivetrain mods are pretty

independent of anything front wheel

drive specific if you play on auto these

will be more valuable but for manual and

manual with clutch players the clutch

and transmission upgrades are somewhat

less important also worth mentioning

here that the sport transmission often

drops pi while lowering shift times as

well you may just need to tweak your

final drive for platform and handling

since front wheel drive builds are often

circuit focused it's worth it to upgrade

brakes just don't overdo it and waste pi

now in horizon 4 for whatever reason

rally suspension seemed to work really

well on front-wheel drive cars i

personally have not noticed that to be

the case in horizon 5 though race

suspension seems to maintain grip better

so that's what i always run chassis

reinforcement can actually help quite a

bit here but the full cage is usually

overdoing it we'll touch on this one

later though and weight reduction if you

can fit it is pretty much always a

strong choice and from there just fill

out your power alright let's talk tuning

starting with the differential which is

the key factor in determining corner

exit understeer realistically a low diff

lock should maintain grip better and

pull you out of a corner without

understeer however the main physics

tweak in horizon 5 that makes the game

less of a sim and more towards arcade is

the fact that it allows you more front

tire grip while trying to break or

accelerate during cornering this can be

exploited to a point in front wheel

drive by increasing diff lock near 100

you'll often still be able to maintain

enough grip to let your power pull you

through the corner without inducing

understeer now front wheel drive builds

are really the only place i strongly

suggest playing with your brake tuning

even though horizon does let you put a

lot of force on the front tires it can

still be best to move some bias towards

the rear in some builds to leave some

grip for cornering test your braking

distance to make sure you aren't

sacrificing much but moving a bit of

your force towards the rear can help you

on corner entry if you're comfortable

with trail braking though moving too

much bias to the rear can restrict your

ability to trail brake you can probably

guess where i'm going with front arrow

on circuit builds this should be high

rear arrow is a great tuning tool so

let's take a look at what it can do if

your rear end is sliding out too much

it'll start to pull you out of your

corner forcing you to correct which in

front wheel drive costs you a lot of

time you really want to be able to turn

in and stay in your corner in

transitions a loose rear end can

introduce snap oversteer as well chassis

reinforcement rear tire width and

pressure and rear arrow are some of the

key factors in fixing this you can

overdo it though and cause understeer

you actually want the rear to push out

just a bit it helps point the car into

the corner so damping should be your

final tweaking tool to dial in the front

to rear grip balance increasing front

damping or lowering rear will reduce

snap oversteer but promote some

understeer so if you aren't having

issues with the rear end sliding out

then decrease front or increase rear

damping to push more suspension grip

over the front tires spring stiffness is

often quite balanced out of the box i

wouldn't play with this unless you need

to and i always drop ride height to

lower center of gravity and get those

extra style points sway bars are another

great tuning tool if you like softer

suspension setups running low or no

front arb can give you a lot of front

grip and stiffening rear can help reduce

body roll and keep you locked into the

corner the whole minimum front maximum

rear arb strategy is usually attributed

to meta tuning and stretching the game's

physics but in front wheel drive it's

actually pretty realistic i've seen

plenty of front wheel track cars with no

front sway bar and huge rears alignment

as always is pretty important but

follows the same rules as any of my

other guides for camber and caster just

make sure your inside tire temp averages

about 10 to 20 degrees fahrenheit hotter

than the outside now front toe is gonna

play a big role in your cornering feel a

few fractions of a degree here can

heavily alter your cornering ability so

make sure you test this i usually fall

somewhere between 0.1 and 0.3 gearing is

another setting very independent of

anything front wheel drive related and

we've covered it elsewhere so finally we

come to tire pressure set your front

pressure higher than your rear if it

isn't already this will help with

turn-in then you generally want to drop

pressure a bit depending on your

compound and your vehicle's weight lower

pressures can improve the grip feel but

too low will cause your tires to

overheat faster so take a few laps and

make sure you aren't getting too far

into the yellow or orange heat zones

when cornering and that's about it for

tuning i'll leave you with some final

driving tips for front wheel drive here

like i said throughout the video making

sure you can stay turned into your

corner is key in front wheel drive if

you can't corner without correcting you

need to adjust the tune if it helps to

practice turn on that racing line or at

least braking line to help gauge braking

distance and aim for your apex which by

the way is often where the inside

checkpoint flag is on a race also make

sure you aren't getting on the throttle

too early or too hard make a habit of

not touching the gas until you hit your

apex because with most front-wheel drive

builds you'll start to straighten and

understeer out of the corner if you're

too hard on gas too early if you need to

make mid to late corner corrections it

can be helpful to apply light break

while on throttle to simulate a bit of

left foot braking to keep you in your

corner and if you're comfortable with

trail braking or want to learn it can be

a great tool to improve your cornering

this works best with heavier front brake

bias you want to brake for your corner

and then ease off but maintain some

light braking pressure during your turn

in this keeps weight over the front

tires increasing grip and turn in

ability then by the time you hit your

apex you should be off the brake and

start to apply some throttle this is

effectively impossible on keyboard but

you can manage it with a good braking

control on a controller or of course

with a wheel and pedals don't worry too

much about trail braking though unless

you already feel confident in your other

driving abilities and just want to push

yourself that little bit farther alright

everyone hope this video helped you

build for front wheel drive i'll see you

in the next one