MRC/Academy SB Pro

[StevePond]

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/academy/ACAD_SB_sport.jpg


Now you’re talkin’. Academy’s popular SB buggy gets the full-graphite treatment as the SB Pro, and its decked out with a machined aluminum motor mount and hingepin blocks, full turnbuckles, threaded aluminum-body shocks, CV-style axles, ball differentials, carbon drive shaft, and more.
$250 (expected price)

[LosiXXXS 69]

Academy did a real good job on this. It looks like it will be real competitive with the 4WD buggies

[silly_boi]

i agree.. this look the business

[Cotharyus]

Yes it does. Maybe 4wd buggies will make a comeback. They'll be so much easier to maintain with shaft drives.

[wildcat1971]

I would love to get into 4wd. I had a xxx4 and hated it. A local guy has the non pro version. He machined the motor mount cause the plastic one was crap. Nive to see this comes with one. My issue is spare parts. How hard is it to get part. Also, I wished they has used Losi Wheels. Would have made getting rims alot easier. I dont think the turnbuckles are Ti, nor are the shocks teflon coated :-(

[Beniscool6]

my only problem with the car are that 1. it has purple and 2. it doesnt have losi or associated shocks. both are easy to solve :D

does it have a slipper or a one-way???

[wildcat1971]

I cant tell about the slipper. Still, without any titanium or teflon coated Hard Anodised shocks, 250 seems a bit high.

[Bansheeman]

The shocks look as if they have some kind of coating, not sure what kind it is. The only things I don't like about this car is 1) purple (like said before) and 2) lack of room. If your not able to mount a Quantum on the lower deck, theres not enough room. The rather large receiver might be part of the problum though...

[Hobson]

More pics and info here:

http://www.evolutionracingproducts.net/sb.htm

[Taz_S]

Yes your right bansheeman with a smaller receiver ever thing would fit fine.

[losi_modified]

in my magazine they tested the sb the first 1 with a 10 turn single and a lrp quantum pro reverse and reedy x cells at 50.1 mph so its not a slacker on speed

[Hobson]

In my touring car version, I have the Novak XXL on its side and a Vega V3 ESC, plenty of room.

http://gazdesigns.fpic.co.uk/p6654027.html

[hawk222]

beniscool6.the pro version comes with a slipper but no one way.

hth

[moshaholic2]

who even sell these though? I want one, are there any online retailers that someone knows of?

[brianlos1969]

i have the sb sport, room for electronics is tight, but most 4wd are.a center one way will cost approximately 30$, its in two parts though the shaft (3.50$)and the cup(26.00$)you can get parts from ultimate hobbies in orange california. :cool:

[Milesdavis314]

Anyone know whats happening with the rtr version?

[RichieRich]

Very nice. I don't think $250 is a bad price. My guess, it will be closer to $200 at places like Ultimate Hobbies.

[YR4Dude]

The Non-Pro (Sport) is already selling direct from MRC for $200. How can you expect the Pro to sell for the same price?? Based on what you get in the Pro version, $250 is a bargain. The only issue left is parts support. Will spares be available to ship right away upon order? Or do I need to order it from a Korean site?

[moshaholic2]

The Non-Pro (Sport) is already selling direct from MRC for $200.

MRC charges the MSPR price, people have been able to buy the sport version from Ultimate Hobbies in California for $145 Shipped!!!! thats a hell of a deal.

So in all likely hood, the street real price for the PRO version will be about $200. :D I can handle waiting a day or two for parts at that price. Just stock up on A-arms, and you should be set.

[Cain]

Hey guys!

been gone awhile and look what I see! Considering it also comes with the aluminum hingepin mounts ( expensive if you buy seperate ) the price is right guys!

MRC is great with parts support, just get your LHS to order the stuff and they will send ASAP. If you shop carries it, there are no problems!

Man, I will have to get one of these!

[DaFF]

It Is The One

Neo

[Cain]

:)

Can't wait to see this take off. Hope to have an indoor offroad track up here someday for racing year round.

[robert L.]

OMG i really want one of these now!!.....but too bad there availability on parts is next to nowhere

[wildcat1971]

The MRC in New Jersey should be able to sell you the parts. But like 8th scale and sever others, LHS dont carry parts unless several people are wanting the parts. Other wise, just get a few extra a-arms and tower and you should be golden

[Cain]

The vehicle is a tank, I pretty much broke front arms and stripped ( but didn't break ) the knuckles. And the total for arms broken over a race season was about 4. This vehicle is a tank, and will come back for more no problem.

[metalry101]

So where can I get one of these online for a decent price? I really like the look of that buggy...but the hobby shop I work at doesn't carry MRC, and they're not going to. Neither do any of the other shops in the state (UT), at least that I know of. So, what's a good place to pick one of these up from? It would definately be a bonus if it was easy to get parts from this place too...as this buggy would be a basher...and that means huge air and lots of possible carnage.

[Cain]

Utlimate Hobbies has been the hot place to get the SB Sport buggy. You have to call them however as it is not listed on there site. they also carry parts for it as well.

Word is it should be in at the end of Nov, early Dec.

[prorace]

anyone knows other online store where I can Finf a academy SB?.
I'd sent a lot of e-mails to ultimate hobbies, but, their e-mail (ultimatehobbies@netzero.net) doesn't work..
Anyone knows other ultimate's e-mail?

[Cain]

Just give them a call. They respond better to that and there service there is great. If you want to get some spares, I would pickup some front arms, and maybe a hub set or two. other than that you should be set. Also, for handling purposes, get the complete front drive shaft oneway kit. I think its made up of two parts. It will give you the offpower steering like a 2wd buggy. On my vehicle, thats really all I am wanting right now.

[go1d1e]

Just give them a call. They respond better to that and there service there is great. If you want to get some spares, I would pickup some front arms, and maybe a hub set or two. other than that you should be set. Also, for handling purposes, get the complete front drive shaft oneway kit. I think its made up of two parts. It will give you the offpower steering like a 2wd buggy. On my vehicle, thats really all I am wanting right now.


What are the parts prices like?

I just got myself a deal on a SB with a bunch of extras dirt cheap.. but knowing my driving, i will need some spares..

[Cain]

Prices are good for parts. For stuff like arms, etc, they are alittle better than retail, but hopups ( ie- graphite stuff ) there is more savings.

The main thing I broke was front arms and stripped knuckles on brutal hits. I have also sheared the UJ axles but the new ones should hold up. If you can pickup a spare set of just the UJ axles ( not expensive either ), I would as its a good piece of mind investment.

if your vehicle doesn't have the front driveshaft oneway, you should get that as well as the slipper. I have the slipper but no front oneway, and that is the only thing I feel I am missing as the very minor issues I had with my vehicle would be corrected by it. Its a popular item however so don't be suprised if Ultimate doesn't have it.

I think the only other thing I would get if the vehicle you have is stock is some better shocks, and titanium turnbuckles, plus bearings for the wheels and steering.

[prorace]

Thanks for the idea Cain, but I'm in Spain, and overseas phone calls, are very expensive, you know..
Here in Spain, nobody, carry the Academy Brand...well, in fact, there is a Academy Importer, but they only brings here plastic kits...
Anyone knows any other online store where I can buy a SB?

Thanks

[DCLXVI]

ProRace: Try going through this page: http://www.academy.co.kr/en2/agent/agent.html

[go1d1e]

Well, I have a few spares to start out with..

This is the roller I bought..

has about 6 packs run through it... this is a roller, no electronics....
comes with original box and owners manual....
90% tread on stock tires...
also comes with these hop-ups and spares....
1. Losi IFMAR tires on yellow MRC rims
2. 1 set front arms
3. 1 set rear arms
4. 4 extra spurs
5. 1 pair front hubs
6. 1 pair rear hubs
7. 1 front tower
8. 1 rear tower
9. hop-up diff bearings
10. 1 set of bevel diff gears
11. 1 pair hub carriers
12. slipper clutch upgrade
13. Associated Factory Team threaded shocks fr and rear
14. Lundsford Ti turnbuckles
15. RPM rod ends (blue)
16. rear upgrade Universals
17. aluminum motor mount and al cam
18. carbon center shaft
19. carbon upper deck
20. carbon battery strap
21. carbon front upper deck
22. Rpm spring retainers


Not too bad.. just hope it drives like my kanai :)

[go1d1e]

Next question..

anyone run the Novak 5800 in this thing? any clues on gearing?

[prorace]

I have tried it in the past.
They sent me to the European distributor, who didn't want sellme nothing, because i don't have a hobby shop, and they only sells to hobby shop

Thanks

[littlebuddha]

hey guys, i love the sb buggy, its an amazing buggy, but i'm selling mine on ebay right now (got a gravel hound) and will probably wait for the pro to come out. where do you think i can get one and by when? ultimate hobbies is what everyone says. only dissapointed that it doesnt have ti turnbuckles- maybe i'll keep them from this one lol. hope the sb pro comes out soon!

[Cain]

Honestly, the more I look at it you probably are better off just keeping your SB Sport for parts and buying the Pro as your main vehicle. Other than the graphite chassis parts, better shocks, motor mount, and turnbuckles, its pretty much the same. If you price it up what you would get for selling it, versus buying the spares you would get by just keeping the vehicle, works out better to keep.

As for getting the vehicle in Spain, not sure what to tell you. its sucks that they won't sell it to you direct, at least in the US we got MRC and Tim especially to get it from.

[littlebuddha]

hmm thanks for the honest insight. it doesnt have any bids at the moment, so if it doesnt sell i might as well keep it. i got like 3 cars at the moment, and not enough time. after it snows its pretty much limited play time for me.

just wanted to know, will losi wheels fit the sb? any other types? yokomo for example? thanks a bunch.

[Cain]

I don't think losi or yokomo wheels will fit. I believe someone said that kyosho wheels may fit?

If you can get the SB rims, go with that as they are very nice and durable, been pretty impressed by them.

[mrkinigit]

the kyosho wheels do fit.

[Cain]

The SB Pro is in stock at MRC!

[tallyrc]

but when will it be at ultimate so we can see the long awaited price...

[tphss]

Hm.

Is this available yet? whats the internet price?

Would you buy this or the Yokomo Super Dog 4WD elec buggy?

I have the xxx-4 and i want a second 4WD elec buggy.

[littlebuddha]

where is it on modelrec? i cant find it? Ya i've been waiting for this car for a long time!

[Cain]

tried to reply earlier but wouldn't let me. If this shows up we are good to go. I sent you littlebuddah what I was going to post.

[littlebuddha]

hey cain, nop i havent received anything, did you pm or send email? i can hardly wait! hopefully they're not sold out yet!

[Cain]

Hey littlebuddah. Strange, couldn't post before but now I can, go figure.

If I had to pick between the two buggies which I did, I chose the SB because of the fact that it was significantly cheaper, the parts were more durable, and the fact that the drivetrain wasn't open like the Yok. The Yok handles no doubt, but after reading up on it and the fact that people were fouling diffs, that was a deal sinker for me. Also, I believe it uses belts, if they made a shaft drive one it would have appealed more.

You will be happy with the SB, just follow the mods that were recommended for it ( cam, and rear droop, easy to do ) and you will be all set.

A board that has alot of info on the sb and has team drivers posting is found over at www.rc10b4.com

[Cain]

Pricing is in for the SB Pro at Ultimate Hobbies:

$224.95

[tallyrc]

[QUOTE=Cain]Pricing is in for the SB Pro at Ultimate Hobbies:

$224.95[/QUOTE a little more steep than i had guessed since retail is only 250.. i figured it would be closer to 205 or so...

[Cain]

tallyrc:

In a way I am not too surpised. I figured if they found the sales of the SB Sport to be doing very well, they could up the price of the Pro kit and go from there.

I still haven't gotten my pro kit together but I hope to do that next week when the wife and kid are at the in-laws. I will probably get it assembled up to a point where I use the parts that I need for my STR4 Pro and that will be the stopping point.

I plan to also run the upgraded shocks to see how well they are.

[Cain]

For those who want to know where you can get the Kose motor mount:

Here is where I am going to order from:

www.rc-champ.co.jp

I have gotten word of sucessful orders by others and you will probably want to run the page through a translator. So far they have responded very fast to my questions.

Here are some of the prices they quoted me:

KSB-03 Motor mount 2520yen

[Cain]

For those who may be interested, trying to confirm what sizes of studs from lunsford will work to use the Super duty titanium turnbuckle kit they make and the RPM super duty ball studs.

[RichieRich]

Cain - are you using the Kose mount for your Pro?

[Cain]

I am thinking of picking it up. Only issue is that:

1) not in stock yet at that place
2) shipping cost may be high
3) they charge a hefty paypal fee

I am trying to confirm with them everything first before comitting to anything. Who knows, may just order in a bunch and sell them on ebay.

[RichieRich]

Good idea. Maybe you'll be able to offset some of the costs. Especially since Academy stuff is rare on ebay.

[Cain]

Yeah, there is one Academy up there now that has the Kose mount and the Kose Chassis Set.

If I had the funds I would but it just for the deck and motor mount.

Wife however looks like she got a job locked up so I figure in a few months will be back to my RC buying ways :)

[RichieRich]

Hey Cain - I saw the car on ebay. It has the Kose carbon upperdeck. What is the benefit of having the upper deck stretch from the front to the rear diff cases? Strength? Torsional rigidity?

[Cain]

I think its both RichieRich. Thats what I gather from those who have fabricated there own or have this one. If I was more machine work oriented I would give it a try.

Got word that the Pro shocks appear to work quite well. Waiting to get word what springs work out best on them. AE's may be a bit too long.

[trakhak]

I just started building my Pro kit, it did not come with alum. hinge pin blocks, is it supposed to? Driveline seems alittle tight, perhaps it needs a few runs to loosen the gear train up. Everything in the kit so far seems to fit well and the bags of parts are packaged for each step, good job! They still supply bushings for the diffs internally and the slipper has a bushing too, looks like I will have to match them up with some bearings.
Overall I am happy with it so far, wish the driveline was a bit smoother though.
Any tips would be appreciated!

[Cain]

Build the driveline with the 3 shims as shown. Run it and it will clear right up. With the STR4-Pro ( sedan version of the SB ) they don't use any shims but I will tell you if you do that with the SB or even go down a shim you run the risk of stripping your gears.

As for the bushings, yeah, that sucks but they can be had cheaply from RC boys for about $1 a bearing ( that is where I got mine when I had the SB Sport ). I don't remember the sizes off hand but they should be listed in the Sport thread or on www.rc10b4.com, or www.rctech.net

I will look into compiling a document with all the good hopup info for the SB .

Another note, for titanium turnbuckles, the Lunsford B3 kit will work. I am going to be installing the superduty ones on my SB.

[trakhak]

Thanks for the shim tip, it sure runs tight with the three, but will give it a shot. Yeah I found out today ay my LHS that the B3 set from Lunsford will work. Has to, I do not like the ones they give you, from my experience the rods with the holes in are a weak point. Just have to anodize them purple so it ties in with the rest of the stuff!

[Cain]

That would be pretty cool. I should have my Superduty's in this week. I wouldn't mind getting them anodized but not sure where to get that done at.

There is a guy on www.rc10b4.com advertising Kose style motor mounts in the USA for about $24 shipped. They look pretty good. he also said he is going to look into making carbon graphite shock towers as well as the chassis parts in various color carbon.

I am hoping to see him also make some aluminum hingepin mounts as well. The ones you can purchase I don't think work quite right on the buggy as they are not made for it.

[anothermbdusted]

anyone interested in a sb sport with all electronics hardly used maybe 10 runs on it and extra brushed motors new in package? let me know jon52772@hotmail.com

[Cain]

check your email.

[erikderaaf]

looking for a buggy i saw the academy sb sport and pro.
But what is the exaxt difference between them?
I see
Carbon decks
machined aluminum motor mount and hingepin blocks
full turnbuckles
threaded aluminum-body shocks
CV-style axles
ball differentials
carbon drive shaft

But what's more? does the pro include full ball bearings?
and, does it have a slipper clutch, or a front one way?

Final question, who has the partno of the slipper and one way?

[bsoder]

the pro doesn't include aluminum hingpin blocks. It includes bearings at the wheels, but not for the diffs or for steering. It does include the slipper clutch.

the front one-way part number is ST-T39.
the center one-way is two parts - ST-T10 for the cup, and ST-T55 for the shaft.

For a HECK of a lot more information, go to http://www.rc10b4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2601

[Cain]

The rc10b4 forum is the hot forum for Academy SB info. We have Tim and Joe from MRC posting as well taking info, answering questions, etc. Great customer support.

[KREATOR1]

anybody can tell me whats the advantage between Sbsport and the Gravel hound?

[gotspeed_2000]

A friend of mine recently bought this buggy and durring his first day of running with the buggy, he striped the rear diff. I was wondering if this is a common problem or maybe it's the way he assembled or driver error. Any info or insight would be helpful. Thanks.

[bsoder]

Did he snap the diff bolt? That seems to be somewhat common. I found a good fix for it using TA parts, the details are posted over on the RC10B4 thread.