CEN Matrix Pro

[PeterV]

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_box.jpg

Up next: the CEN Matrix Pro. Good looking box.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_box_open.jpg

Hey, there's nothing in here but a picture of a CEN Matrix Pro! What a rip!

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_parts.jpg

False alarm, the parts were undeneath. Tires are not included, which isn't unusual for a Pro kit, but no body? That's weird. A Pro-Line Crowd Pleazer will be my likely choice.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_dvd.jpg

I'd tell you what's on the DVD, but my Playstation didn't like the format. I'll try it on my dedicated DVD player later.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_manual.jpg

The Matrix Pro manual is nicely done, as you can see.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_chassis.jpg
http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_chassis_top.jpg

The 3mm chassis is machined to trim weight and hard-anodized for strength.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/matrix_shock.jpg

Sorry about the blurry picture. The shocks are conventionally constructed with double-o-ring seals and clip-on preload spacers (what, no threaded bodies?). The pistons are nutted and thin rubber gaiters protect the 3.5mm shock shafts. Note the clamshell bushing that wraps around the upper shock mount.

[nate johnston]

what proline body fits this car

[Holeshot101]

Doesn't look too bad, looks like Cen upped the quality rating a little bit.

[bobf24]

the Mugen or SP1 bodies fit the car,

i just got one of these cars, and its definatly a nice car, i've only had two races on it so far, and i'm running as fast as i was with my old car, and it still not perfect yet, so it should get even better,

[CenMatrixDude]

I have the RTR version of this car (but it has all the factory hop ups like this kit) and I love it. I picked up major time when I switched over from an SP2...I don't know, I just love the way mine handles.

[Holeshot101]

When are you going to finish it Pete? I want to see a little more to see if this bug is any good!

[PeterV]

Sorry to keep you hangin' guys! more of the build, comin' right up...

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_diff_parts.jpg

Here's the diff parts along with a completed diff. I didn't leave the shafts for the spider gears out of the picture--the spider gears don't use shafts! Instead, they are captured in the "pockets" of their support blocks. When I assembled the first diff, it spun with all the smoothness of a bag of rocks, but that was because I didn't built it properly--the support blocks have to be flush with top of the diff case and fully seated against the wall of the case. Built properly, they feel good. O-rings seal the outdrive shafts, and gaskets seal the case against the ring gear.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_diff.jpg

See? No shafts.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_assembled_gearbox.jpg

One gearbox down. The graphite shock towers are beefy at 4mm thick, and the red-anodized hingepin mounts look tough and stylish. Nice fit and finish throughout.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_steering.jpg

Just your basic dual-bellcrank setup here. The camera angle hides the adjustable cam-type servo saver, bit it is there. There are three Ackerman positions, and the tie rods are nice and thick.

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_frontend.jpg

Front clip complete. Note the dirt-deflecting "flares" on the hub carriers, and the smooth finish of the steering hubs (which appear to be melt-forged)--much nicer than the pebble-like finish of cheap pressure-cast pieces. Nice red ano on the girder-like chassis brace. Stout!

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_rearhub.jpg

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/CEN_rearhubs.jpg

The rear hub carriers have huge inboard bearings to swallow the CV-style universal joint. The bearing captures the crosspin, so no setscrew is needed, and there's no way for the pin to fall out.

[microrcdude]

Nicest CEN ive ever seen

[racer3]

looks very nice...i know you are just building it but by the looks of it so far do ya think it will be pretty competetive w/the other high dollar buggies?keep us posted.thanks

[Holeshot101]

Pete, I just looked at your workshop, and all I can say is wow. I wish I had your workspace! Keep us posted on the build.

[Mika]

Have you been able to race this car yet? How does it compare ?
Anyone seen this PRO on track?

[bobf24]

I've got one, so far i really like it, I had a TTR S3 before, and I'm as fast if not faster with the Matrix, the car is super controllable in the air, and jumps awsome, and the fit and finish on the parts is excelent, the only part i've broke is a front CVA, but I had a rock get jammed in it, car is very tough, and so far has remained slop free, deffinatly worth looking at,

[Mika]

Thanks for the info!! Wonder how Peter V is doing with his car.

[Pat Fierle]

Is the matrix a better car than the hyper 8 pro? Any info would be great b/c i want to add to my collection but want a car that handles good and jumps nice.

[nitro syco]

You have a very fancy workench to go with your very fancy Buggy.

[bobf24]

i think any of the top level cars are as good as any, so I would get what ever you can get parts for easiest, or what the guys at the local track run so you have access to parts,

one thing about the CEN thgouh, they are constently working on it, looking for ways to improve it, and also have just signed alot of good drivers to help develop the car even more,

[srad30]

Wow, Nice buggy but I'm not too sure of these difs?
Peter was right about if you dont build them right these are kind of a pain
getting them just right or they will feel like you put sand in instead of Silly-cone.
I am having a tuff time getting the center dif to mess smoothly, is there any one else having a problem too? Does it smooth out after running it?
TTYL

[srad30]

OH, and it figures I need help and the CEN forum is down too ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

[Mika]

Wow, Nice buggy but I'm not too sure of these difs?
Peter was right about if you dont build them right these are kind of a pain
getting them just right or they will feel like you put sand in instead of Silly-cone.
I am having a tuff time getting the center dif to mess smoothly, is there any one else having a problem too? Does it smooth out after running it?
TTYL

I am. I left the screws bit loose to get those work adequate. I guess these just need to be run-in and then re-adjusted?

Funny thing. My PRO kit was missing several various screws. I'm about to write CEN rep about it. Anyone else faced the same?

Other than this a very nice buggy and seems robust.

[srad30]

Mika,
I am also missing screws for the shock tower to mount to dif case and also do you only
have one hole to mount rear body post because it has two holes shown in diagram and the plastic piece has two holes also but only one in the graphite?
And last that has me p-off is the machining on one of my wheel axles is bigger than the inside diameter of the bearing so I can't put the Universal shaft in on that side.
I hope this kit wasn't a mistake.
K.

[Mika]

Ok, kinda good to hear I'm not the only one missing screws in the kit.

I have two holes for the rear body mount although they weren't fully aligned with the holes in the post...

Beautiful car though, I guess (wish) this is just a matter of early production kits. PRO kit hasn't been out that long, right

[srad30]

I just emailed my issues and I guess I will just have to wait and see!

[bobf24]

the diffs break in after running them and end up as smooth as any other diff, i've also heard of using a power drill to break them in, but i just ran the car

also make sure you add the aluminum shim in the diff, it shows them in the instructions, but they come in a different bag than the rest of the diff parts,

[Mika]

Bobf24, Did you have shims for all three diffs? I had just two so center diff was left out.
About missing screws in the kit, check out http://cenracing.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=245

[srad30]

I only had two 2! I only used one, the other two felt snug.

[Mika]

OK
I broke-in my diffs using a hand-held drill. They seem pretty ok now, but some driving is required to get them entirely smooth.

[bobf24]

no i only had shims for two diffs, but i had an extra rubber gasket so I put two of them in the center diff,

ya once you run them for a bit, they are very very smooth,

[Mika]

did the same :D

[B4 Stealth]

how can you call that a pro kit with no threaded shocks!!
that is like the first pro version of anything i have seen with clip preload. are they at least aluminum bodies?

[CarbonMadness]

how can you call that a pro kit with no threaded shocks!!
that is like the first pro version of anything i have seen with clip preload. are they at least aluminum bodies?
Look at the RC10GT FT, and it has clips. (the GT, not the GT2)

[Mika]

how can you call that a pro kit with no threaded shocks!!
that is like the first pro version of anything i have seen with clip preload. are they at least aluminum bodies?

Take a look at Kyosho for instance

[balang_479]

Yeah the kyosho has the best shock on the market and their preload clips!!

Love the CEN

[Mika]

Hey there Ben, CEN is actually a good car, I've been doing some testing and love it

[balang_479]

Hi Mika, hows the racing going?
Im racing this weekend, picking up my second 777 for spares (and it comes with another Sirio BK21 evoii), hurraa...

How would you compare it with the Kyosho??? Im sure its just as good if not better for working on, the Kyosho is getting a little out dated with e-clips and stuff (i changed them all one mine though)...

[Mika]

Too little racing :(
But this weekend first time with CEN, a club race 30-40 drivers, dunno yet what to expect really. Have RB C5 on her

Wow man, sounds good

I like the CEN, driving slightly different. One thing I really like is stability, it does not flip easily like Kyosho. For diffs I use 5-5-5 whereas my 777 was 5-7-2, so you can imagine there is difference.

CEN also has some e-clips so it's not totally e-clip free. Wrenching is a breeze tho.

Certainly the PRO kit is something to consider if price is good. Bent my front carbon tower so having CNC in place. That's the only thing that you have change really. Other than that it's perfect.

Bonus is K engine parts fit, so I'm using K engine mounts, cluthes and everyhting I have loads left from my 777 (which has the 4-S these days)

[balang_479]

Oh yeah the mighty 4 stroke, i so want one of those to put into a monster truck so you get that POwerful torque out for like hill climbing or something...

anyway, yeah the shock towers werea bit of a surprise when i saw them in carbon. Yeah it sounds good, the fact that you can keep such a thick oil in the back is good, must have good rear traction. lets see how it does in the worlds.

[balang_479]

any more updates?

[Jack858]

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