Academy STR-4 pro

[Mongoose420]

Just looking for some feedback on the STR-4 pro. Look'n to get into TC's and talk'n my budde's to pick up some also because no one in this area race's em.

Talk'n my buddie's into getting TC3 RTR's because they dont have any gear but ive got the gear. Race'd a DS and a T3 on carpet and i was thinking about the str-4 pro

The kit look's nice in the Nov issue but was wondering about how well it would hold up against some other cars if in fact i get some big TC's race's goin

thanx

[Mongoose420]

i forgot to ask how much they cost. This Q. was ask'd in a diffrent thread and i link was given but i dont see the car offer'd on that site.

and im interested in the STR-4 pro because my single LHS only like's AE and MRC as far as in stock parts support.

[Usagi]

Just make sure you can get parts and they don`t cost you a arm and a leg. I seen this car, I am not really a fan of it. Your better off with a TC3 or what ever else.;) You never can go wrong with a tc3:)

[Mongoose420]

i will mostlikely go with a TC3. one main reason for this is that to get the "pro" the cheapest place on the net for it is $450+ the pro sport model is a bearable 250 range

thanx

[tc3mike]

Where are you getting those prices for a TC3? You can get a factory team for$269 and a racer for $148. Or are you a forigner?

[Usagi]

don`t think he is in the usa, he must be overseas like me. Byt even at that cost the TC3 is much much better!

[trevorrc]

Dude, forget the STR-4 pro, get a TC3. It is probably the best stocked car at almost all hobby shops. I got a Team version a couple years ago and it was a great car to hone my driving skills. A year later, I bought the Factory Team car. It has helped me be one of the best drivers at my track (I'm only 14). The TC3 is very tough and barely ever brakes on me. Likewise, my friend has a Losi XXXS and it almost always brakes. Get a TC3 and you'll be happy.

[Mongoose420]

im USA those price's were not 4 the TC3 those were for the STR-4 pro and pro sport cars. i cant believe that MRC/Academy is charging that kinda price its either that or the single vendor i found was outa his god given mind.

Well i went back to the track today for the first time in a couple a years and it doesnt look good 4 TC's in this area. carpet Tuck Mod and buddie mod is way way to hardcore and im not interested in putting up with the guys who run those class's. Ive got a line on a TC3 FT with 75 bucks aftermarket hop up's for i think $250 that i may or may not buy. Oddly enough the most fun class at the track was street spec. A buddie let me use his son's Trinity car because i didnt lug my stuff to track (first week/general practice run and racer's meeting) WHAT A BLAST this is a tight carpet flat track with tri oval won my 2 heats and TQ'd 3 laps ahead. Even some of the "old" crew have switched to spec just because its the most competitive class. I lucked out and end'd up in the heats with the youngsters and was able to steer clear of trouble out in clean air. I think im gonna get a spec car and speedo. my g12cIII and g12c are not spec. like 210 bucks for a kit w/motor batt and a speedo. BUT MAN its like restricter plate racing in full size'd circle jerk racing ;)~ Havnt given up on a TC class only need 5 to form a class

thanks everyone for responding feels good to get some race'n blood flow'n again!

[Mongoose420]

oh yea and i finished 3rd on the lead lap too what fun WHAT fun!
lol

[Usagi]

The xxxs does not break that much as the TC3.

[trevorrc]

The XXXS does break. My friend has one and almost every weekend he breaks a c-hub. That part is the most prone to breaking. I think the Losi is a very competetive car. My friend won almost every time he raced it, when it didn't break. Now, he runs the TC3 again and it hasn't broken yet.

[puribong]

Academy STR-4 pro is one of most popular touring car in Korea. It is winning a lot of big races in Korea compete against others car like HPI Pro3, Kyosho, Tamiya........
I heard there is semi-pro version of STR-4 which comes with fiberglasss chassis not carbon fiber and with less options than STR-4 Pro version. Not sure if semi-pro version is available in the US. ;)

http://www.academy.co.kr/rc/ca180/ca180.html

[Mongoose420]

they are both available here in USA. Online atleast The Pro version is about $470 usd and the semi pro or as its being marketed here in usa the Pro Sport is about $250 usd but those prices are from only one vendor and the price may be jacked up because he may be the only usa vendor at this time i dont know. They look real competive and the Track test on the Pro version thats in the Nov issue sound promising but i doubt it will make any impact at that price if im fact that price holds up.

[Usagi]

yes sure, all r/c break but not to like the tc3 has. XXXS is better made, this is nt the issue of tc3 and xxxs. Its about the str-4. Which is based on or stolen from the TC3. Not wonder its winning races hahahahhahha it been proven by TA:)

[puribong]

STR-4 Pro series should be priced lesser than that verdor.
It cost about $220 USD for STR-4 Pro car in Korea and semi pro version is about $130. If they are priced like this then I think str-4 is a very competitive car for money. The problem will be parts availbility. If str-4s are sold with MRC parts replacement guarantee then it will be very nice.
I remember towerhobbies had sold str-4 so they might stock some parts.

[Mongoose420]

didnt the STR-4 come out like 6 or 9 months earlier than the tc3?

[Usagi]

some part s are a isse with the car, yes they designed this car a few months before the release of the TC3 right? :confused:

[puribong]

I think early version of str-4 came out couple month earlier than TC3 came out.
anyways newer version of str-4 seems much more race ready.

[Usagi]

It Waw Kose of Japan that was teh disrub of these kits here they still are. shame, nobody is buying these kits. More offen then not, shops are always deep prices cuting these kits because Japan drivers rather driven and own TC3 then this thing.

[puribong]

Japanese companies already make a lot of great touring cars so I guess they want to stick to those are popular and proven.
STR-4 may be a good choice for people like me who wants to be different from others.

[Usagi]

True, I saw the first release flyer ad when it reached my shop i go to. I thought! wow! but after seeing it closer I said " its a bastered TC3" for the price its ok.:)

[puribong]

Mongoose, you are probably better off getting TC3 since your local hobby shop carries parts for it.
If you want a different style car then give a try on STR-4 Pro version. Pro version has totally differnt looking chassis compare to early str-4 or tc3 so it will most likely be handling differently.
It's always good to go with a car that has part support from your LHS. Even most durable car will break one day if you crash hard.

btw, complete specs of str-4 pro are available at www.academy.co.kr

Yokomo MR4TC and HPI RS4 sport2 would be a good choice too if you are on tight budget.

[Usagi]

he right, go withthe Tc3, your better off. try a yokomo if you dire. How fun what ever you do:)

[Mongoose420]

First of all thanx all for the advice.

The present update is that there isnt that big a hurry to get a TC class going here right at this moment from the other driver's point of view.

I NEED A HOBBY lol work'n 60 hour weeks will do that to you :D

so im going to get a steet spec car and race with all my old buddies from the track and if the situation on the TC class changes i will most likly get what ever the LHS supports. Currently they dont support TC's of any make right at this time and dont even have a TC kit in stock but the car of choice will be a TC3 since every class but the spec class at this track is dominated by AE. In mod buggie its a custom chassis DS racer's and its Custom chassis T3's in mod tuck and of cource Pan class's are 10L series cars and thats what the shop stocks.

I think that steet spec will satisfy my need for racing since its the only class that wassnt dominated my any one driver and in the main there were 4 of the 6 cars only seperated by 3 laps and on the extremely small oval thats tight racing! Its not like the spec cars run that much slower than the Pro Pan car class either, Winner in spec turned 63 laps if i remember right and pro pan winner only turned 69. Hell im even think'n about dust'n off my old Bolink pan car with no pod dampening to race baby(novice) pan class.

The big buck tricked out cars are cool but im to the point where i just want something thats the most competive class and thats Street spec. Plus the wild boddy ripping crashes are cool to watch and hopfully aviod ;D

[Usagi]

Its seems your on the right track, if you put that much thought into it. You on your way:)

[Mongoose420]

if my idea fly's it fly's and thats all i can do about it
cant force people to do something they dont want/cant afford/or cant accomodate to thats my general "how to get through life" attitude

[Usagi]

It sounds like life:)

[Mongoose420]

BTW anyone know of any online vendors that still have Tekin products im look'n 4 a speedstar to put into my street spec car if i cant get that then im gonna have my LHS order me either a LRP IPC sport(indy 200) or a GM V4

That V4 will look snazzy with my old tekin AM micro reciever and it will cut weight the only thing you can do to a spec car :Þ

[Usagi]

Tekin? oh......... your better off picking another speed control LRp is a good one.:cool:

[Mongoose420]

yea but as many speedo's that tekin had made there has to one somewhere for sale and there has to be someway for me to find it


LOL or i will just get something diffrent haha

[Usagi]

Look on E-bay. they are a ton of them there good luck;)

[puribong]

Hobby supposed to be fun and exciting so whatever you do, you want to have most fun out of it. You know what I mean. I wanted get a spec car too like couple years ago, but it seems that TC are most popular these days.

btw, have you tried Duratrax Streak ESC? It cost about $55 and it's very good esc for moeny. It can handle up to 12turn modified(you don't need modified though, aren't you?) and has traction control limiter(works like current limiter pretty much). It's a high frequency esc and feels very smooth. It's 4 wire esc.
Novak fusion could be a good choice too. It has dual profile. One for mod and one for stock. It can handle vitually any motors.
I have both and they are some of best budget esc.

[Mongoose420]

oh yea there is not a shortage of spec class priced ESC's out there that are good 4 the $$.

Im just a tekin guy a g12cIII a older g12c and a AM micro reciever

I was going to just order the fusion but its more than the spec class limit for MRP at $135 or so

had bad exp with duratrax spike that fried for no reason even tho im sure the streak is a perfectly fine esc and i wouldnt turn anyone away from buying one i think i'll get something else.

I may have a LRP ipc sport on order if they can get it in by friday if they cant i told them not to order it.

I think the GM V4 is what im going to go with. has as good if not better specs than other esc's in the 55-75 dollar pricerange and the the thing is so small and weigh's almost a full oz less than others and i think in spec racing that will be a help.

[puribong]

oh ic.
well take a look at Hitec's HFX esc. Tower hobbies has one and it cost very less for competition ready esc. This esc has been used by Hitec driver Mike and he has won a lot of races with it. Not sure if this esc is allow for spec class.

btw Duratrax Streak is totally differnt esc than spike. I would call spike a garbage.. Duratrax just rebadged Streak with their name. It was originally developed my over-sea manufacture. I think some in Asia maybe Korea or Japan.

I was also thinking about getting GM V4 but haven't heard much about GM esc except for ones that cost a lot.

[Mongoose420]

yea well there have been very few "spec class esc or Budget ESC" guide's in RCCA (not recieved a issue from may of 99 till nov 01)

BUT ive heard alot of good things about GM racing products and the V4 for a esc with a msr price of $89 dollars it push's 200 max amps and has a fairly low resistance.

plus the weight .67 oz wow.

i had my LHS order me one today should have it by friday of next week they place weekly orders and it doesnt get order'd till tuesday so i should have it by friday and i'll let ya know how well it worked

[Usagi]

GM V4, nice low end speed control. It does the job and then some

[Mongoose420]

yea any of the cheaper speedo's will run the 1300 nicad street spec packs that im gonna be race'n and my old 1700 matched packs from my old cars that i will use 4 practice packs and that GM V4 will do more if i ask it to LOL

and that street spec stock motor isnt gonna drain them packs none to quick either

the GM V4 you can get online for about $55 USD but my LHS will prolly charge me closer to $70 but id rather pay them than tower hobbie's if at all possable.

support you LHS people!!!

[Usagi]

WOW MO it!:)

[Mongoose420]

naw if there were 17 hobbieshops around like in socal or something then i would definitly mail order but ive got a singe lhs and there good people and there are not 700 people race'n rc cars here so if the regulars dont spend any money there who will?

[Mongoose420]

beside's im gonna break even ordering it through the hobby shop anyway. They absorbe sale's tax at 6% and i dont have to pay S&H that would be about 10-15 bucks anyway. I might actualy save some money depends tho i dont know what it will cost me exactly but they said they could definitly do better than the MSRP :D

[ivannaxray]

I definitely would rather pay my LHS than someone I don't know. PLus driving an old Losi truck I need the LHS because they have what I need (in the back of course) I too am looking at all the TC's I think I the XXX-s the best the T1 next and the STR-4 pro third. I like that car mostly because it has that wow effect. I mean all the purple goodies, it is like eye-candy.

[Usagi]

I am a Tean Xray owner and I am very happy with the Car, I wish I could have owned a XXXs too;) But withthe Xray there is no need:p

[qua77ro]

I own an STR-4 Pro, I've had it for a couple months now and I like it a lot. It's a very fast car, as fast as any othe car out there. I was racing this weekend against XXX-S, Schuey Axis 2's, TC3(TK), and down the straight my car was out running the other's in the field. Possibly because I had finally found the right gearing for stock class. In the handling department the car was railed. 5.5mm rear arm clearance, 4.5 front, very minimal push on hard high speed turns, with good rear movement when needed in the tight corners. I TQ'd with the car and came in 3rd in the A Main only because I was repeatedly being punted by a new driver in a stock 19turn TC3 RTR. That and I hit a few dots hehe. I had a blast. The car goes for 240 at the shop and parts aren't expensive in comparison to the Xray, and fairly easy to obtain(1 week turn around).

[ivannaxray]

thanks for the insiders scoop. I am really taking a hard look at all the cars. The str-4 looks really sweet with all the purple goodies I really can't make up my mind now. I was hoping that the Dec. issue of RCCA would have more of a racing comparison (race all the cars and see how each of the drivers faired. I am certain there would be plenty of willing participants to test the cars. Then rotate the drivers so no one car had the best driver. Or have one driver take all the cars and try to set a fastest lap.

[qua77ro]

Just FYI for anyone still reading this thread. The stock Aluminum Turnbuckles have a tendancy to buckle in impacts large and small, the CVD's are also designed with a weak point(wheel pin). I have replaced the stock turn buckles with lunsford ones(RS4 kit) and am in the process of looking for a suitable CVD.

[ivannaxray]

thankx I haven't made my decision yet on which car to buy but that is good to note.

[Usagi]

why would buy this car then a tc3? And you can find part for the tc3. The STR-4 is more of a gamble with parts.

[ivannaxray]

It looks cooler

[Usagi]

its looks cheaper. But thats not my point, if your in the usa why buy this when TC3 parts are made by more companies then Academy?:confused: :confused:

[qua77ro]

Because the STR-4 Pro is a great car. Better than a TC3 in a few regards. Parts availability isn't bad. Distributor is in NJ, takes 1 week to arrive at the shop max. Not that bad really.

[Usagi]

A ok car yes, a great car thats taking it a bit too far. For the prices its a good car. But anything other then that The TC3 is better.

[qua77ro]

Usagi explain how you have come to the conclusion that the TC3 is better?

I have driven both the STR-4 Pro and the TC3 FT edition. The STR-4 has the motor on the correct side of the car, no torque steer. Lower CG than even the TC3... same shaft design. THe TC3 is a solid well designed proven car... but in no way is it better. I consider both cars on even par. I've raced against TC3's and down the straight they are neck to neck if tuned/setup by good drivers and around the corners I have yet to find a TC3 that has been able to outhandle my STR-4, and please don't say I'm driving against inexperienced drivers. The club drivers at our races include National champs time and again. Any car can be made great if it's setup right and the driver is experienced. Each car has it's pros over the competition and can be a very competitive car regardless of what the "masses" think.

The TC3 is a great car, the STR-4 is a great car. Until you've driven one that is properly setup please don't give your opinion on the car. You haven't seen it's potential.

[Usagi]

First I don`t know where your located. Second if you like the car great. but saying the motor is on the correct side thats bit funny. I seen the STR-4 run here in japan with tc-3 and there is not comparing then are the same or handle the same. The TC3 handles far better then STR-4. It good to hear your enjoying the car thats all that matters. peace to you sir:)

[Usagi]

Thank you Qua77 for you thoughts on this car. I should have said HEY he likes the car and thats all that matters. I am sorry being to hard on you:( .

[qua77ro]

No harm no foul Usagi. I like quite a few cars on the market right now. Just picked up a MR4TC Special to add to my list of electric on road toys.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/pbc65c73647d62c44c13a5378521a1a92/fe1688ed.jpg.orig.jpg

[Sponsored By Tyco]

qua77ro,

when RCCA reviewed the STR-4 Pro, they said when they gunned it, the tires lit up and squelled! Has your's done that? That would be super cool if it did!:D

[YR4Dude]

Yes its true, the motor is on the correct side on the STR-4 Pro. It is a tough car from what I have heard about it so far.

However you can't beat the economics of the TC3 if you are within the continental U.S. I was even considering buying one myself by having my wife bring one home after her visit with family in Korea.

But before then, I was able to pick-up TWO used racer kits at $50/ea. The cars were beat-up but a little TLC, about less than $10 in tuning parts (ie springs), and some good electronics, and these cars were flying at the track! Despite all the options that are available on upgraded kits (ie team & factory team). My fixed-up racer kits are able to keep up with the best of them.

Dare to be different? That may be a good reason to get one but all that extra cash could be used towards more important things like good fresh tires, batteries, and brushes for your motors.

So although the STR-4 Pro is a considerble car for competition at the track, it simply can not compete at the cash register of your local hobby store in terms of price and convenience. ;)

[minijosh]

i cannot find this car anywhere. are one of you guys willing to part company with your str-4? i would even take the rtr version just to be able to race a academy again. i had the hummer a long time ago. please help me or guide me to a website with it for sale.

[YR4Dude]

The STR-4 is available in the U.S. at www.ultimatehobbies.com or if you can deal with the Korean language difference it also available at these sites online:

www.joyhobby.co.kr
www.worldmodel.co.kr
www.rcshop.com
www.asemhobby.co.kr

Good luck!:)

[metrikrc]

Has anybody seen any str4pro run directly against tamiya tbevo or hopped up tb01? I have both evo and super hopped 01, and I like the looks of the str4. Shaft drive really is the way to go! Have run both my tamiyas against a gaggle of tc3 and xxxs, and must say that both USA cars are prone to breakage. My beefy tamiyas have never broke in 12 weeks of very hard stock class racing. So far the competition isnt really very competitive against my tamiyas, but Im sure the platforms are capable. Anyway,, if your considering an str4,, take a look at tbevoII as well. It can be had for 240.00 from ebay. Also, Str4 and tb cars have motors mounted on opposite sides,,, think it makes a difference?

[puribong]

STR4 Pro is a top level touring car that a lot of people often overlook... It is winning a lot of races in Korea..

[minijosh]

I still cannot find one of these for sale on a english website at all. does anyone have one for sale?

[DENTEC36]

Ok all here is my take on this awsome car, it is basicly a TC3 on steroid's!!!!! if you buy the factory team TC3 then spend another $250.00 on IRS hop-up's you then have an STR-4 Pro!!! LOL,this car rock's!!! it is rocket fast,easy to set-up and spare's are only a phone call and a few day's away! I have yet to break anything on this car ! and optional part's {that I have] from MRC include the oneway frt diff $34.75, oneway shaft$3.50,and swaybar's frt & rear $18.00, and they shipped them fast when I ordered them 3day's and I had them !///////// I have found that the set-up's for the TC3 respond about the same on the PRO,I have been looking for other's that run the car to share tip's and set-up's with if anybody is out there, "O" I did replace the bushing's in the steering with bearing's, and currently running Stratus 2.0 body, Tekin reciver Tekin G10 esc, Hitec 5925 servo, Trinity P94 10x2 and UltraMetal's if I can help someone with question's about this car please contact me at dentec@aol.com I would be glad to hear from anybody and help out or just bench race THANK's DENTEC36

[Albertt]

Are there any new vendors that carry Academy kits? A freind of mine is extremely interested in purchasing the STR-4 Pro's little brother, the STR-4 Rally:
http://www.academy.co.kr/en/administrator/upload/02-08-15-06-39-24_2.jpg
He had spoken to his LHS and was told that they would only be able to obtain the STR-4 Pro and Sport. Are there other channels he may try to get the Rally?

Thanks
AL

[minijosh]

http://www.vgmodelbouw.nl/winkel/index.html
this is the only place that i found that sells the academy cars. if you look at the euro money, it is about $112.99. the exchange rates varies and i would say for about 105.00 bucks the kit is yours not including shipping whatever that will be. i hope this does help you out somehow.

[Albertt]

Originally posted by minijosh
http://www.vgmodelbouw.nl/winkel/index.html
this is the only place that i found that sells the academy cars. if you look at the euro money, it is about $112.99. the exchange rates varies and i would say for about 105.00 bucks the kit is yours not including shipping whatever that will be. i hope this does help you out somehow.
The website is in Dutch if I'm not mistaken. Is there an English site? I've never ordered anything online that was from a country outside of the U.S. What's involved?

Thanks
Albert

[RadicalRustler]

correct side? how is a motor on the correct side? Is it left or right? Parralel? 90 degrees? (to the shaft/belt) I was looking at the pro but i have a 200 can budget. So i have settled with the 4-tec (traxxas rules!:p). If any of you have a 4-tec and a pro, how bad is the 4-tec compared to it? 4-tec's are better than tc3's hahahaha:p Stock 4-tec beats tc3 in speed races.

[RadicalRustler]

Yes, it is a dutch website (.nl is netherlands) My parents are dutch (me canadian) and i have been to holland 5 times. I can speak dutch (with a canadian accent) and i can read it ok. go to dictionary.com, it has a translator.

[YR4Dude]

Albert - Try calling Hobbytown in San Marcos, California. Look them up in the Hobbytown website and give them a call or e-mail.

Last time I was there, the had the STR pro for about $240. I am sure they can get the rally for about $120.

[Albertt]

Minijosh & RadicalRustler:
I would like to look into ordering from that site...but I'm not sure what's involved in ordering from a country in Europe. Do they take Visa or Mastercard the same way?

YR4Dude:
I've called two Hobbytown USAs stores, one in Chicago and the other in Danbury, CT...no dice. They both told me that the STR4 Rall is the only version of the STR4 family that they didn't import. I will try the store in San Marcos later today...

Thanks
AL

[minijosh]

they should be happy to take your credit card. i don't know a company that would turn down one. shipping might be about 30 bucks though. overseas is not cheap. i live in the uk. us servicemember too and i have the best of both worlds. us post office box and uk mailing address. i wish i could hook you up somehow but i don't think it would be cheaper to send it to me and then have me send it to you. hmmm?

[Albertt]

Minijosh:
Thanks, I will see about putting an international order through with my credit card. As the site and you have stated, it's 112.99 Euros for the kit...or about $116 USD. Another $30 won't be that bad...since the TB01 and RS4 Rally cost about $150 anyway. Will they ship straight to an address in Connecticut or New York? Or is there some sort of pickup I will have to do at a Customs office or something?
BTW, what branch of the service do you belong to?

YR4Dude:
I've called the Hobbytown USA in San Marcos. They are only able to obtain the STR4-Pro. Funny thing, the one in Connecticut can get all of the models of STR4, except the Rally...irony of it is sickening.

AL

[DENTEC36]

http://www.academy.co.kr/en/ this web site has the phone number's listed for distrubution / the USA one is in Canada give them a call they will be more than happy to send what you want to your LHS DENTEC36

[NMT_RACER_BOY]

academy is a great company!
i have bought alot of their stuff (model kits and things) when i used to live in korea few years ago. Their stuff is what they say it is and is great.

my mom is going to korea this january and i think i am getting a 10th Oval car made by Academy named SP3-X

[NMT_RACER_BOY]

o and STR-4 Pro is around 190 at this site
http://www.rcsarang.com/
it won't let me direct link it for some reason

[NMT_RACER_BOY]

welll here is how to get to it...
after you click on academy, scroll down
and the rally kit at the site is about 89 bucks
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid42/p735e2a3671b9eb9e62304428090b5bbc/fceab0bd.jpg
for a more clear picture, go here
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid42/p735e2a3671b9eb9e62304428090b5bbc/fceab0bd.jpg.orig.jpg

[DENTEC36]

Can we find a site we can read ! ? the only one I'm aware of is the one I posted on pg 3 I also just got a USA address it is MRC 80 Newfield ave. P.O. box 6312 Edison NJ 08837, that's the address that just sent me the optional part's for the STR4-PRO///// oneway, swaybar's and oneway drive shaft

[Darkside]

Well looky what I found. I had no idea that any message boards had threads for the STR-4pro. I've been driving mine for about two months. I switched to it from my Schumacher Mission, just so I could try a shaft drive car and because I was bored.:D

I didn't miss a beat with it outdoors, putting in the same times on my first runs with it, as I did with my Mission all year. First race with it was a third in the A-main in stock sedan.

I didn't see the amazing difference between shaft and belts that some people claim, but the excelleration with this car is quite impressive. Indoors, I haven't had as much luck, but I also haven't had the time to work on the setup. Add to that, I'm really not fond of carpet racing, and you can see why I haven't been doing so great with it indoors.

I just broke my first part on it this weekend(C-hub) so the car has been quite durable.

In any case, I've been enjoying the car and will keep running it until I get bored with it. Its good to know there are at least a few others out there with this car. If anybody has a good carpet setup, please share.

Heres a look at my ride.

[DENTEC36]

If you don't allready have the sway-bar's I highly recomend them, for carpet the heavy bar's and go too 60wt frt and 50wt rear working really good for me useing 40shore 28mm frt and 35shore 30mm rear, stock diff's no one way but going too try the one-way soon waiting for it to arive////// Darkside here is my E-mail addy if I can help anymore denntec@aol.com P.S I love my STR !!!

[Darkside]

DENTEC36: yeah, the sway bars are on my list of stuff to try. Its obvious that the car needs the sway bars!:D

I plan on trying the one way as well.

[DENTEC36]

There are two one-way's avalible one is a one-way diff the other is a one-way for the shaft:D lean and mean !!!! just replaced all the screw's with hex head Titainium !!! hehehhe:eek:

[Darkside]

Yeah, I'm aware of the two one-ways availible. I plan on trying the shaft one-way first. Why??? Its cheaper! LOL!:D

[jay272]

How do these ST4R-Pro's stand up against the almighty TC3's. The drivetrains like very similiar, but the St4 is prettier (and the parts are impossible to find).

[Darkside]

Jay: I haven't really noticed a difference between the two cars. Neither one is going to give someone an advantage if the other guy is a better driver. So, I guess its a matter of whether you want to have the same car as thirty other people at the track.:cool:

As for parts availibility. You can order the STR-4Pro and all it's parts directly from MRC. They take credit card and C.O.D. orders and they offer express shipping for a price.

MRC-Model Rectifier Corp.
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08818
(732)225-2100

Be sure to ask for TIM

[jay272]

Thanks alot Dark, I'm trying to get my buddie to get the str4 pro with me, so we can borrow parts off of each other.

[Darkside]

No problem Jay272. :)

Just be sure that you and your buddy ask for TIM when you call.!!! Don't call around noon eastern time or he'll be out to lunch. If he's not there, call back later. Don't try to get it done with the others there!

You writing this down!?! ;)

I'm serious, he is the only one there at MRC who seems to know about the Pro version. All the rest of them (mostly women) only know about the sport version.

R E M E M B E R!!!, ask for Tim, it will save you a lot of headaches trying to tell the others that there actually IS a pro version of the STR-4! LOL

Good luck and be sure to post pics of your car.

[minijosh]

I found a club in Japan that can get these cars for me or you if you want. I found them thru yahoo clubs. They are yokota air base rc or something like that. I am military so shipping is next to nothing for overseas shipping for me and them. Join and ask questions.

[Darkside]

If theres anyone (here in the U.S.) whos looking to get an STR-4Pro soon. I'll probably be looking to sell mine after next weekend(Jan 11,12,13th). I say after next weekend because I have commited to running in a big local race and the STR-4Pro is my only electric TC. I got the car in Oct. 2002 which means its not even three months old. It has only been run outdoors once and indoors about 5 times. All the while, it has had Associated chassis protector on the bottom. So the chassis bottom is spotless. I also just ordered some replacement parts so it will come with extra hubs, suspension arms and body mounts(all still in the package).

The car cost me $229 new. But how about this....

.....I'll sell the car itself plus the extra parts with two painted bodies(Stratus 2.0 and Opel Astra) and a P2K2pro stock motor for only $200! U.S. Postal Money Order only! Of course the manual, parts listing and decal sheet for the car will also be included.

Theres a pic of my car in one of my previous post.

Hit me with an email if anyone is interested gregcres@sunflower.com

I case your wondering why I'm selling, its because I'm going to be focusing on my Reflex NT nitro car.

[minijosh]

I want it but my wife would kill me. I am getting ready to buy a HPI sprint kit for cheap. I mean really cheap. You cannot even find the kit to build over here in England. I have never found a lhs that sells Academy until now. A place now has its off road truck. Look good but I so wanted a str-r anything. I have never seen them ran at all. Tell us how you do in the race please. Why are you selling it?

[Darkside]

I said it at the bottom of my post, I'm going to be focusing on my nitro car.

[Darkside]

Originally posted by Darkside
If theres anyone (here in the U.S.) whos looking to get an STR-4Pro soon. I'll probably be looking to sell mine after next weekend(Jan 11,12,13th). I say after next weekend because I have commited to running in a big local race and the STR-4Pro is my only electric TC. I got the car in Oct. 2002 which means its not even three months old. It has only been run outdoors once and indoors about 5 times. All the while, it has had Associated chassis protector on the bottom. So the chassis bottom is spotless. I also just ordered some replacement parts so it will come with extra hubs, suspension arms and body mounts(all still in the package).

The car cost me $229 new. But how about this....

.....I'll sell the car itself plus the extra parts with two painted bodies(Stratus 2.0 and Opel Astra) and a P2K2pro stock motor for only $200! U.S. Postal Money Order only! Of course the manual, parts listing and decal sheet for the car will also be included.

Theres a pic of my car in one of my previous post.

Hit me with an email if anyone is interested gregcres@sunflower.com

I case your wondering why I'm selling, its because I'm going to be focusing on my Reflex NT nitro car.

[RadicalRustler]

I wish, but I'm broke. And 14. And Broke.

[Darkside]

Trust me, being broke is not just a 14 year old problem. I'm 26, and I'm still broke! LOL:D

[Darkside]

Originally posted by Darkside
If theres anyone (here in the U.S.) whos looking to get an STR-4Pro soon. I'll probably be looking to sell mine after next weekend(Jan 11,12,13th). I say after next weekend because I have commited to running in a big local race and the STR-4Pro is my only electric TC. I got the car in Oct. 2002 which means its not even three months old. It has only been run outdoors once and indoors about 5 times. All the while, it has had Associated chassis protector on the bottom. So the chassis bottom is spotless. I also just ordered some replacement parts so it will come with extra hubs, suspension arms and body mounts(all still in the package).

The car cost me $229 new. But how about this....

.....I'll sell the car itself plus the extra parts with two painted bodies(Stratus 2.0 and Opel Astra) and a P2K2pro stock motor for only $200! U.S. Postal Money Order only! Of course the manual, parts listing and decal sheet for the car will also be included.

Theres a pic of my car in one of my previous post.

Hit me with an email if anyone is interested gregcres@sunflower.com

I case your wondering why I'm selling, its because I'm going to be focusing on my Reflex NT nitro car.

[Darkside]

TTT

[tekin211]

Wow
I finally found a post about a car I own, There for a while I was begining to feel I was the only one on the planet with this car! I have had mine for almost a year and a half, I did install the sway bars and shaft one way, took the one way off, would not give this car up for anything, sold my TC3 and havnt looked back, I run mine with a Novak Cyclone TC2 esc, Trinity 9 turn double D3,Futaba 9303,B+K 3300 NIMH cell's, work's nice.... As far as part's I find there no harder to get in my area than Associated part's...... thanks tekin211

[puribong]

in asian market, there are 4 different flavors of STR-4.
Stock STR4 with tub chassis, STR-4 Sport, Semi Pro, Pro...
I wished to see semi pro version in the US... but can't find them....

anyways..... Academy/MRC STR-4 is one of better electric touring car out there.... finally str-4 is getting some recognititon... Car would have been perfect if it had better part support around nation.

[minijosh]

I wish I could see one of these cars ran locally. Nobody here has ever seen one but I so want one. They do have them on ebay now after I bought my tamiya ta04. What a rip. Sad day.

[puribong]

some Academy STR-4 Pro pics taken from their website www.academy.co.kr

http://www.academy.co.kr/en/administrator/upload/02-08-15-06-20-01_12.jpg

sweet looking car

http://www.academy.co.kr/en/administrator/upload/02-08-15-06-20-01_8.jpg

look at that graphite chassis and upper deck.


http://www.academy.co.kr/en/administrator/upload/02-08-15-06-20-01_10.jpg

[xxxkat]

It's a great looking car,to bad parts are to hard to get.My LHS wont even order one for me.Heck I can find parts fo my R2 easier.Academy SHOULD have found someone other than MRC to distribute their car.:(

[minijosh]

You can now order these cars thru MRC's website. They finally step up to the plate but waaayyyyyyyy too late in the game. Pity too, nice ride.

[SA_Racer]

I just started out in this hobby a month ago, I got the STR-4 , changed the pinion went to the track and raced. didnt do too bad, but evesryone told me I would never win a race with an academy chassis. Here is South Africa They all believe TC3 is the way to go.

I then started looking at upgrading parts but soon realised it would be cheaper to buy a pro chassis than to upgrade my std model.

Now this is where I seem to be more lucky than the rest of you. My LHS stocks the STR STR4-Pro and Pro Sport. Plus while asembling the ball Diff I broke a screw. Went in the next morning and got a spare without hastles. They keep plenty of spare parts.

So now my car is assembled and ready to go. Cant wait for the next race to kick some TC3 Butt.

Still running stock motor, I dont want to go to super stock until I know the ins and outs of how the setups work.

The car definately handles better than the standard model plus wheel base is about 3mm Shorter. (not sure if thats good or bad)

We dont do indoor in SA so I just need to sort out the setups for the outdoors. any tips will be appreciated.

Well gota go now.

cya

[minijosh]

Welcome to the ball game Racer. How much is the Pro kit? I found the US price but they are out of stock for some reason.

[SA_Racer]

I got it for the equivalent of abou $285.00.

[Cain]

I am a TC3 driver, I updated mine with a BMI chassis and I am actually liking it quite well.

That being said the Academy vehicles looks really nice. I have seen a couple up close though the guys never raced them ( people brow beat them pretty hard about the vehicles ), was a nice looking car. Only thing I didn't care for was the phillips looking screws I saw, not sure if this is stock but that what was there, prefer allens.

Anyone of you guys looking at the SB buggy by academy? Looks like a winner too. I was thinking of selling my TC3, picking up the buggy and the Academy ST4 pro for winter.

What seems to be the major areas of breakage on this vehicle?

Will associated shock springs fit on the shocks?

[minijosh]

seems like i'm the only guy who reads this thread. I was too looking at the SB but i haven't seen on up close yet so I cannot answer your questions. Did you go to the modelrectifier web site?

[SA_Racer]

The associated shock springs fit nicely on the str4-pro shocks. The part that seems to break most for me is the CVD's on the back. they are very soft, minor impact causes a break :(

[dave56bug]

I have an SB Sport, its great, durable so far, needs wheel bearings, and some fuel tubing in the rear outdrives to space the dogbones properly.

Dave.

[Cain]

Anyone know where you can get Kose upgrade parts? They are making some nice stuff the SB Sport.

[DrZOOM]

Heres some pictures of my STR-4 PRO.

I hope the link works: http://www26.brinkster.com/drzoom/******.htm

I dont know why my link never works. Its the address you see, Just put: "r c p i c s" where the stars are. Take the spaces out. Sorry but this board stars out my address for some reason?

Why cant I post my link? If someone can fix it for me, Post my link and tell me how to do it please.

[dave56bug]

Sweet cars man! The academy is lookin good!

Dave.

[anothermbdusted]

SA_ RACER: you dont happen to have a picture of that track do you?


i think why there isnt very many posting here is because it dont got a tread of its own meaning MRC/ACADAMY.....well hopefully that will change soon with the release of the sb sport buggy i got one in the mail now should be here monday cant wait.got on order also a novak super sport,b4 shocks and turnbuckles with lundford hinge pins.my setup will have a airtronics 94358 servo xs3 radio with 2400 mah cells tell i get some 3600's.....

[Hobson]

Hi, I've just joined Academy here in the UK, going to be using the Pro Sport to begin with as I haven't raced Shaft for ages.

Hopefully doing 19t meetings both indoors and out. :)

[anothermbdusted]

would love to see a picture of that PRO Sport that you got.havent seen one yet...and congradulations and good luck

[Hobson]

Thanks.

The Pro Sport is identical to the Pro, except for a couple of differences.

It is FRP instead of full carbon, its lacking a few bearings, its got dogbones instead of CVD's, and normal shock instead of threaded ones. I beleive some of this spec will be changed in the near future though.

I'll sort some pics whis week when I've painted up a body for it.

It went together easily, and builds excellent. I definately think this spec of car can replace Tamiya as a 'first car'.

[Hobson]

....

[Hobson]

www.raceacademy.net is the new Academy forum, setup by the UK distributor of Academy, Evolution Racing Products.

[versionpardner]

What is the easiest way to get parts for the str 4? Does MRC have a catalog? Also what other parts from othe companies can be used on it? I saw you guys talking about the similarities between the tc3 and the STR 4 so I thought maybe some of the parts may be interchangeable.

Thanks :)

[mrkinigit]

While I dont have the pro, I do have an STR4. got it from MRC for $75.
I just got in a slipper clutch and I'm having a bit of trouble with it. No matter how much I seem to tighten it down it doesnt engage, just keeps slipping. I followed the directions pretty well.
I am at a loss what to try now. Any suggestions?

[mcalpinerc]

I bought one over the net, Its the most bang for the buck I have ever had!!!
such a good car in fact I broke the speed record with it!!
goto www.brainlubeonline.com and click on the "ALX-1 Super RC Car"
and there are pictures of it

am
www.brainlubeonline.com

ps you might want to file and shim the diff gears some they come a little course.



Just looking for some feedback on the STR-4 pro. Look'n to get into TC's and talk'n my budde's to pick up some also because no one in this area race's em.

Talk'n my buddie's into getting TC3 RTR's because they dont have any gear but ive got the gear. Race'd a DS and a T3 on carpet and i was thinking about the str-4 pro

The kit look's nice in the Nov issue but was wondering about how well it would hold up against some other cars if in fact i get some big TC's race's goin

thanx

[Hobson]

http://gazdesigns.fpic.co.uk/c219732.html

^^^^^^ Pics of my Academy there. :)

[Cain]

Hey guys, nice looking cars.

I talked to Tim at MRC and they are going to starting getting some more of the pro versions in stock. If you kind of play with the address settings you can pull up the vehicle in MRC website to see what it has. I have honestly been looking at the vehicle to use for parts for my SB as it comes with ALOT of hopups that if you buy seperate for the SB you will pay alot more than you would just buying the kit.

If I do sedan again and I can good support from MRC, I may race the STR4-pro .

[Cain]

May have a chance to get one of these sedans. Thinking of parting it out to use on my SB so if there is anything you guys who have them want let me know and we can work something out.

[Cain]

I picked one of these up off of ebay should be coming in today. I plan to gut it for my SB buggy but I may keep it to sedan around when I have to in the winter.

[Hobson]

Trust me, you won't de disappointed. :)

[Cain]

Didn't come in last week. UPS screwed up and its going to be coming in today. I plan to swap some parts to my SB till the winter comes, then I will see if I want to run the pro.

[Cain]

So whats the news guys? Any of you running this vehicle?

[Hobson]

I'm running the Pro Sport, I like it a lot, probably better than the Xray Raycer I had before.

I need to get CVDs next, but apart from that, I don't think it needs nay other upgrades. The Pro has CVDs as standard.

[Cain]

I got my Pro in yesterday. and it was damaged in the mailing...

Chassis looks like someone stepped on it and shattered it into three pieces. I guess I won't be doing any sedan running with this.

it was insured so i am working on the seller to get my money back.

[minijosh]

Now that is a sad sad story. I've never had anything broken in the mail. Tell you mailman to stop playing soccer with your boxes. Oh wait a minute, I tried to claim something thru the USPS and it is a pain in the butt hardcore. Fill out this form and wait a few weeks. How lovely.

[Hobson]

Ouch..

It takes a lok to break a chassis. :eek:

Let us know how you get on.

[Cain]

This was through UPS. The guy I got the car off of is working on it. He has perfect Ebay rating and the vehicle other than the damage looks like it would have been in top form so I will give him a chance.

I think I may be able to salvage the battery strap, transmissions and suspension parts, and the front graphite deck. I think thats about it if you UPS lets me keep it ( they said they might.

[anothermbdusted]

from my understanding on UPS is that it dont take a long time to get your money back but my question to you is did you accept the box damaged from your ups guy directly?and sign for it in person?sorry to hear about the damage though i get it once in a while here also thats why i go fedex if its important or ups if its insured.as for you getting to keep the parts thats left over....they will keep the entire contents of the interior of that box but nothing says you cant keep something like the top deck as long as it looks complete they dont know any better....

[Hobson]

Will you be able to get the driveshafts? I'd be interested in them.

[Cain]

There wasn't any damage visible on the outside of the box. But it was weird that UPS rescheduled its delivery like twice which makes me wonder if something happened during that time.

UPS told me on the phone that they may just let me keep the package. If they do, I may just part out what I can use on my SB and sell direct to anyone interested. I am really impressed with there shocks, very smooth.

[mch]

I need some parts for my Str-4 Pro. Is direct from MRC still the best way to get them here in the US? I love the car but parts are starting to wear and I need to get some replacements. I haven't broke anything on it and have been running it several months now. The center joint cups and ball diff hubs are getting pretty worn. I'd also like to get some replacement spur gears since they appear to be unique to this car. If anybody knows a good parts source please share it.

thanks,
matt

[Cain]

Matt,

Sorry about not posting anything sooner.

i finally got my money back for the vehicle being damaged and I also got to keep what was good as well. I have since got parts on the way to complete my vehicle and have it in running condition. I should have my STR4-Pro up and running in about 1 week.

As for where to order parts, I would say try giving ultimate hobbies a call and see if they have any STR4-Pro parts in stock. Alot of the parts are dual use with the SB so if you got the stock number they should be the same othe than obvious things like the Arms and shock towers.

As for spurs, same thing, I believe you can also order a 72 tooth spur gear as well direct from MRC that will fit the vehicle but not the slipper clutch if you plan dual use with an SB buggy.

One other thing, the diff hubs wear faster in the SB buggy, and I believe Academy is addressing this with newer diff hubs that don't wear as fast the the older style ones. I am not sure however how you can tell the difference, all I know is that the team drivers I have spoken with who have the hubs in question are showing any wear after heavy running.

I got a few questions:

1. What springs work on the shocks? I am thinking of going with AE springs but if losi's work better please post

2. The pistons, what do you feel they are equivalent to with AE or losi? ( ie- biggest hole piston from academy is slighty bigger than AE's, etc )

3. What are some of the quirks of the vehicle I should be on the look out for?

I am excited to run this and my SB Pro!

[Cain]

I got to run my vehicle this weekend. All I can say is wow!

After doing some tuning with the tires and a swap of oil I was on rails. I had to go with an odd tire setup, double pink / orange up front and magenta in the rear as I didn't have any springs to do my normal tuning. Once this was done, the vehicle was point and shoot. I was pretty amazed and won the race. Had several people come by to check out the vehicle.

The drivetrain on this vehicle is just so smooth!

Can't wait to do some more tuning when the rest of my parts come in.

[Mister Ed]

Ok, not a Pro version really, but since there's not been any posts for such a long time...

1st up is my academy STR-4 in hot rod outfit.

Followed by an extreme make-over into a 1/16th buggy.