LOSI XXX-4 Forum v1.0

[tarvymoto]

Six , nice project man...good work. I't a touring car that wouldn't be afraid of my driveway:D

[igozoom]

Very cool. While on road doesn't do anything for me, I could definitely get into Rally !

[igozoom]

Hey stranger, used to see your posts over on the xxx nt board all the time. You have no idea how much you helped me. I now look like I almost know what I am doing.

I have been wearing out Tarveymoto after purchasing a xxx 4. Be nice to hear your perspective as well.

Are you running the one way diff ? What are you using for a shock set up right now ? How's the 10 degree working out ?
What are you running for a motor ? When racing.....boxers, briefs, or do you just go Commando ? :D

Seriously, nice to see you posting.

[andy497]

Soooo, Christmas is coming around, and I'm thinking about treating myself to a xxx-4 (can I do that?)

Anyhoo, I've been hearing about the brittle a-arms, and that's holding me back. Having no front kick-up seems strange, is stock 0 degree or 10? I thought xxx was 20 or something. That would seem to make more sense for the application.

I've been very pleased with my old xx, that thing is damn near indestructable in my experience. I love losi and would like to give them more business, but the last thing I would want is a car that is always breaking as I'm pretty hard on them.

So, then I hear that they are possibly redesigning the front end to correct this. If this is true, anyone have an eta on when the new ones will be out? I'm wondering if I should wait or chance it and buy now. Any thoughts?

[tarvymoto]

.:eek:

[cabbynate]

How's it goin man? Sounds like your having fun.
Well, I have not tried a one-way yet. I have one comming though. I will let you know what I think about it when I try it. As for the 10 dg kick up, I like it fine and I seem to break less too.:) . I run the stock shock set up with but I do run 1dg anti-squat instead of the pro-squat. After talking to Adam Drake, I also went with the 1dg rear hubs to get a total of 3dg toe-in. I also run a sway-bar in the rear size .050 from the XXX sway-bar kit. The track I am running on is smooth and medium traction.
Right now I'm running a 11x2 D4 with a 19 tooth pinion and I have more speed than I can use on the tight track I'm running on. I like silver tapers up front and red x2000 or M3 hole shots in the rear. I'm running Graphite arm and shock towers but a friend of mine has the new plastic and said it is holding up very well.
I think I'll get a chance to run my NT next Sunday and I can't wight!!!!! As far as electric gose, I have the XXX, XXXT,XX-4we and of corse the XXX-4 and the XXX-4 is by far my favorite.
I love this car. O-yea I all most forgot, I'm a boxers kind of guy. he,he,he.
:D

[igozoom]

Tarveymoto. Couldn't take those empty spaces in your second Trinity motor bag, could you ? You are such an RC Ho. I love you man ! :D Now we just need a D-5 connection.

Cabbynate - Thanks guy. Looks like I got all the bases covered. I pick up my "one way" today. My graphite and sway bars will here Friday. I appreciate you taking the time. I wanted to have everything ready to go before I even started building.

I am on my third xxx nt. I bought the Drake. Tarveymoto and I went down to the track last Wednesday and we were the only ones there all day. Had an absolute blast testing and juking on the track.

Course I don't want to talk about racing Saturday night and Tarvey passing me like I was his Bee-otch ! hehehe. Then to add further insult, his best lap time was 5/100 better than mine. I just plain old got spanked. I was relegated to third place.

I will have something for his a$$ next week !

[RacerGordo]

I have been thinking about getting a new car for a while(since my gas truck has had problems for the past 6 months, melted clutch, broken drive shaft etc.) and i have decided to go electric. i am an Associated die-hard and was wondering if it was really worth getting a losi, since they are the only ones who make electric 4 wheel drive buggies that i can get around here.

[banditwing]

The xxx-4 looks cool, and since it's 4wd drive and all, how well would it handle if I put some slicks on it and took to the streets?

[cabbynate]

Banditwing,
Pretty darn good if you use thicker wt shock oil and a rear sway-bar.

[banditwing]

Thanks cabbynate. Offroad is a favorite of mine, but I have recently been curious in onroad too. I don't want to drop the cash on a xxx-s or tc3, because I couldn't use it around my house (there really aren't any good parking lots by me), or offroad on my track. Looks like the xxx-4 could fit the dual purpose role pretty well.

Thanks!

[psychofactor]

get a rally car!! Perfect for ruff roads and yard bashing.

[cabbynate]

Banditwing,
psychofactor has a good point. You could build a XXX-R out of a XXX-S for less than you would pay for the XXX-4 if you wanted.
The price of the XXX-S kits are way down!!!! I see them for $125.00 from Ulimate hobbies on line. Go a few posts up and see
sixandeightstringer's post and photo's of his XXX-R. Heck, I might even build up one of those there so cheap.:)

[sixandeightstringer]

XXX-S conversion article (http://www.sixfoottiger.com/articles/xxxr/xxxr.cfm)

FYI: I've seen a bunch of full sets of the Rally Weapon shocks (4 total, includes entire shock and springs!) go for $15-20 on eBay...

Yeah man, it's a lot of fun - we run rally pretty much all the time around here. Can't beat it! Rallies are the perfect hybrid car; equally tempered on and off road.

Check out our photo galleries - we've got tons of pictures of rallies in action, everything from tarmac (asphalt) stages to launching them over large jumps...

Some samples (click for larger version)

http://www.sixfoottiger.com/images/gallery/951_t.jpg (http://www.sixfoottiger.com/images/gallery/951.jpg)

http://www.sixfoottiger.com/images/gallery/118_t.jpg (http://www.sixfoottiger.com/images/gallery/118.jpg)

Full Gallery (http://www.sixfoottiger.com/admin/index.cfm?fuseaction=admin.party_list_view)

[cabbynate]

CAUTION:
After you break a front shock tower or a front arm, check to make sure your front shock shafts are stright!!!!! Bouth of mine were bent.:(

[Slimboyfat]

and to add to the above comment, where the front bumper is there is a part that looks like a front brace when actually it is not. i can't remember off hand what the part is but check to see if it has not bent or cracked when you repace the arm's WHEN they break


BRING ON THE NEW PARTS LOSI!!!!!!

Matt

[cabbynate]

Hey Slimboyfat,
I looked at Jukka's set up and it looks like it is not a set up for carpet. Now that he lives in California it is most likely a set up for the dirt.

[Slimboyfat]

hi cabbynate, yeah i thought that too but the guy who helped him with the set up (apperently), was at the race meeting I was at.
I asked him about the set up and it seemed like it might be worth trying. As it was the first time I had used the car I considered it a 'base' set up.
To be fair the set up wasn't that bad but once ive had a chance to try different things i will probably find that the set up i use is considerably different from the Jukka one.
The lad who i said made the 'A' final with his XXX-4 had his shocks on the middle hole front and rear on the tower and on the inside holes for the wishbones. i also think he ran his car slightly softer than the jukka set up.

cheers

Matt

[cabbynate]

Slimboyfat,
Softer? wow, that seems strange? You are running on carpet right? It should be smooth and have a lot of traction right? Softer would give you more body roll in corners, not a good thing. On road cars run a very stiff shock set up for this reason. I also think a rear sway bar would not be a bad idea. That will help keep your rear end flat in corners and also minamize traction rolling. We are going to get a carpet track here soon so I will try some thing and let you know how they work.

Cheer,

Nate

[Slimboyfat]

cabbynate, yeah it does seem a little strange but the track was very tight and with the fastest corner being the first corner (a 90 deg - not flowing like normal due to size of hall), there was a need for the car to react quicker for multiple chicanes hence softer. thats what I thought n e way! there was also one other thing which i forgot to mention b4 and that is that the lad who made the 'A' had his car much lower than mine - would that have helped him?

my set up for next time should be the same sort of oils but i am gonna lean in the shocks more (middle-tower and inside-wishbones all round).

yeah let me know what works on your carpet track n i will have a go at mine.

l8r

Matt

[cabbynate]

Slimboyfat,
Yes, the lower your car, the lower the rollcenter=less body roll. He did that to make it work more like an on road car. When we get the carpet in I will let you know what works for me. It will be a tight track also so we shall see......;)

Cheers,

Nate

[tarvymoto]

Igozoom , how's the built going?

[igozoom]

Got the front caster block that wasn't included in my kit !:mad:

Will build late tonight and tomorrow. All my other stuff should be in Monday or Tuesday. With any luck, we can test and work on set up Wednesday night ! Wooohooo!

Not to mention the Mack Daddy body you painted for me today today !

The car is going to be smokin. I will take a picture of your masterpiece prior to putting it in the wall ! hehehe

P-94's and D-5's going to be here Tuesday ?

[psychofactor]

That thing is gonna fly. Just make sure you got about 20 front arms and about 10 front shock towers.

The front arm mounting design is retarted. as I feel the reason for the extremely fragileness. I feel the flex at the mounting spots and then pop out causing teh tiny weak little area around the hingepin to break thus breaking out the rest of the front arm.

Last night 3 racer all broke about a dozen arms and a few shock towers. Not even hitting or flipping just from landing at about 3 feet. Very easy for any other car or cars to acheive.

I really want this thing but, not till Losi Steps up and fixes this rediculous problem.

EVERY XXX4 BREAKS FOR NO REASON!!! NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!

[New Jack]

Backfire: Hey, I put those new compound front Arms on after breaking both Graphite Arms & I have to admit that the new Compound is at least a certain upgrade, but still not the final answer. I did break one of the new arms, completely my fault as I took that big jump on the triple & came off of it side ways & landing all of the vehicles' weight on the right front tire breaking the arm in half, not at the point of the inner hinge pin!! So the new arms a indeed stronger!!!!!

For anyone/everyone else having problems with those *^#@$&% Arms when you buy new ones make sure it says new on the Losi label of the bag, like I said it's not the final answer, but they are alot stronger & more durable than the stock ones in the kit or the Graphite ones!!!!!!!!

[Backfire]

Originally posted by New Jack
I did break one of the new arms, completely my fault as I took that big jump on the triple & came off of it side ways & landing all of the vehicles' weight on the right front tire breaking the arm in half, not at the point of the inner hinge pin!! So the new arms a indeed stronger!!!!!


I heard that when I stopped at the track today. While breaking is never a good thing, it is good to hear that the arm failed in the middle rather than at the inner hinge pins. Now Losi just needs to put that material into a ladder-style arm design and be done with the problem!:D:D

[Dingus]

I saw one at the track today. Not racing, but taking the jumps at speed and such. Looked like so much fun!

I'm still waiting for mine (UPS Ground is SOO slow).

No carnage, but he had the updated arms (with the numbers on them).

Can't wait to get mine.

[New Jack]

Backfire: Yep those arms need to be in a ladder-type style or atleast they should have more bulk in the middle section instead of being recessed the way it is!!!!!:confused: Man, you gotta drive one of these things, once I got a fell for the track I was clearing that triple like it was nothing!!!!:D :D :D Mike mentioned that I should send all those broken arms back to Losi, he said he wouldn't be suprised if they sent me back some made of the "New" compound, now I wish I wouldn't have thrown a majority of them away!!!!:(

[igozoom]

The build continues. Experienced my first problem when Losi packed a front and rear inner pivot block versus two fronts (Doh!).:mad: Fortunately, the LHS had extras in stock. Thank God that Charles at the LHS races !

Went with the 10 degree kick up as Cabbynate suggested. Replaced diff covers, shock towers and arms with graphite.

I did experience one problem though. I am not fond of the plastic/ stiffezel front outdrives. I elected to purchase the Trinity Titanium outdrive guards. When I installed them, they compressed the outdrive, hindering free moevement of dogbones. Hoping that after I run it a little, I can slide guards on without causing any binding.

Still waiting for my Novak GT-7 esc, heat sink, Lunsfods, and a few Pimp Daddy Francis parts which only contribute to the " Oooooh" factor. I may drive this thing like Ray Charles, but it will look good in the pits. hehehe

More later.........

[Slimboyfat]

NEW JACK - have Losi just made arms in the new compound? or are there other bits too?

i am gonna order (once the parts are available in England!) about 5 sets of arms which should in theory sort me out for two meetings!

[cabbynate]

Igozoom,
Sounds like your car is gonna be sweet!!!
I use the same outdrive savers you do also. You can take a fingernail file and file the outdrive slots just a little so the CVD's don't bind up your suspension.

[igozoom]

Sweet. Thanks Cabby !

Now let's see. The wife's hair dryer is still in the garage from painting yesterday. Now the finger nail files will start to disappear.
"No honey........I haven't touched your nail file." :D

I will throw a picture on here when I get it done. You need to see the body that Tarveymoto and I painted up yesterday. Well, he painted and I just made sure the paint container was full.

I got him to paint a version of the xxx-s paint scheme. It is smokin!

[Backfire]

Originally posted by Slimboyfat
NEW JACK - have Losi just made arms in the new compound? or are there other bits too?

After the initial shipment of parts, there was a slight delay as Losi said they were testing/abusing the car to identify the problem. After a few days of that testing session, new arms were shipped with 'NEW' on the package. The design is exactly the same, so the only thing that could be new is the material used. That or it was a bad batch of plastic used in the first run of parts, and they are now using the initially intended material??? I don't really care what is 'NEW' as long as they fix the problem.

[New Jack]

Originally posted by Backfire
After the initial shipment of parts, there was a slight delay as Losi said they were testing/abusing the car to identify the problem. After a few days of that testing session, new arms were shipped with 'NEW' on the package. The design is exactly the same, so the only thing that could be new is the material used. That or it was a bad batch of plastic used in the first run of parts, and they are now using the initially intended material??? I don't really care what is 'NEW' as long as they fix the problem.

Backfire: I'm behind ya all the way on that one!!!!

Slimboyfat: As Backfire said it will have the Part number & also "New" on the tag or if you look close enough the arms will have a "1" or a "2" on them!!!!!

[tarvymoto]

Just buy graphite and get over it. :D

Igozooom , let's see a pic of that body...I forgot what it looks like:eek:

[igozoom]

Tarveymoto, I can't post a picture to this site to save my life. I took the pics but can't get them to load.

[cabbynate]

D'oh!!!!:)

Check out the XXX-4 "Back Bones" on this sight. They may help keep the shock tower's together.
http://home.attbi.com/~teamprp

[Dingus]

igozoom,

Your pix are probably too big. Edit the size and you should be fine. When you ge the error message it will tell you the max size.

d

[New Jack]

Originally posted by tarvymoto
Just buy graphite and get over it. :D

Igozooom , let's see a pic of that body...I forgot what it looks like:eek:

Graphite is not the answer either unfortunately!!!! They need to manufacture a whole new arm configuration!!!! HMMMMM, maybe a ladder-style like all the rest of the off-road vehicles, including the rear arms on the XXX-4!!!!;)

[tarvymoto]

Newjack , have you tried the graphite?

[NitroOwnsYou]

Ok at the track today we had plastic breakage all over the place! From what they owners said, was the arms that had the part # and NEW arent the redesigned ones. He is getting some in from Losi on thursday, so we will see the difference then. Graphite has been breaking along with the reg plastic also BTW one of the owners still hasnt broken a plastic A-Arm yet. Another point of interest was people are saying to me like crazy that the GT7 doesnt work in the xxx-4. Anyone else hear of this? I have run the gt7 for a few packs, and all was fine. Im not totally sure on that theory, but Ill update when I try mine out. I hope to be running mine this coming weekend.

-JR

[igozoom]

Nitro O.Y., can you elaborate on the comments you heard regarding the the GT-7. I have one coming in the mail today which I intend to install in my xxx-4. I need to know if there is a problem . Did you hear it first hand from someone, or, do you know a guy, that knows a guy, that dated a chick, that has her hair done at the mall where a lady works, who's son was watching Oprah, who had a show on GT-7's and their respective problems? :D

Not doubting you, sir.....just trying to pin down the issue. If I am going to have a problem, I would like to know now; however, don't want to be paranoid without a viable explanation.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[cabbynate]

Hey Zoomy!!!!
The GT-7 is a sweet speed control. End of story.
I can't see why is would not work in any car using 6 cells and a good receiver. If I get a new speedo I'm gonna to get one.
I have a friend that has one in his XXX and he loves it!!!!!:)

Though now that I think about it, he did say he needed to use 14 gauge wire with it. 12 gauge was to big. (Not a big deal.)

[igozoom]

That's all I needed to hear.

THe rest of my stuff should be here today. GT-7, Lunsfords, heat sink etc. I saved some cheese by using a JR 135 receiver as I had an extra one in my back up NT. I think that the few grams I would save using something smaller is not an issue except at the highest levels of comp.

Hoping I can test Wednesday night at the track to race Saturday.

Let's see, 10 x 2, with a guy who is used to driving nitro trucks, using a car prone to arm breakage, must = trip to LHS ! lol

Did you race last weekend ? I couldn't. Had to do the company party thing.

[cabbynate]

Zoomy,
Nope. We did not have enough people show up to race anything. :(
I did run two batteries and did not break a thing. I did put on the shock tower braces I was posting about though. I have a idea for a chassis brace that I think will stop the front bulk head problem all together. I will let you know as soon as I figure it all out. I have seen two chassis break in the same place and I think I have an easy solution to the problem.
Stay tuned........;)

[sixandeightstringer]

Another point of interest was people are saying to me like crazy that the GT7 doesnt work in the xxx-4.

It has something to do with the gross rotational velocity of the four larger wheels causing harmonic vibrations which are tuned to the unique chassis design; this vibration has a pseudo-electro-magnetic effect on the GT7 speed control (this effect is enhanced due to the unique interference-attracting orange color of the GT7), causing it to only work at 65% of power while depleting the batteries twice as fast.

Yes, it's true - the GT7 just doesn't work in the XXX-4.

[New Jack]

Originally posted by tarvymoto
Newjack , have you tried the graphite?

Tarvymoto: YES, I had put on two Graphite front arms & broke them both in the same place as the Stiffezel ones (on the inner hingepin) I was convinced that they would be better as well, those "New" arms feel brittle, but are more durable!?!?!?!?!:confused: :confused: :confused:

As for the GT7 debate, I put atleast 15-20 battery packs through mine (while being installed in my XXX-4) and have absolutely NO complaints (I "Shoe Gooed" my capacitor & on/off switch to the side of the box & all fits well & operates Superbly!!!!! A very SMOOTH Speed Control, Highly recommend!!!!!!:D

[psychofactor]

My point exactly. Both plastic and Graphite breaking on the inner hingpins. :confused: :( :confused: :(

LOSI NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE START SELLING THEM. I already know one guy that is fed up with it and has sold it.

[tarvymoto]

For those of you guys that are breaking alot of parts...are the tracks you are running on "part eaters" ? Are other cars and trucks breaking parts... or just XXX4's? Sometimes track layout and jump size has a direct impact on the # of parts breaking. I haven't broken anything YET( I'm sure it will happen) but our current track layout isn't as harsh as the old one.

[Dingus]

Cabby,

Someone has already beat you to the ounch on the tower braces and bulkhead brace.

http://home.attbi.com/~teamprp/xxx4.html

I just ordered a set last night even though my kit isn't here yet.

[Slimboyfat]

Originally posted by psychofactor
My point exactly. Both plastic and Graphite breaking on the inner hingpins. :confused: :( :confused: :(

LOSI NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE START SELLING THEM. I already know one guy that is fed up with it and has sold it.

Gotta agree with this. i have broke all my arms in the same place (inner hinge).

maybe this didn't happen on the xx-4 because of the bulkhead it had?? my thoughts are that the new fixings are the problem - with the alloy spacer in the middle of the arm.
if losi could design (or any one for that matter) a bulkhead instead of having the bits on it at the moment, then that could be the answer?

[cabbynate]

Dingus,
Yes I have the same set up. It is sweet but where the front bulkhead is breaking, the bulkhead brace may not help that much.
The tower back bones are sweet though and I e-mailed PRP and gave my input so we will see what they say.
I keep you all posted.:)

[Backfire]

Originally posted by tarvymoto
For those of you guys that are breaking alot of parts...are the tracks you are running on "part eaters" ? Are other cars and trucks breaking parts... or just XXX4's? Sometimes track layout and jump size has a direct impact on the # of parts breaking. I haven't broken anything YET( I'm sure it will happen) but our current track layout isn't as harsh as the old one.

I would not consider my track a parts-eater. Jumps are well built with good landing areas, corners are well built without many corners to hook an a-arm. There are the occasional impacts that would break any car, but for the most part it is only the xxx-4 that is failing. I have run my XXX for about 4 months, and have only broken one front carrier. That doesn't mean I never wreck, quite the opposite actually, but the XXX has held up great. And this includes alot of roll-overs and clipped corner pipes. We have a good number of newbies out there too with other Losi cars and breakage is pretty minimal.

[New Jack]

Dingus: That's cool, but if they really want to make some money, they need to make some Arms for the XXX-4!!!!

Tarvymoto: My local track isn't anything that any other car has any problems with, I was there all day friday & my buddy had his XXX & XXX-T & didn't break a single thing!!!! This car just has to have this one minor bug worked out & it will be fine, I will NOT be selling mine any time soon, if nothing else I will look into manufacturing some arms myself or find someone who has a better material!!!!!:D

[New Jack]

I still believe they should go with a ladder style arm & put more of a contact area on the hinge pin, make it solid if they have to, meaning no hinge pin visible, just a solid arm with holes drilled through it for the hinge pins!!!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Backfire]

Losi has a page concerning the 'NEW' a-arms and shock towers. It looks to confirm what I had been hearing, that it was a production issue rather than design. Only time will tell if they truly fixed the problem, or just applied a bandaid.

XXX-4 Updated Suspension Parts (http://www.teamlosi.com/techtips/xxx4_update.htm)

[igozoom]

Originally posted by sixandeightstringer
It has something to do with the gross rotational velocity of the four larger wheels causing harmonic vibrations which are tuned to the unique chassis design; this vibration has a pseudo-electro-magnetic effect on the GT7 speed control (this effect is enhanced due to the unique interference-attracting orange color of the GT7), causing it to only work at 65% of power while depleting the batteries twice as fast.

Yes, it's true - the GT7 just doesn't work in the XXX-4.

6-8 Have you been huffing CA again ?:D

I always listen to peoples comments, even if I elect not to "fall for the banana in the tailpipe".

Besides, everyone knows that by utilizing a quadra polymer sub- molecular paint, you can negate the the effects of the harmonic vibrations and pseudo-electro-magnetic field.

Glad Losi is fixing the A-arms so everyone can reach back and pull the underwear out of their respective cracks. Looking forward to discussing set up and arguing the merits of one way front diff.

[psychofactor]

The track I race on is very mild for what we usually have. The only cars that are breaking are XXX-4. XX-4, XXX, XXX-T, Rallies, Even the novice class has one break to every 15 of the xxx-4.

1 or 2 XXX-4 break out of 5, & out of 7 xx-4 in every heat. Maybe 1 xx-4 will break if they hit the wall at 10 feet doing 30mph. And that break is maybe once every couple of weeks. Other classes break even less.

I know that the 4wheeler class is a lot more fragile than any other class for whatever reason but, those odds above are just plain rediculous.

It's basically turning into an arm every heat for the xxx-4's . Makes them guys not even want to run the car. And when they do they have to be so careful and the thing still breaks. Not fun if you can't put it to the limits. Granted you will break parts but on occasion.

What I'm about to say is kinda funny but, not.
We were actually betting on what laps the xxx-4's would break an arm on.:confused: :eek:

[psychofactor]

O!! BTW, I think a Turbo Charged Flux Capacitor is what is needed for the GT-7 to work in the XXX-4!!:D :rolleyes: :p

[igozoom]

Can't hurt. I ordered a set.

[NitroOwnsYou]

The information for the GT7 was told directly to me from several XXX-4 owners. 2 were the shop/track owners, and 2 were racers. The problems were like a glitching effect where the ESC would just stop responding all together. The other equipment was swapped out to verify that it was the speed controller. Im not trying to stop people from buying the GT7, Im just seeing if others are running into this. BTW I own 2 GT7's, so Im as concerned of this situation as others are.

JR

[igozoom]

Nitro O.Y.

Nitro, personally I appreciate anything anyone hears.

Interestingly, I was told by a shop owner that he heard they were blowing up repeatedly, although he hadn't had a single phone call from a customer. He explained that he wasn't trying to talk me out of it, just felt compelled to bring it to my attention.

So, how do you like the GT-7 ? Are the pre programs decent ? Can you give us your opinion ? I know it's a little off topic for this particular thread, but I swear I can't take another person pissing and moaning about A arms.

Come on man,....spit it out ! :D

[tarvymoto]

I once broke 3 a-arms on the same lap:D

[NitroOwnsYou]

Well I didnt want to comment on it too much(not experienced with esc's), as Im transitioning from gas to electric(yup lectric newbie) for the winter, but I have not had one bit of trouble with it in my MF xxx-t. It does feel very smooth laying on the power, expecially iwith the 12x2 Ti. I havent played too much with the settings other than ran the mod motor setting (running reedy Ti 12x2). I would say that the best way to really test out a ESC would be on a high bite track in a tc. Only then I believe you would really see the difference in race worthy esc's. I only chose novak, cuz Ive used their recievers XXL, and now exclusively Xxtra's(still trying to grab up a Novak switch) so I decided to run the esc's from them also. The GT7 had the features I was looking for(programable when Im ready for it, no motor limit) also in an appropriate size also.

JR

[igozoom]

Tarvey, I was there when it happened. You only broke two arms and that was only because you fell out of the drivers stand !:D

Nitro, I too started in Gas. Still love my Drake. Had so much fun driving Tarvey's xxx-4 that I had to have one. My wife is just praying that no one let's me drive their 1/8th scale !

Thanks for the info.

[NitroOwnsYou]

ahh come on over here, and Ill let you drive every class except 1/12th and 235mm onroads =) Then your wife will kill you and me!

I started out with a RC10 GT, then went to in no particular order

OFNA:
NOB4 (have 2)
Hyper 7 Pro (have 2)
Monster Pirate (currently in hybrid stages)

TTR EK4

Tamiya Terra Crusher

Mugen:
MRX3
MST-1

Losi:
XXX-T MF
XXX-4
XXX-S in the mail =)

HPI:
Nitro RS4 MT
Micro RS4 (have 2)


When gas season opens up Ill be purchasing a Mugen MTX-3, and the new Mugen 1/8th buggy, and sell the ofna touring and buggy.

It should be interesting as to what the fiancee says to that. I always say hey this is better than hanging/talking to chicks, and then I get the permission! :D Now Im crying at the money tied up in this addiction. :(

JR

[psychofactor]

As far as teh Speed Control GT7 goes, there were a few bad ones that were released. afriend got one that smoked right out of the package. Send them back to Novak and the will fix or replace it.

ASa far as the glitching goes it isn't the car causing the problem it's a faulty ESC. Like I said a few were released with issues and Novak will fix the problem.

Many Racers at our track uses them in XXX-4 no problem.

It's a great ESC in any vehicle.

[igozoom]

I am staying away from you. Too many toys. Going tp your house can only lead to great financial duress !

[New Jack]

Originally posted by tarvymoto
I once broke 3 a-arms on the same lap:D



LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D

[igozoom]

Does anyone know of a store that has .6 threaeded shock bodies in stock? Everyone I have checked is out . Thanks in advance.

[tarvymoto]

Igo , did you try Superior?

[Slimboyfat]

has n e one had any trouble with glitches when using the original installation positions as per manual? i have tried both my recievers and crystals and i still have a glitch

to be more presise when i apply a little throttle the steering moves and the car responce is very erratic. yet as long as there is constant throttle the car is fine. it does it again though when i apply the brakes - the car steers when i brake and as soon as i try to correct it the car has what only i can describe as a delayed responce to my actions i.e. i brake, car shoots off, add throttle 1/2 a second later car responds.

i have had the same problem with the xx-4 on occations but not always but never in my full graphite xxx and the XXX-4 is all plastic. so is there a special trick to wire the car, position electrics etc or is it a case of its not n e thing but my equipment and i need new crystals, reciever etc?

cheers in advance

Matt

[cabbynate]

Igozoom,
Try www.greatlakeshobbies.com
You won't find a better price anywere!!!!!
They should have them. :)

[psychofactor]

slimboy have you tried a different motor. If the Com and brusheas are worn it will cause arcing and will cause noise. Also, you may a bad Capacitor on teh motor.

I would try that.

[Slimboyfat]

already tried that with a reedy Ti, Orion Chrome and a Fantom, and at the moment i have a brand new motor in. it is in perfect working order. i am wondering if it could be my speed control. it is an M'troniks pro digi max 2000 if you've heard of it? i can't remember whether i've had interference with my LRP V6 though???

any thoughts

Matt

[psychofactor]

ESC can absolutely cause that as well. Try swapping the ESC ou with anything just to see if the symptoms change.

[Slimboyfat]

just tried my V6 and exactly the same erratic responce - must be reciever or crystals or both?

[psychofactor]

You said you tried that already
Could be the servo try a different one.

[cabbynate]

slimboyfat,
It could be in the speedo. I have a Tekin G-10 that freaks out. I would be sitting in my start spot and it would glitch. If I ran it at a low constent speed, it would glitch. I put in a Novak Cyclone and it all went away........... It might be the speedo. If you have another one to switch out try that and see. If not try to use a friends. You may have to go through the process of elimination trying one thing at a time.

Good Luck!!!

Nate

PS,
Just seen your latest post. sounds like you will have to go through the process of elimination.:(

[Slimboyfat]

right i've just ordered a new set of crystals from my LHS. if that does not cure the problem, i'll buy a new receiver which I was planning to get n e way for my xxx. if that is not the problem it can only be the speedo's that i use......unless it is my sanwa exzes handset?

so far i have tried:

novak mercury receiver
sanwa receiver
705 and 785 40mhz crystal (got 665 on order now)

mtroniks pro digi speedo
LRP V6 speedo

reedy ti 11x2 motor
orion chrome 10x3 motor
fantom 10x2 motor


KO 1001 servo
KO 1012 servo

all combinations lead to the same result - glitches

psychofactor - just tried what you suggested same result

cabbynate - YES that is exactly what is happening, but both speedo's can't possibly glitchy can they? i mean i have used them in other cars and they were fine most of the time and when they wern't i was able to solve the problem.....but why in this car its all plastic??? and most of my gear (except receiver, crystals and handset) is brand new.

cheers

Matt :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Dingus]

Looks like you have eliminated most of the usual areas. Might be your transmitter. First, be sure the batteries are charged. Find a friend's if you can. What is the model? Does it use a module? Is it FM? I just don't recognize the model name.

Could it be the environment? You said you had similar problems with your xx4. Was it in the same area? Power lines, light poles, etc. Does the glitching occur at close range or far away or both?

It's definitely not the chassis, that's ridiculous to even think that, graphite or not.

What is your antenna routing? Are you using an internal or a straw?

Are your current crystals cracked or the prongs loose?

Any exposed wire, torn wire insulation?

[cabbynate]

Slimboyfat,
Dingus just reminded me!!!!!!!
Are you under florissant lights? If so, that could be it.

[sixandeightstringer]

Originally posted by Slimboyfat
.....unless it is my sanwa exzes handset?


Cool, another dual-sticker.... I have the Exzes too (27 band.) It's been flawless for me so far...

[Slimboyfat]

ok just as i was gettin fed up and tired i took all my electrics out of the car and turned on my radio and speedo. now nothing but the servo was left in the car. i revved the motor and there was NO erratic behavior the servo worked fine the motor, speedo, radio EVERYTHING was fine!

so that must mean that the intallation in the car is at fault as it is the only time n e thin goes wrong with the electrics.

what can be done though? i run my electrics as per manual so i am not sure how i should go about putting them in now?

just for the record i've got in the m'troniks speedo, mercury receiver, KO 1012 servo and my new motor.

matt

p.s dingus - it couldn't be where i am situated cos it was doin it both here at my house and 60 miles away at the race meeting. i checked the reciever wire and there was a small bare peice of wire showing, i have now sorted it out. my crystal sets both look fine to be honest. it was glitchin both near and far.

[cabbynate]

slimboyfat,
Might be some metal rubbing metal somewere. Are your front hing pins a little sloppy on the arms? If so, losen the set screw and push the hing pin all the way back and slide the hing pin retianer all the way forward and snug it down while pushing the hing pin in. This will take all the slop out. It may help?
:confused:

[sixandeightstringer]

The mercury receiver is metal shielded. Try putting an extra piece of servo tape between it and the chassis, or use a piece of servo tape, a spare scrap of lexan, and another piece of servo tape to isolate it from the chassis.

[psychofactor]

Make sure the Antenna isn't touching the chassis.

If you mount everythingand get the same problem i would have to go with teh TX. As you have swapped everything out numerous times. That is the only thing that hasn't changed.

[igozoom]

My new ride. Just got my motors, batteries and charger. Will be out testing A arms this weekend.:D Will send additional pictures as I install the rest of my tasty tidbits.

[tarvymoto]

that's the ULGIEST paint job I ever did see!!!:eek:

[cabbynate]

D'OH!!!!!
I think it looks pretty sweet. Did you get the link I put up for ya?
I got my one-way in today. When you put it in you have to make sure you grind down the CVD drive pin. They are way to long for the one-way.

[igozoom]

Cabby, don't fall for it. Tarveymoto is just mad at me.

He came over one day when I was working on my xxx-4. Since he was sitting there doing nothing, I handed him my xxx-4 body, a sharpie, some tape, an exacto and a picture of the xxx-s paint scheme and ask him to create something similar. He is extremely talented when creating paint schemes.

15 minutes later we got the airbrush going. Since there was complex shading in a bunch of places, Tarvey painted most of it. He liked the paint job so much, he wanted to take it home. Well it it came out incredible! There was NFW that he was leaving the house with my body. So, he's just mad that it's one of the sweetest bodies he has ever painted and it's on my car ! :D
The next one is going to really cost me big!

Tarv, you are the man ! I appreciate all your help. ;)

The xxx-4 I drove (Tarvs) had a one way in it. From what I have been told, it gives you way more steering and handles like a 2wd buggy when breaking in turns. If you are looking to have a buggy that acts like an F-14, you are about to have one.

From a different perspective, most of the guys at our track obtained additional steering by moving the bell crank to the rear position, and using a short ball stud in the forward servo mount hole on the bell crank. This, combined with the one-way diff may just make the xxx-4 very difficult to control for all but the most talented drivers.

Well, I have installed my heatsink, Lunsfords and a P 94 Francis 12 double. I am staying away from my 10 double until I can make it around the track once or twice without crashing. I also intend to select a very linear power curve set up on the gt-7.

Tonight the GT-7 goes in, build battery packs and I finalize set up. Should be able to test extensively this weekend. No racing as everyone is headed down to Ocala for the State Series race.

I will keep detailed notes while testing and pass them on. Please keep sharing your thoughts. I am hoping that this board gets hopping the xxx nt board.

I had a difficult time navigating the site as the search function wasn't working. I will call them today. Thanks.

[cabbynate]

Zommy,
That is the hardest site to get around on but you will really like the prices!!!!!:) http://www.greatlakeshobbies.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/cgi-local/smpagegen.exe?U+scstore+pbkg9668ff199019+-c+scstore.cfg+-C+R-C%20CAR%20PARTS%20AND%20ACC+-f+5000
Clink on this and it should take you right to the Lundsford/beginning Losi page.

I have not run the one-way yet but, it seems like it has more stearing on the living room floor!!! LOL.... :)
Good luck with your pratice runs. That Paint looks Sweet!!!!
Make surd you duck tape the inside where it will rub the chassis or you little gem won't stal pretty for long. On the flip side under normal circumstances that body should stay nice for a long time.
They don't hit the ground much when you roll over. Nothing like the trucks.

By the way, save that link in your favs. You are gonna love the prices. also look at the tires and wheels.
That's were I got my one-way=$39.99

[NitroOwnsYou]

That site doesnt list the oneway. Unless its somewhere else the pt # is missing.

JR

[cabbynate]

NitroOwnsYou.
You will need to call on the one-way. they have most of the new parts they just don't have the site up to date.

[NitroOwnsYou]

Actually I dont see any of the xxx-4 graphite stuff on there. :(

[NitroOwnsYou]

Roger that!

Thanks!

JR

[cabbynate]

No problem.;)

[NitroOwnsYou]

Anyone try out the rear 1 degree hub carrier yet?

[cabbynate]

I have them on mine. They give a little more rear traction and a little more stabilty on the long strights. All the team drivers use them. They should have come in the kit.

[Slimboyfat]

thanks for all your help guys i will do what you all said and hope for the best!! nuff sed

igozoom - nice paint gotta admit, i will try and get a picture of mine up on this site b4 the end of 2day, just one question though.... why have you only got threaded shock bodies on the rear? other than that sssssssswwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttt! !!


Matt:D :D :D

[Slimboyfat]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by psychofactor
[B]Make sure the Antenna isn't touching the chassis.


shall i wrap the antenna wire in tape then or shall i put servo tape on the chassis and stick it on that?

BTW this is definatly the last post on this!!!!!:D :D :D

[tarvymoto]

Cabby , you ain't kidding!!! Those are great prices. I might have to use them sometime.

[New Jack]

Slimboyfat: I had the EXACT same problem with my XXX-S, if the Antenna wire even comes close to the chassis at all, put some servo tape all along the wire (from the receiver all the way to the antenna pole, you can even stick the wire to it!!!!) It worked for me, hope it results in success for U too!!!!!:D :D :D

[cabbynate]

Tarvy,
You just can't beat the Losi parts and Pro-line tire & wheels prices. No matter how big the order shiping is $7.00. If you don't live in Ohio there's no tax!!!!!;)
If you order always click on backorder. If they don't have all the parts you ordered they will send them to you minus shiping charges. Shipping usually takes a week.

[Slimboyfat]

Originally posted by New Jack
Slimboyfat: I had the EXACT same problem with my XXX-S, if the Antenna wire even comes close to the chassis at all, put some servo tape all along the wire (from the receiver all the way to the antenna pole, you can even stick the wire to it!!!!) It worked for me, hope it results in success for U too!!!!!:D :D :D

YES!!!! WOOHOOOO its sorted! no more glitching! ive just come back from running it on a running track all 400m and no problem!

thanks to all that helped me sort it out, and for the record a simple thing like putting a piece of tape on the chassis has sorted it out!!!!

QUALITY

Matt :D :D :D

[igozoom]

Oh Yeah !!!!!

[igozoom]

I may just have to sleep with it !

[igozoom]

Well, poor Tarveymoto had to come over to the house tonight to show me, a nitro freak, how to do all this stuff. It is turning into one serious ride. I am running the Futaba 9402 steering servo, Novak GT-7 esc, Jr R 135 receiver and the tamest of the motors I purchased which is an Francis P-94 12x2. Batteries are Sanyo 3300v Race or Team Select. I ran Deans plugs as I don't compete at the highest level (I barely compete:) ) and prefer not to be soldering on batteries every heat.

Other goodies are threaded shock bodies ( Front ones just came in today Slimboy !), Lunsfords, Losi 1 degree rear hubs, MF heatsink, aluminum tidbits here and there, graphite towers, diff covers and the PRP Racing braces.

Shocks are standard set up, although the hot ticket at our track is to put 35 wt in the front.

This beast should go just fast enough for me to really crash it good !

The buggy would have looked like something out of Junkyard Wars if it wasn't for Tarveymoto. Make sure you thank those that take the time to help you.

Yeah I know Tarvey.......Losi Santa will bring you something for your kindness !:D :D

[tarvymoto]

Igo , your 4 is coming along very nicely...if you want to trade rides LMK:D .
Seriously it is looking sweet!!!

All that is left is the final ajustments: slipper, diffs , suspension fine tuning.

Saturday morning EARLY!!! it's time to get it DIALED so you can lay some smack down!!! I know if you have the the right car , you can bring it to the winners circle... but just keep in mind that if you beat me this weekend I may consider some sort of sabatage :D :D :D ...only kidding

[tarvymoto]

ohh yeah ... and tell "Losi Santa" I like red aluminum...haha:p

serioulsy though it's been fun being apart of you 4wd project.

[cabbynate]

Zoom-Man,
After Saturday your life as you know it my never be the same.
I though I could never ever, EVER want to run electric over nitro until now.

I went out today to the track to test out the one-way and PRP back bones and All I can say is my life will never be the same.
I won't put the NT up for sale but it has landed in second place.

I did manage to shatter one Graphite rear shock tower after flat landing a quad some were in the 10 times I jumped it. 6 feet of air and about 17 feet out. The reason I don't know when I broke it was the PRP brace held it together. :D
What can I say? Just thinking about running this thing gets me feelin warm and fuzzy inside!!!!!!!:p
Good luck Saturday!!!!!
L8

O-ya I all most forgot.
I put the composit diff in the back with Losi Aluminum bones and the Ti covers. It worked really well.:cool:

[igozoom]

I haven't got more than 3 laps on the xxx-4 and that was all it took to make a hard core nitro guy buy one. The buggy is incredibly responsive.

This project has been very confusing for me as I have had no electronics experience outside of Nitro. If it wasn't for Tarvey, I would have really made a mess of things. Thanks to him, I have one serious ride with no hack jobs.

With as much "yank" as a nitro vehicle has, the xxx-4's are turning faster lap times at our track. The three current track lap records are all held by the xxx-4's. They are turning 1 second faster lap timesand that includes 1/8th scales, comparing the same driver !

SO, how was the one way diff ? Did it give you more off power steering ? Feel more like a two wheel buggy in the turns ? How about the composite rear end ? Were you spooling up more quickly ? Aluminum CVDs ! What's wrong ? Buggy no longer fast enough to make you wet your pants ? hehehe

Nate, I think you got " after-market-part sickness" as bad as Tarvey and I :). While I am over the T. Nitride coated shock shafts as my Drake just eats the coating off of them far too quickly, those aluminum cvd's are calling my name !

17 foot Quads will eat shock towers every time if not landed perfectly. Our old track had a triple that threw trucks and bugs 8 feet off the ground and was at least 20 feet long. One guy bent a chassis on an Mugen 1/8th scale. Every weekend we were breaking shock towers and A arms like........well like a xxx-4 !lol
It was good to hear that the Bones held it together. Sounds like they could potentially prevent a DNF. Awesome.

I'll post a picture of the the completed buggy tonight. Hoping it stops raining to give the track time to dry a little. If it does, the track will be insanely fast. WoooooHooooo !

[cabbynate]

Zommy,
The one-way is the wat to go!!!!! It handles better than a 2wd buggy to me. Otherwise, It's all that you said.
Yea, I'm a hop-up junky:D .

I went with the Alu Losi bones in the rear. I have a set of Alu rear CVD's but I'm not a big fan of them. I also have a set of Alu CVD's for the front but they are a little short. They fit the XX-4.
Alu CVD's wear out really fast. I went through a pair of front one's on my XX-4 in 8 race days. The rears too. The Alu Losi bones are sweet!!!!! And they work better over the bumps.

The composit out drives will work better over the bumps too because you won't get that metal to metal lock up on power.

I hope your track dries out in time to race Saturday!!!!!
There is nothing like running YOUR own car. (you know what I mean)!!!!
Yes, the PRP brace would have prevented a DNF!!!!! You gotta love that!!!!!!!! :)
Rain, Rain go away!!!!!
We need a got **** race day!!!!!:eek:

[tarvymoto]

Cabby , are you using Losi's new Alum CVD kit - A9967 ? Are those out yet or are you using another part #. :D
Thanks

[jforkner]

I'm building my first R/C car (XXX4) and having difficulty fitting the ESC onto the chassis. It's a GT7 ESC and the main difficulty is placing the power capacitor---there just doesn't seem to be room for it. Also, is it better to have the solder tabs next to the motor or away from it?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Jack

[Slimboyfat]

jforkner - i haven't got a GT7 but the picture of igozoom's car uses one, look at the way he has installed his in the pic.

can n e body tell me which is stronger the new material for the arms/towers losi has just brought out or the graphite stuff? i need to get some spares in for the weekend and i'm not sure which to choose!

cheers

Matt

[cabbynate]

Tarvy,

No, I'm not using the Losi CVD's. I'm Using the Losi Alu "Dog Bones" in the rear. #A-9924.

Slimboyfat,

From what I have seen, the "New" plastic armes seem to be the strongest so far. They do flex more than the graphite, alot more.

[jforkner]

jforkner - i haven't got a GT7 but the picture of igozoom's car uses one, look at the way he has installed his in the pic.

Matt,

I studied the photo before I asked the question, but I can't see enough detail to see where and how the cap is attached. But thanks for the response.


Jack

[igozoom]

I will send you a bette picture when I get home tonight. Basically, we pulled the esc close to the frame, then set the cap on the frame right next to the chassis belt wall. FInally, we used double sided tape to attach switch to the top of the esc, recessing slightly so a crash can't turn you off. I get home about 6PM. I am on the east coast. Will hook you up tonight.

[New Jack]

jforkner: I put my GT7 in my XXX4 by putting the Solder tabs on the opposite side of the motor & I used Shoe Goo to stick the Capacitor & the On/Off switch to the receiver itself, mine fits fine like that & runs great!!!!! You can find Shoe Goo @ Wal-Mart in the Shoe Dept.:D :D :D

Slimboyfat: As far as I have experienced, I concur with Cabbynate as the Graphite arms break at the inner hinge pin just like the original plastic arms did, this new plastic does flex more & the only one I broke with the "New" compound broke in the middle of the arm, I do have to admit it was a pretty hard crash though as all the weight was on that wheel/arm as I came off of a jump side ways!!!!! I don't know if they have came up with a new compound for their Graphite yet!!!!!;) :D :D

[Slimboyfat]

cheers guys, if my LHS has them on sunday i'll fit the new parts straight away. i only have the original plastic parts on at the mo. somehow though i don't think they are available in the UK at the mo unless any one is the wiser?

[igozoom]

Hey J ! Did you get your esc installed ? Need a picture or little help?

Cabby, are you cutting the foams on your tires ? If so, any difference versus truck tires ? How about a little foam trim class ?

The xxx-4 is almost done. Still have a couple of minor glitches to work out....like NO STINKIN BRAKES ! :eek: My transmitter is set at 100%, yet I gots me no brakes. Reading the instructions on my NASA computer aka GT 7 now. I see a drag brake function, but no increased brake resistance.

Other than the fact that I am an idiot, anyone have any opinions ?

Survey says ?! :confused: New Jack, hook a brother up !

[jforkner]

New Jack,

I put my GT7 in my XXX4 by putting the Solder tabs on the opposite side of the motor & I used Shoe Goo to stick the Capacitor & the On/Off switch to the receiver itself

Thanks for the response, but I'm still confused---well I am a rookie. The wires on my capacitor will not reach to where the receiver will be mounted (between the motor and the servo). Did you extend the wires or do you mean you attached the capacitor and switch to the ESC (not the receiver)?

Thanks.

Jack

[igozoom]

Jack, hope this helps. Picture is blurred but I got as close as I could.

[jforkner]

igozoom,

ESC is not yet mounted. I was waiting on your photo. I guess I just cram everything in wherever I can.

If the wires from the ESC to the capacitor touch the motor, is that a problem?

Thanks. I appreciate the help.


Jack

[jforkner]

igozoom,

Thanks for the picture---that really helps. I see you stood the capacitor on end.

Again, if the wires from the ESC to the capacitor touch the motor, is that a problem?

Thanks for all the effort. I really appreciate it.


Jack

[igozoom]

Jack, I think he meant that he placed the cap on top of the esc.

If you look at the previous picture, I elected to mount the sold. tab towards the motor. This places the esc button on the front of the case, facing the rear of the buggy.

THe Cap can be mounted in the vertical position, trapped between the Belt Chassis Wall and the GT 7. You can carefully and slowly bend the cap connectors towards the rear of the cap, then also slide wire between cap and belt chassis wall. The cap is being held down by double sided sticky tape.

My switch is mounted on top of the esc slightly recessed in case Tarveymoto decides he wants to put an agressive pass on me or park me in a turn. :D . The switch is guarded from being moved during a crash.

Want me to try to move some wires and shoot another pic ?

[jforkner]

igo...

Nope. I think I can figure it out from here.

You've been extremely helpful. Gracias.


Jack

[igozoom]

Jack, the cap wires come out of the case and are in between wall and cap, then approach cap from rear of buggy. That is accomplished by SLOWLY and GENTLY bending the wires sticking out of the cap, across top, then down towards base.

Sorry for my piss poor communcation skills here. I guess that's why engineers draw pictures !

Send me an email with your phone number if you want to chat.

Don't worry about the help. So many people have helped me that I will never be able to repay them. Just trying to pass it on.

[tarvymoto]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by igozoom
[B]Jack,

My switch is mounted on top of the esc slightly recessed in case Tarveymoto decides he wants to put an agressive pass on me or park me in a turn. :D . The switch is guarded from being moved during a crash.

WE CAN TEST THAT PART OUT TOMMOROW:D :D :D

[cabbynate]

Igozoom,
I trim the insides of the foam that fits next to the rim. Do you have a tire balancer? If not, I would hightly recommend one.
With all that power your sportin you don't want any vibration from unbalanced tires.

[igozoom]

No, I don't have a tire balancer.....and my front right tire is wobbling badly !

Tarvey! Bring the tire balancer for testing tomorrow. And if you drive like Ray Charles, I don't wanna hear you whine about staying up late wrenching and had a few too many ! And don't get liquored up and buy one of everything from Stormer. Two of everything; however, will work ! See ya at 8 am.

It's gonna kill me to test tomorrow and leave the Drake at home. Feels like I'm cheating on my spouse !

[New Jack]

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's a pic of my XXX4!!!!!!!!

[tarvymoto]

Originally posted by igozoom
No,

Tarvey! Bring the tire balancer for testing tomorrow. And if you drive like Ray Charles, I don't wanna hear you whine about staying up late wrenching and had a few too many ! And don't get liquored up and buy one of everything from Stormer. Two of everything; however, will work ! See ya at 8 am.

It's gonna kill me to test tomorrow and leave the Drake at home. Feels like I'm cheating on my spouse !

IGO , I"LL BRING THE BALANCER... i DRIVE MORE LIKE STEVEY WONDER THAN RAY CHARLEs :cool: :cool: :cool: ...:D

and btw , I've SPENT my wad on set-up tonight not Stormer.

;) . I'm starting out tommorow with a little something like this: Front =silver springs-35wt & oneway
Rear = red springs-32.5wt ...most everything else is stock....I may put the rear tower camber link in the # 3 hole if the track is ruff.

See Ya at 8am!!!

[New Jack]

Jforkner: Yeah, I meant the ESC, Sorry man I had a Brain Fart (P.U.) Is everything mounted up & going good for ya now??? Looks like Ingzoom gave you alot of great advice!!!!:D :confused: :D

Ingzoom: Do U got Brakes yet?????:confused: :confused: :confused:

[igozoom]

That's one killer ride New Jack. I am awe inspired by the fact that you have the guts to paint your wing. You must never crash or flip your buggy ! lol

I still don't have any brakes. It's not my transmitter so it has to be my piss poor programming skills with the esc. Using the agro modified program (#3). I found the drag brake programming, and braking force curve, but nothing on full braking. Any ideas sir, or, should I just drive so well that I wont need brakes ? hehehe

Tarvey, red Springs in the back with 32.5 may be the sweet set up. The track will probably be exceptionally nasty today. If we can get the cars to do well today, they should be fantastic for racing with a groomed track.

[New Jack]

Igozoom: Man, it's hard for me to tell ya what's wrong with it; without actually seeing it or having it in hand as long as you're doing it by the book, you may want to take it to your LHS & see if they can assist you, you may have a defective one!!!! Not trying to bust on Novak:eek: though, I put mine in hit the button (setup) throttled it then pulled back for brake & it was set that easy!!!!:confused: :D :confused:

[Slimboyfat]

when you say you will run 35wt oil what pistons would you run?

i'm unlucky enough to be racin on a track thats more like the Macau track with concrete everywhere!

an you know i'm runnin plastic arms and towers! (unless my LHS turns up!)

[igozoom]

Slimboy, I left the stock pistons in, just slowed them down a little with the 35. Same springs and spacers.

Tarvey is running some Frankenstien Set Up. I think he is using 60 wt Canola in the front and 15 wt peanut oil in the rear.:)

Just got back from the track. Much of it was under water so we had to do some major draining and shoveling.

Finally got the brakes working although not quite to my liking. At least I have brakes now.

The car did fantastic, even in the mess we had. The 12 double was tame enough for me to hang on to, without crashing. Tarvey was runninga 10 double and he said the 12 was pulling great. Don't get me wrong....I crashed a bunch; however, it was attributed to poor driving versus too much motor.

The buggy was amazing. It was clearing a double out of a turn by a mile. The double is so close to the turn that my Drake only clears it half the time.

Tarvey and I got to go at it towards the end of the day. I think I stressed him out down the straights when I was yanking my buggy every which way. Just call me twitchy ! He had to keep stopping and waiting for me. I only got to "put it on him" once. The rest of the time I spent looking at his rear shock tower !

Cabbynate, I am not sure if I like it better than my Drake, but it is certainly a toss up.

We did find one flaw in the one-way diff. Tarvey had a hard time getting the front end heading where he wanted it in tight, nasty turns. He was so irritated that I thought for sure he was going to change both diffs at the track.

Running graphite everywhere and not a single broken A arm. Should have had two based on a couple of crashes. Must be luck !

Well, it will probably take me all week just to get my Buggy clean. It is all but mud-caked.

[cabbynate]

Igozoom,
It will take a few more runs at the track to make a good assament of prefferance. The XXX-4 works better on a dry, harder pack track. If you give it a chance you will be rewarded with the fastest car on the track by at least one lap. Welcome to the wonderful world of off-road Furmula 1 racing!!:)

New Jack,
Car looks sweet!!!!!

slimboy,
If you are still running on carpet you may want to at least try 35-40wt with stock pistons.

Tavrey,
on a damp rough track the one-way may have too much on power stearing. I is a one-way spool. booth front tires have power with no diff action. On a smooth slick/blue grove it works wonders. Also what tires are you guys running? The track sounds kind of rough and this car really dose not like rough tracks.

[Dingus]

Hey Igozoom.

Where is your track? I'm sure it's been raining a lot in other parts of the country, but your track conditions sound very similar to San Antonio, TX tracks'.

dennis

[igozoom]

Cabbynate. Do not kid yourself. The buggies were insane fast and that was with horrific track conditions. I can't imagine what happens when you get one on a smooth, high bite track. If the buggy wasn't handling well today because of the rough track, I can't imagine what it's true capabilities must be.

One of the biggest differences I noticed between the xxx-4 and my Drake ( yes I took it with me. I am such a Nitro Ho ) was that the gas truck can be pushed, stuffed, and yanked all over. The xxx-4 is purely responsive to driver input. If you yank, you crash. Every time I got out of whack today was caused by me. I know that sounds stupid, but literally if I turned an 1/8 th inch too much and caught a pipe or spun out, I knew exactly what went wrong. The easiest way I can describe it is that you really "feel" the car. Guess that's why many of the faster off-roaders in town love buggies. THey do exactly what you tell em too. I guess I told mine to crash a lot today !

As crazy as it sounds, I love that the buggy is crazy responsive. Now that my driving skills are improving, I want to hone them with a vehicle that responds 100% to what you tell it to do.

Dingus, our off road track, currently a mud bog/tractor pull track, is located in Jacksonville, Florida. We got the same nasty weather you did down in Tejas.

[New Jack]

Igozoom: Good to hear you have SOME brakes atleast, I saw your car on the other post SWEEEEEET!!!

Let's see some more guys, sorry it took me so long to post mine, I don't have a digital camera I had my buddy snap some shots of mine last night!!!!! More pics pleaz!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D

[Dingus]

I have found that off road (2wd) teaches throttle control and sedan racing teaches steering input. I'm hoping 4wd buggy will be the best of both worlds.

If you really want to learn to steer, try 1/12th stock on carpet. Just keep the throttle pegged and react fast!

dennis

[tarvymoto]

As muddy as the track was today , we still had a blast. The stiffer springs that I tried ... combined with the one-way resulted in too much steering and a not so balanced feel over the jumps. I changed back to stock springs and the car felt much better. I love how the oney-way works in some of the 180 degree turns but I think over all the the cars feels more hooked up with 2 diffs.
Cabby , I've had alot of expirience with oneways in TC's and the XX4 and on a high grip track they are the way to go.

I drove Igo's car and it was Dialed!!!

Cabby we were using Ifmar studs front and rear on a very soggy orange clay track. Under normal conditions the track is a combo of blue groove and slighty loose clay. Ifmar pins work well also. In general the track has a lot of grip...we usually water it because it's outside and with our wheather the groove gets washed away when it rains.

This car will make an electric freek out of Igo. Just wait till he straps into a 10x2 P94 or his 12x1 D5.

The 12x2 he was running today was PULLING on the strait and gave him plenty of squirt to hit the "LONG" double jump. But it was still very hooked up when you'd grab a hand full of throttle dur to a nice slipper setting.

[cabbynate]

Igo,
I feel exactly the way you do about the differance between the two. (NT/XXX-4) I loved my NT because you did not need to be a surgeon to drive it. You kind of worked it around the track and small mistakes went unnoticed (pretty much).
With the XXX-4, you have to be on top of your game or ealse.......
But when you get there (and you will) you will be amazed what you can do with this car. Feeling kind of like Leanardo Dcapreio in Titanic when he was standing on the railing on the front of the ship and said, "I'm on the top of the world" because at that point there will be no other type car on the track that you won't be able to "work". :eek:

tavrvy,
You already know what I mean.:)
I see your point about the one-way. The nice thing about the XXX-4 is you can change the front diff out in about 12 min.
(You gotta love that!!!!)

[psychofactor]

4wd is the way to go.. The best class around now they just need to make some front arms so peeps can finish the races;)

[NitroOwnsYou]

igozoom,

Since your a gas ho like myself, you really got to try 1/8th buggy, and then you will sit that 3x-4 on the shelf. I hope to be ordering the new Mugen buggy when its released this spring. Those buggy's haul, and handle anything you throw at them. Im just doing this till winter is over and the snow is gone. Then its back ot gas!

JR

[AllenJO]

Just got my XXX4 kit. I'm going to put a 14T double in it and am looking for suggestions on what pinion gear (# of teeth) I should use.

Also, we have a 19T Spec class at our track and would appreciate suggestions here, too.

Looked through the entire manual and didn't see any tables on suggested pinion setups. Thanks in advance.

[cabbynate]

Allen,
Look at page 2.;)

[NitroOwnsYou]

Yup the manual goes through almost all possible winds, but maybe you should ask around at the track you run at. Soo many variables to go over for the best gearing. Even different motors (same brand) can be different as to how you have to gear them.

Heres the online manual link http://www.teamlosi.com/pdfs/XXX4/Intro.pdf

JR

[igozoom]

Nitro, interesting that you brought that up. Prior to purchasing the xxx-4, it was a dead heat between an 1/8 th scale and the Losi. With so many racers at our club with the 4 ( I think we are up to 9 or 10), I elected to go this way. Also important to note that the xxx-4 is turning faster lap times at our track than the 1/8th buggies by one full second. Trust me, we have some very fast 1/8th scale guys.

Now don't get me wrong, I still love my Drake. I laugh like a 5 year old kid every time I drive it. I was whooping and hollering yesterday while driving. I love the fact that I can point it at a jump and pin it without fear of serious consequences. God Bless the trucks that make noise !

The xxx-4 does not tolerate being pushed here and thrown there. You have to treat it with respect or pay. I suspect that xxx-4 will make me a much better driver over time. Those new-found driving skills will carry over to the Drake. Dingus said it best. The xxx-4 teaches steering input and throttle control.

Just so you know, my next kit will be an 1/8th buggy. I am going with the 9.5 Pro and the V01B motor.

For now, I shall continue my Losi Jedi Master training with the xxx-4. :p

[igozoom]

AllenJO, 14 double equals 22 pinion on a xxx4, as long as you haven't changed the spur gear.

As stated on a previous post, that's just a starting point. Many people are running up to a 2 tooth difference at our track. Gear ratios will vary by track as well as the individual power characteristics of a motor.

Start with a 22. If you think you want more yank out of turns, drop down to a 21. If you want more top end speed, move to a 23.

There is one huge caveat to straying from recommended gear ratios. You have to keep a very close eye on motor and battery temp. The object is to get the most out of your buggy through your motor, while allowing the motor to operate as close to it's peak efficiency as possible.

There is one other way to tune the powerband to really get what you want, in conjunction with gearing. I don't want to mention any names, but there is SOMEONE who posts on this board regularly that owns about 15-20 motors. Mostly P 94's and D-5's.
While people regularly argue the accuracy of the dyno stickers on motors, they can be used as a tool when comparing readings between motors of the same type built by the same manufacturer. P 94's are great for this as they give RPM, Torque, and power ratings.

Anyway, the PERSON I was referring to selects motors based on these numbers. As an example, he may have three 10 doubles. Motor # 1 may have a high RPM number, while Motor # 2 has 3000 less RPM, yet the torque measurement is 10 points higher. Motor # 2 pulls like a tractor while Motor # 1 would be used for a larger open track. THis inconjunction with selecting number of winds for a motor, can really let you pin point your dream powerband.

Hope this helps. Much of this is still new to me. I am not anywhere close to being an expert on this, so keep reading !

Anyone else have anything to add ?

[cabbynate]

Not I.:)
I'd say you covered it.

[Slimboyfat]

couldn't get out of bed to go racing 2day.

got back from a night out at about 4am to be up by 7am - don't think so. (too many flamin' sambucca's - literally!).

plus when i woke up i was still 'merry' and it was rainin. that is not good when ur racing outdoors on astroturf!

oh well i spose ive saved money for new parts over christmas - especially plenty of more nights out and loads of the NEW losi parts :D

[NitroOwnsYou]

Igo,
Although the 9.5 is a good buggy, you might want to look elsewhere. I was a big OFNA fan as I stated what I owned(I think there was 5 OFNA's), the durability isnt there like the mugens, and the 7.5's. Most of the racers run those or the storm(not a fan of), or the Hyper 7. I dont know why, but some guys really like the hyper 7. Its a tank, but IMO just has too much slop in the suspention to really hold a good setup. Also another thing that lacks is company support. That bums me out big time. but for the 7.5 or XR works, theres tons of setup advice, and parts availablity will always be there. Just some points of interest to maybe consider before you totally set your mind to the 9.5. Im not knocking the 9.5, cuz it is capable, and I almost bought one, but most of the OFNA team guys run the Hyper, so that discouraged me a bit so I stuck to my H7 Pro. Im moving twards the Mugens, due to thier excelent quality, and build. My mugens are a force to be reckoned with! :D

[New Jack]

Igozoom: Man, You can't go wrong with an MP 7.5, that's what I have it rocks, you hear all these guys talkin' about there Hyped up engines C7, S6, whatever, whatever, I still use the O.S. RZ-V99b & still put it on them!!!!!! O.S. All the way!!!!!!!:D :D :D I also run a O.S. 12CV-R in my XXX-NT........SMOKIN'!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D

[Slimboyfat]

just found out also relating to my last post, that after round one the meeting was called off due to the weather.

unfortunatly a lot of friends I know blew speedos, 2 in the XXX4 and one in a yokomo i believe and had other mishaps so all in all a bad day to go racing outdoors in these parts.

[NitroOwnsYou]

New Jack, please dont turn this into a product A is better than product B. That what I was trying to avoid. Any buggy and engine is very capable, but I wouldnt go as far as saying that O.S. is the only motor to buy. Get your hands on a Nova based mill, and then you will know why people search out for them. Yes I think the C4 or 5 is too much, but the RB WS7 or S7 cant be beat for 1/8th buggy IMO.

:D
JR

[Dingus]

Wait, I thought this was a XXX-4 thread?

In that case, check out my Mugen auctions on eBay. Works parts!

Search by seller: dmong2 or just search for Mugen, mine end on Tuesday night and there are still some great deals.

dennis

[NitroOwnsYou]

Well I guess you didnt want that XR Dingus! Either that, or reap the profit of parting out the kit. :D

JR

[Dingus]

Either way, these parts are going to get difficult to find when (if ever) the new kit hits.

dennis

[therealdanimal]

This is the funnest car I've ever driven, and I didn't break anything! However, I let the regular fast guy drive it for a couple laps and he managed to break the left front arm! Oh well, it was a good excuse to put some graphite on it. So I fixed it, TQ'd with it, and beat him(he has a XX-4WE). Everybody told me it was screamin' fast but I thought it was slow as snot with a 12x2, so I'm gonna stick a 10x2 in the sled and fly around that track! Can't wait 'til next saturday!

[AllenJO]

Cabbynate,

Thanks. Looked thru the entire manual twice and didn't see it. Didn't expect to find it in the preface (page "ii" actually); I was looking at the back of the manual re "setup tips", etc.

Igozoom,

Thanks for the informed response. Pinion gearing is a little higher than with my B3 but I'd expect that with 4WD.

[NitroOwnsYou]

He has a AE B3........

Oh no he joined the DARK SIDE! :D

JR

[tarvymoto]

.

[New Jack]

Therealdanimal: Yeah, with a 10x2 in my XXX4 that Sucka screams like a teen in heat!!!!:D :D :D Pretty fast & very reliable in the short shoots as well as the long straights!!!! Moves like an MP 7.5 with an O.S. 21!!!!!! J/K NitroOwnsYou, just seeing if you would catch that or not!!!!!! Yeah, Nitro Owns Me as well!!!!:D :D :D

[NitroOwnsYou]

Oh so your 1/8th buggy is that slow..... :D j/k!

JR

[cabbynate]

I raced my XXX-4 last night and I tried a match pack of 2 year old but well taken care of 1700's. I strapped in an 11x2 D4 just to see if it would make runtime in a 5min heat. Well not only did it make run time but it had punch for days!!!!! At the end of the race I could still clear the triple with ease!!!! I have some good SMH's race packs but they don't come close to the power you get from those 1700's. After the 1700's I tried 2000's and 2400's and they all had more punch than my SMH 3000's. Now I'm comparing the the ni-cad's with SMH cell with numbes like 1.148 avg/v and ir's like 18. Those are pretty good numbers.

I'm afraide to try the new gp3300's cause if they don't have the power of my old nicads, I gonna get all bent out of shape!!! :mad:

Has run the new gp3300's? I here they are the shizzle but I have not tried them yet.

[T3_Bashing]

Hey is anyone running there XXX-4 against a Schumacher cat 3000? Can the Schumacher keep up with the Losi? Thanks

[New Jack]

NitroOwnsYou: Yeah Right, You know as well as I do, it's all about the driver in Nitro!!!!! I could prolly beat most people running a .21 with an .18 or a hyped up .15!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!:D :D :D

Cabbynate: My buddy bought two of them that didn't even have all that great of numbers & he seems to think they are off the Heezie Fasheezie!!!!!!! He said he has all kindsa torque/punch & not to mention added run time!!!!!:D :D :D

T3_Bashing: Have never even seen a Cat 3000 @ any track I've ever been to!!!!:confused: :eek: :confused:

[rizzod]

cabby: i have a set of the gp3300's. they are matched and in the area of 1.169v discharged at 30amps. and they simply rock my XXX-4's world. i charge them at 5 amps. i run a reedy ti 11x2 and let's just say i can run a full 5 minute heat and then practice for another 5 minutes before they dump.

therealdanimal:
This is the funnest car I've ever driven
^I would have to say.......AMEN!!

[cabbynate]

Rizzod,
1.169 at 30 amp discharge!!!!
Good good man!!!!!!:)
Do you know the ir's?
Hell, it really don't matter with that kinda voltage.
(He must have came out the pocket for those!!!) Do you know who matched them?

New jack,
Do you know who matched them?

[igozoom]

Cabby, first, I have only used Sano cells from Trinity and SMC. In addition, I think I ran some Panasonic 2400's a while ago.

I have stuck with Sanyo's as I have heard a number of reliable tales regarding inconsistency with GP's. Unless you have a good connection that will do some digging, or can dig through a number of packs and choose your pack, you may want to give it some thought prior to plunking your hard earned cheese on a set.

In addition, I have heard, but have not experienced personally, that GP's can be finicky in the heat. Not sure if this is necessarily true. I can tell you that there is a guy we race with that swears by them. Please also note that the only race packs he sells at his shop are GP's. Not sure if that speaks to the quality of GP's or their respective profit margin !

I hate people who start rumors so here is the deal. I will buy one of GP's top of the line packs. I need it anyway. I will run them next to the 3300 Trinity Team Selects, 3300 Trinity Race Select, and 3300 SMC Team's. We can do a comparison. I am am not too terribly concerned. If it turns out to be a crappy pack, I will use it for practice.

I should be able to record some charging info as well via my Reedy Quasar Pro. Give me about two weeks and I should have an early opinion.

[cabbynate]

I know the gp cell are cheaper than the Sanyo's and Panasonic's.
I here good and things about them out here. I don't think you can go wrong with a good pack.
But yes, please let me know what you find out.
I have 6 matched packs of Panasonic SMH cells and they just don't have the power of my old nicads.:(
But anyway, let us know your findings.;)

[rizzod]

cabby: uhhhh.....oops, retard moment. sorry to get your hopes up like that, but my gp3300's were actually discharged at 20 amp and gave 1.169v. lol, i was gonna scan them so i could show you and i noticed this pack was done at 20 amps.:confused: and i didn't wanna start any rumors or anything.

[tarvymoto]

GP's vs HV's

rizzod , what are they at 30amps?

I've had great luck with Sanyo HV's and they seem to stay good alot longer than the Panosonics I've had. Ofcourse I didn't have my turbo 35 when I first got the Pano's so I think that was a factor.

More recently I've herd that the GP's are having some good numbers.

I think that if you get the best cells (Pano's , HV's , GP's) that you can get a hold with the best #'s you can find...you will be in great shape. Then you just have to take car of them(ie..don't roast them...and you do need to store them with some charge).

[cabbynate]

rizzod,
Who matched them? 1.169 is still not bad at 20 amps.
Would have been Better than the factory guys packs at 30 though. If you can, please post a pic.
Thanks

[rizzod]

These cells were matched by B & T. Paid $56 for them at the lhs.
http://www.dnfenterprise.com/rob/batt.jpg

[tarvymoto]

.:)

[New Jack]

Cabbynate: My buddies 3300's were matched by B & T Cells also!!!! He swears by them, I may have to try some out myself (for $56. you can't go wrong, like Igozoom said if it turns out to be crap I'll use it for a Practice pack)!!!!!:D

[cabbynate]

The only problam I have with nihm cells is all the ones I have lose run time and voltage after a few months. My nicad's get better and better. If you want to try something go to www.promatchracing.com and try a pack of there 1700's
They only cost $25.00 and compare them to any packs you have.
They will have less runtime but punch like Mike Tyson(Well,use to have:D).
They also have some great prices on all the other cells too.

rizzod,
Those # look good for 20 ampers. The ir's are low,low,low.
Good pack.

New Jack,
The only problem with pratice packs are if they have less power, when you run your race packs you have to get use to the extra power they put out.
(Well I do anyway:( )

[New Jack]

Cabbynate: Yeah, I hear ya!!!!:D I've tried to get batteries off of ProMatch for along time now, all their Team Cells are always Out of Stock!!!!!!!!!:( :mad: :(

[rizzod]

okay guys i have a problem.....i keep breaking batteries in my XXX-4. i build all my packs side by side for added cooling. and i do put the battery strap with the teeth down to grab each cell but...
http://www.dnfenterprise.com/rob/brokebatt.jpg
this is the fourth time it's happened. the first 3 times the solder joints broke, this time the battery bar snapped. my guess is it is happening off of the quad at our track, a good 18 feet long, when i overshoot and case it into the face of the next jump. during my run everything will be fine and all of a sudden the car just dies. then when i check it over i notice the battery has come apart.:confused: just wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

[cabbynate]

rizzod,
Just shoe-goo the cells together after you build them.
That will end that problem.:)

[rizzod]

cabby, that is good advice and might help but won't it just rip the shrink. that is an awful lot of force to break a metal battery bar like that. the cells are clamped in place with quite a lot of force, i really have to push down hard on the battery strap just to put the body clips in. so i don't understand how they can move enough to break a battery bar.

[Clod_Killer]

That would help, but it would rip the shoe goo apart. You would have to see it to believe it. That pack he posted a pic of above, the 3300's, ripped apart, the pack was half out of the car, and the battery strap was all bowed out. Its not just a shoe goo problem, trust me on that. I have never seen a car do that with a battery before, and its happened more then once. Only thing I can figure is the chassis is flexing that bad when he cases the jumps.

[New Jack]

Rizzod: I've NEVER seen anything like that & I used to jump my buggy off of 7 ft. tall embankments & not have anything like that ever happen, I'm with Cabbynate as I always use Shoe-Goo, but that does look quite serious, I jump my XXX4 over a big triple & it lands pretty hard, but nothing like you've got there!?!?!?!? Maybe try a thicker weight shock oil, I really don't know!!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused:

[rizzod]

newjack, just a thought-what are you using as a battery strap on your XXX-4? btw, when u say u land hard off of your triple, do you hear that nasty-hear it 3 buildings away-sound of the chassis brutally slapping the blue groove?

[igozoom]

Maybe a combo of Shoe Goo and the Matt Francis aluminum battery strap and pins? 20.00 potential fix. Battery bar would aid in eliminating flex. Or, continued flex could cause pin failure by cracking chassis. Ooooh, I get chicken skin just thinking about the carnage. :eek:

....or maybe you just quit jumping the house ? :D:D

That's got to be pretty violent. I am inclined to concur with chassis flex. If it was a pure impact issue, I would think that rims would be tweeked as well. We used to have a giant triple at our track that threw my Drake 8 feet off of the ground. When I over jumped it, it would destroy rims...... and other expensive tidbits.

Just guessing here, guys.

[cabbynate]

I think the shoe-goo and a fake cell in the 7 cell spot should do the trick. I had one of my packs do that but it was not glued.
Dragon racing makes a fake sub-c cell to take up the extra space and keep everything tight. Also remember battery bars are not that strong.

[New Jack]

Rizzod: Yeah, that's pretty much the sound it makes (Blue Groove Belly Smacker), this is just me & it's strictly personal preference, but I run my battery pack all the way up leaving the back of the battery slot open, as far as what battery strap, I just use the stock one for now!!!! I'm like everbody else here, I'm scratchin' my head at this problem, the only problem I've come across so far is the one everybody has with it (Brittle Front Arms)
:confused: :rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes:

[Clod_Killer]

I thought about the extra cell as well. Probably cut a piece of PVC to use as a fake cell, and see what happens. Funny thing is he is still on his first set of front arms and towers. Hasn't snapped one yet, and it has taken some crash landings lol. :D

[LouisB]

What about putting a very short link wire to make a saddle pack? That would allow the pack to give without all of the force being transfered to the battery bars. I had the full side by side pack in my XXX-S and broke a couple of solder joints in very hard crashes (I don't think it was bad soldering) but when i had to change my packs to 3 and 3 I never had anymore problems.
Just an idea, might help

[kinglosiracer]

i just wanted to ask if it would be a good choice to buy a xxx-4 even though nobody races 4wd around where i live

[igozoom]

I was minding my own business, driving my a$$ off, when all of the sudden......

[XXXER]

Originally posted by therealdanimal
This is the funnest car I've ever driven, and I didn't break anything! However, I let the regular fast guy drive it for a couple laps and he managed to break the left front arm! Oh well, it was a good excuse to put some graphite on it. So I fixed it, TQ'd with it, and beat him(he has a XX-4WE). Everybody told me it was screamin' fast but I thought it was slow as snot with a 12x2, so I'm gonna stick a 10x2 in the sled and fly around that track! Can't wait 'til next saturday!

Word up Dan! Bringin' on the PAIIIN! It is about time that you have stumbled onto this site. I see you are still kicking it real iwth the toy cars. Me too, but I have been saving up for my Nitro TC3, soooo, I have been strapped for moo-lah, and I have not been racing for ages. The B3 stares at me at night, longing for me to light up the tires. oh well.

BTW, this is STEVE, if you have not notice yet, you dork. (Just kidding on the Dork part)

Later

-Steve

[AllenJO]

Placed an order for the XXX4 with Horizon Hobby back in mid-November. It was out of stock and I was advised that it wouldn't ship until December 9th. I assumed the reason was that Losi had halted shipments while it investigated the rash of broken shock towers and a-arms and worked on a fix.

Well, the car arrived on December 9th. On the 13th I saw Losi's advisory about the new parts and how to identify them; I checked the parts in my not-yet-assembled kit and found that it had the old parts. I emailed Losi with a polite complaint and asked that they make things right. Within 12 hours I received a reply from Horizon Hobby stating that they would ship me a replacement set of the "new" parts at no charge. I compliment Horizon Hobby and Losi for doing the right thing!

In an earlier post I mentioned that I also owned a B3 and another poster commented that I'd "gone over to the Dark Side." Perhaps like Darth Vader at the end of "Return of the Jedi", I, too, finally saw the light -- after all, I did just purchase a XXX4.

[NitroOwnsYou]

Yup Dark side! :D hehehe!

Have fun with it! They absolutely rock.

-JR

[tarvymoto]

Originally posted by igozoom
I was minding my own business, driving my a$$ off, when all of the sudden......


Minding your own business ehhh? I believe the "driving your a$$ off" and "all of a sudden" parts of your story ...but minding your own business....does that mean that someone "got into you" and you are just being a good sport about it? Inquiring minds want to know:D
How was the car handling otherwise?:cool:
And how many packs did you get in before the ...uhh hmmm..breakage:eek:

[rizzod]

kinglosiracer: the XXX-4 is a total blast to drive, but...i would say it is strictly a racer. it requires a lot of maintanence to keep it in shape. i love driving it, but i think it would get old fast with no competition.


Picture time, sorry about the quality but it's all i could get my hands on:
http://www.dnfenterprise.com/rob/xxx42.jpg
http://www.dnfenterprise.com/rob/xxx41.jpg
Yeah, and like clod_killer was saying.....i still have the original "bad" arms and towers on it and have yet to hurt either of them. and get this, i bent a front shock tower suspension screw and it didn't even break the tower:confused: you really have to respect this vehicle's awesome power otherwise you WILL break things. i get very anxious with it, how many times my buddy has told me while im up on the stand racing "slow down, take it easy, you won't finish if it's broke!!" then i back off and i can actually finish the heats. and a word of advice to new owners, don't paint the wing--the track i race on is littered with orange flakes from mine:D keep 'em flyin

[igozoom]

Tarvey, since you know the track, I flipped on the last hump bfore turning on to the straight. THat's one of the slowest parts of the track.

No one got into me. I did manage to put it on Bobby twice, taking his inside line. He still whoops my a$$ because he is getting to be as smooth as AJ. If he makes a mistake, he just chases you back down. He was probably sandbagging to make me feel good. hehehe

Also cooked a spur.

I got through 4 packs. THen ran one more pack using the stock tower, at which time the spur elected to pee the bed. It was my fault. Had nothing to do with the spur.

The car was absolutely awesome. I need just a scosh more steering. Moving the servo back and the connecting rod to the forward position.

I do love this buggy. What a blast. I can honestly say that I only thought about the Drake once last night. sniff,sniff


Everyone asked about you last night. I told them you were on temporary, self imposed, RC restriction.:D

I see a stock truck in my future.

[cabbynate]

That sucks about the rear brace. On the flip side, you should put it in an envelope and send it back to prp. I'm sure they would send you a new one. No questions asked.:)

Also, as the Graphite breaks, replace it with the new plastic. It holds up much better.

And if you need just a little more stearing and you went with the 10dg kick up, go with the 7.5 front block. Now that you have the hang of the car you can start to tune it for performance.

Stock truck is a fav class of mine when you are racing with fast guys and gals and not the just bumped up from novice.

[jforkner]

Well, the car arrived on December 9th. On the 13th I saw Losi's advisory about the new parts and how to identify them; I checked the parts in my not-yet-assembled kit and found that it had the old parts. I emailed Losi with a polite complaint and asked that they make things right. Within 12 hours I received a reply from Horizon Hobby stating that they would ship me a replacement set of the "new" parts at no charge. I compliment Horizon Hobby and Losi for doing the right thing!

AllenJO,

Have you got your parts yet?

I, too, purchased a XXX4 kit (from Stormer) that had the old parts. And like you, contacted Losi (by phone) after seeing their advisory. They promised to mail the new parts to me if I mailed in the old. I mailed them to their Ontario, CA address, and then discovered (from their Web site) they wanted packages sent to their Chino, CA address. Anyway I called Losi to see if there would be a problem, and they said they'd mail the parts to me right away. That was December 12th. Still no parts (old or new), so I can't complete the car.

Yesterday I called Losi again and they had no idea why my replacement parts had not arrived, but would send another set. They also stated they were in the process on moving, so things were in some disarray.

This does not speak well for Team Losi in my eyes.


Jack

[NitroOwnsYou]

Originally posted by jforkner
This does not speak well for Team Losi in my eyes.


Jack

Cut them a bit of slack. They found a fault they they publicly admitted to very quickly, are trying to fix that problem asap, and also they are moving. Thats alot to take on expecially around Xmas. They will come around. Some companies however dont, or take 5 years to, i.e. TTR with the EK4.

JR

[cartmen34]

I've heard some disturbing news. From what I understand, the new arms aren't working very well. I talked directly to a guy who raced at the Nats in Minnesota recently. He said that there were several guys who installed the "New" front arms, and they broke just as much. He said that now, instead of breaking at the inner hinge pin, they are breaking at the shock mount. He said he personally inspected some arms that clearly had the 1 and 2 stamped on them that had broke.

Has anyone else seen or experienced this?

[New Jack]

I'm Siding with NitroOwnsYou on this one, Losi HAS admitted there is a problem with the old material & they INDEED are moving, but I have broke several old original arms & even some of the Graphite & all of them broke @ the point of the Inner Hinge Pin, they have now since produced the NEW material arms & are a Vast improvement, I broke one of the NEW ones as well, but would have broken it no matter what material it would have been & it broke in the center of the arm, not @ the point of any holes ala Hinge pin, Shock mount hole, or etc. I think they will develop a new Graphite arm & every thing will be Peachy!!!!! This car IS Awesome, it just needs to have the small things worked out, I am backing Losi 110%, I believe they will find a Solution to all problems, the XX4 had front bulkhead problems when it first came out & they fixed that, they WILL fix this too!!!!!!:D ;) :D

[igozoom]

Cabby......OK. 7.5 in the back. I am on it.

Ben at PRP was awesome. Offered to send me a new brace at no charge. I asked him to send me two rear braces and I would send him some cheese via Paypal.

While it did not appear that I hit very hard, it had to be done with enough force to break both break the tower, then place duress on the brace. I hope you don't think I was inferring that the PRP product was not worth it. I still believe in it and intend to continue running them.

You have to respect Ben at PRP. He identified an opportunity and ran with it. Further,based on his posts at other boards, it appears that he is doing it more for the racing community than for profit.

From a corporate perspective, I too have to support Team Losi. They did admit there was an issue and are working to correct the problem. This speaks volumes about management there. Think about their financial exposure. Think about all of the yahoo's that will blame Losi and capitalize on their production misfortune by pissing and moaning about broken A arms after jumping picnic tables with their xxx4. Losi knowingly accepted the additional and inappropriate financial risk to do right by the public.

Personally, I would rather spend my disposable income with a company who embraces these types of business ethics.

Going back to my brace breakage above. PRP offered to send me a new one at no charge. I could have accepted their kind offer and taken advantage of the vendor. I can't in good conscience do that as I know I was pushing the vehicle just beyond my personal driving ability.

Finally, there just aren't many companies with ethics any longer. I will spend my money with Losi until such time they cease making competative vehicles.

OK, my rant is over. Sorry.

[cabbynate]

It's 7.5 for the front block.
(I don't think it will fit on the rear.:) )

[jforkner]

Apparently I touched a nerve by making a negative remark about Team Losi. Let me clarify for those who care.

I do applaud Losi's acknowledgement of a manufacturing problem and their apparent willingness to correct it. I'm just frustrated that it's been over a week and I don't have parts to complete the car---and I only live 350 miles away.

Peace.


Jack

[igozoom]

Want me to send you some arms and towers to get you going until your stuff comes in ? I can overnight from my work and you would have them on Monday. You can send me yours at your leisure.

It's just a crying shame that you have that incredible track in your yard with nothing to run on it.

Let me know sir, I really don't mind.

As for the your comments, I wasn't disagreeing with your frustration. I too would be well passed P.O.'d waiting for my parts.

I just felt obligated to voice my opinion about the whole situation.

I like to yak. Can't you tell by the length of my posts ? :D

[igozoom]

Cabby - HAHAHA. I was out digging through my spare parts looking for that 7.5 for the rear. I couldn't locate it, assumed it was aftermarket, and made a note to add to my parts list. Thought it was unusual to have 7.5 for the rear when I have a -1,3 and 1. for the front.

Are my Nitro undies showing ?

[Slimboyfat]

got my new parts pack the other day from losi yet it didn't have the two 'pimple's' on the towers?????? even tho the pack they came in said losi replacement pack.

do i need to say sommint to losi for giving me the same dodgy parts? or is it that some of the new parts do not have this pimple on them?

the arms are fine and clearly state '1' on them so thats fine.


cheers

Matt

[Backfire]

Originally posted by Slimboyfat
got my new parts pack the other day from losi yet it didn't have the two 'pimple's' on the towers?????? even tho the pack they came in said losi replacement pack.

I noticed this as well on the second shipment of front towers that the LHS received. The package says 'NEW' but there is no dimple inside the injector pin circle like the website shows. I don't know if they repacked some old towers to get rid of them, or if the website picture/paragraph is misleading??? I hope it is the later, the last thing this car needs is Losi to lie about new parts only to have them break as well:mad:

[tarvymoto]

Backfire , I am a serious racer that has been into the hobby about 15 years and I have absolutely no doubts about this car. Breakages happen in all clases of racing!!! These cars just don't break themselves. If you really saw the crashes where people say "All I did was just land the jump and it broke" ...I think that most of those hits are harder than what is infered. Losi is the best RC car manufacturer PERIOD!!! This is an awesome car that is not for newbies and people that over drive there cars.

I'm not trying to attack you personally....I'm just sick of everyone complaining about this car. It's your right to express your opinion and I have the right to express mine.

Start a "rag on the XXX4" forum so that those of us that believe in this car can help each other continue to develop our setups and share positive info on This forum. Or just sell the XXX4 and buy a XX4 and post on there.

[Backfire]

Tarvymoto: No offense taken from your post. I edited my above post to remove the 'unnecessary' comments concerning other racer's opinions of the car. I completely understand where you are coming from. I would like nothing more than see Losi address the car's problems and see the class take-off with popularity. I have also been very happy with previous Losi cars as well as my XXX KE. I dissagree with you statements on the crashes, but there seems to have been such a wide range in durability of these cars that for our own seperate observations we are both probably correct.

My goal in my posts is to provide information, or ask questions to gather information, not to rag on the car. Losi posted that there are updated parts, yet all of the front towers which I have seen shipped as new, do not show the new markings and look the same as before. I wanted to point that out so that if the 'new' towers break as well people might check to verify that they are indeed 'new'. I felt others interested in the car could benefit from my observations. Regardless, I will try to keep the posts as positive as Losi will allow from now on:D:D

[tarvymoto]

Backfire , I here ya...just don't think you are going to get a freebie from losi by posting a winy mesage on the XXX4 forum.
If you have issues..take it up with Losi directly. Don't discourage any new entries into the 4wd class because you are having problems. Do you think that Dale Earnhart JR cries about breaking...it's part of racing. Protect your frick'n car on the track!!! if you're not comfy clearing the triple ...double it;)

[New Jack]

Backfire: I heard about the XXX4 Carnage from last weekends "Toys for Tots Race", sounds like RJ is the only one who fared well in the main, I think as long as U take care of the car through out the run & make sure U hit the Jumps square, it's just fine, once I got a feel for my car everything was fine!!!! I can't wait to get back up to Mike's to Practice some more on a Friday, I also just got me a XXX!!!!!!:D :D :D

[AllenJO]

Losi/Horizon Hobby didn't ask me to send them the "old" parts back from my kit. They're just sending me the "new" parts.

I haven't received them yet, but then again I assumed it would take 2-3 weeks.

BTW, the B3 ain't so bad at all. Durable as hell, and nimble. Considered a XXX but ultimately didn't go that route primarily because my LHS didn't carry a lot of Losi parts (but Associated in abundance).

Fell in love with 4WD buggies while watching another RCer drive a XX4 and was just amazed at the speed, grip, and maneuverability. (I have a HPI NMT so already had a love for 4WD). At that instant, I knew I had to have a XXX4.

[Backfire]

Originally posted by tarvymoto
Backfire , I here ya...just don't think you are going to get a freebie from losi by posting a winy mesage on the XXX4 forum.
If you have issues..take it up with Losi directly. Don't discourage any new entries into the 4wd class because you are having problems. Do you think that Dale Earnhart JR cries about breaking...it's part of racing. Protect your frick'n car on the track!!! if you're not comfy clearing the triple ...double it;)

I have not once whined about getting free arms/towers from Losi, that hasn't been the point. I haven't shipped anything to Losi, nor have I asked for anything. But if Losi is shipping towers labeled as 'NEW', and they do not have the marking which they themselves have illustrated, doesn't that seem like something that should be pointed out?? I am not trying to discouraging new 4wd racers, I myself am discourages that the local 4wd revival has come and gone already due to these durability issues.

Oh, and if Earnhart Jr. had a suspension arm crumble after a slight brush with the wall, I can guarantee you there would be alot more than crying going on in the pits when he gets back there to talk with they guys welding up the arms;)

New Jack: post up the next time you are going to Mike's. I will try and get out there with my car this time!!

[New Jack]

Backfire: Cool, will do, Prolly won't be until mid-late Jan. as I am going to be getting ready for a big race on Jan. 11th @ Indy, some of the Boyz from Shreveport are coming to race there, so I gotta get my MP 7.5 & XXX-NT ready!!!! I just bought two piston & sleeves for the MP 7.5 & one for the XXX-NT, $240. OUCH!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[igozoom]

My man, Tarvey ! Chill Bro. You are starting to sound like me. hahaha !

You know you are are my pit partner and I love ya like a brother....so as a brother, I'm askin ya to reach back and pull the underwear out of your crack. :eek:

Yes I recognize that I will probably catch a pack in the side of the head tomorrow.... just make sure it's a practice pack ! And then, just to add insult to injury, you will pass me like I'm standing still while racing. That's OK.

While I concur with you wholeheartedly about people whining about the car, I believe that the previous post was an honest comment and he was looking for moral support and assurance from those of us that have had numerous positive experiences with Losi. I don't think his post intentionally bad mouthed Losi.

PS - Does this mean you won't help me with my paint scheme designs or set up any more ? :D

PSS - Now be nice and shake hands before I have to evoke a "time out". Don't make me get your wife on the phone. hehehe :)

[cabbynate]

Have you ever had a p/s done by osrocket?
He can save you a lot of cash!!!!
Look here:Reconditioning pistons and sleeves, it's in the Nitro forum.

[cabbynate]

After reading some of your posts I went to look at my "new parts" to see it they had the "dimples" on the shock towers.......
Well, they don't. On the flip side, I have been running the He11 out of my XXX-4 and have not yet broken a part that was packaged as "new". I say, mount it and run it. If it breaks, send it back. They will send you a new one. It may take a week or two but they will send you a new part. sooner or later you will get the part that satisfys you. After that, your on your own!!!! All r/c car break. We all know this.

Can't we all just get along.:)

[tarvymoto]

Igo .... THAT IS IT ... YOU ARE CUT OFF!!!


:D :D :D

Maybe I did get a bit carried away , so for that , I apologize.

*part gods...if you are listening...please have mercy on me race day*

that said ...I will defend the XXX4 with six-guns a smoke'n:cool:

[igozoom]

Originally posted by tarvymoto
Igo .... THAT IS IT ... YOU ARE CUT OFF!!!



that said ...I will defend the XXX4 with six-guns a smoke'n:cool:

I think you meant ".....with six-packs a smok'n!' :D

[New Jack]

Cabbynate: Man, No I've never heard of that, I'll have to check into it!!!!! Just re-built 3 engines last night with the new p/s's!!!! WOW, what a difference!!!!!! Thanks for the Info Bro!!!;) :o ;)

Igozoom: It they're Six-Packs a Smok'n, I hope for someones' sake they are indeed Practice Packs!!!!!!! lmao!!!!!!:D :D :D

[Backfire]

Originally posted by cabbynate
After reading some of your posts I went to look at my "new parts" to see it they had the "pimples" on the shock towers.......
Well, they don't. On the flip side, I have been running the He11 out of my XXX-4 and have not yet broken a part that was packaged as "new".

Very glad to hear this!!:D Hopefully it is as I guessed in my first post concerning the new parts:

Originally posted by Backfire
I don't know if they repacked some old towers to get rid of them, or if the website picture/paragraph is misleading??? I hope it is the later...

As long as they have fixed the problem we all benefit. Tarvy, I respect your feelings about the car, and I am glad to hear them. Support like that is good for both the XXX-4 and the 4wd class, and the more people who feel like you do the better off we are!! Hope you have a repair free day of racing!!!

[New Jack]

Backfire: I heard Mike is supposed to be in his new place in February, is it still gonna be in Carrollton or some where else in Dallas????:confused: :confused: :confused:

[NitroOwnsYou]

New Jack,

Get your sleves pinched! OSRocket does an awesome job. Actually most of the fast guys even get brand new OS sleeves pinched. OS sleves arent as tight as the RB/novas sleves. They will help out on the power a bit more also. The rb/nova based engines come really tight for a reason.

Rant on:
(that was a cheap blow :D Im sorry, but the os's are great for reliability, but they dont make the power that the nova based ones do. And yes the Novas are just as reliable and consistant if you know what your doing. )

Rant off:

JR

[tarvymoto]

Originally posted by igozoom
I think you meant ".....with six-packs a smok'n!' :D

LMAO...well at least the six-packs part;) :eek:

[New Jack]

Originally posted by NitroOwnsYou
New Jack,

Get your sleves pinched! OSRocket does an awesome job. Actually most of the fast guys even get brand new OS sleeves pinched. OS sleves arent as tight as the RB/novas sleves. They will help out on the power a bit more also. The rb/nova based engines come really tight for a reason.

Rant on:
(that was a cheap blow :D Im sorry, but the os's are great for reliability, but they dont make the power that the nova based ones do. And yes the Novas are just as reliable and consistant if you know what your doing. )

Rant off:

JR

NitroOwnsYOu: Hey man, I thought we Weren't gonna turn this into an A vs. B Coversation!!!! Just kiddin' Bro, man, I just feel You can't go wrong with an O.S., no matter how much power each Manufacturer claims thier engine makes, it's all about the Driver/Style!!!! All those Guys I race in Dallas have those expensive engines, I still can hang with them just fine & Beat Most if not ALL of them when I go to race there!!! That's thier home track, they race there all the time, I go there maybe once a month as I live 3 hrs away!!!!! Not all engines are good but O.S. as well as Nova are pretty much the Shizzle any way you look at it!!!!!!:D :D :D I must say I do admire your backing for your brand though, as I'm the same way about mine!!!!:D :p :D

[NitroOwnsYou]

Heh I cant flame the OS engines. Thjey are good solid mills, but throw an OS in an 1/8th onroad, and they are like tooling around in a Geo Metro vs the nova JP's. They have the grunt for smaller 1/8th offroad tracks, but overseas, on the bigger tracks, I dont think they fair as well. I never said engines was everything, its got to do with driving also. Im sure most pro's could whoop ass with a hyper .21 against some of the big boy engines, I was merely just commenting on OS's minor lack of power.

Oh and Tarvy,

"Losi is the best RC car manufacturer PERIOD!!!"

Is that a joke??
I mean really....Losi's kits are nice, but they arent Mugen, or Serpent quality IMO. If you never built one of those kits than I can see you stating that, but its a far fetched comment IMO. Not bashing, just informing. BTW the Inferno MP 7.5 kit is also another nice build, and great quality kit out there.

Remember this is not a bash, as I own a XXX-T MF, XXX-S (graphite) and a XXX-4.

JR

[NitroOwnsYou]

Oh and New Jack try getting a new sleeve (a freshly broken in one) pinched. All the top guys say that it makes a good improvement on performance for the OS's.

Also, have you tried out those Waller adapters? Damn I wish I didnt live in snowville. I want to run 1/8th now damnit!

JR

[tarvymoto]

Nitroownsyou , I have never built a Mugen or a Serpant or a Kanai...maybe I should have said " Losi is the best car manufacture of any car I've ever built PERIOD":D :D :D

[NitroOwnsYou]

:D

JR

[New Jack]

NitroOwnsYou: I might check into getting my old P/S pinched if possible, right now I gotta get these engines I just rebuilt broken in, as I have a Pretty big race (Braggin' Rights) in Dallas on Jan. 11th @ www.indyrcworld.net !!!! Some of the guys from there are gonna race as well as some guys from Shreveport, LA. & us guys from East Texas!!!!! Gotta LOVE Indoor NITRO!!!!! You are RIGHT ON THE MONEY about the MP 7.5, that's what I race as well as a XXX-NT, XXX4, XXX-S, XXX, & T-Maxx!!!! You can race all of them there @ Indy!!!!!:D :D :D

[Backfire]

Originally posted by New Jack
Backfire: I heard Mike is supposed to be in his new place in February, is it still gonna be in Carrollton or some where else in Dallas????:confused: :confused: :confused:

I am not sure on details, as the plans seem to change every time I ask. I believe he is currently looking at a place right in the same area. It will be large enough for both an onroad and offroad track indoors. Both tracks should be atleast a big as anything in the area, plus much more shop room. I hope he can work out the financial end of things because I think he could really revive the racing scene here. He can pull onroad guys from all of the local parking lot tracks, and with talk of running 1/10 nitro offroad and onroad, he might wind up pulling a bunch from Indy as well. He isn't going to do 1/8th however, as they require too much track maintenance.

So how is everyone's racing going this weekend?? Do the new arms and towers seem to be up to the task?

[jforkner]

Yo,

What's all this talk about sleeves? My XXX4 doesn't have sleeves; doesn't even have lapels...

Can't we get back on track? ':cool:'

[cabbynate]

Mine seem to be holding up well. I do have braces on the towers but the arm seem to be holding up well on their own. As far as I'm concerned the problems are solved.

[Slimboyfat]

which braces are those cabby? can i get them in the UK?

[cabbynate]

You can order them on line from http://home.attbi.com/~teamprp
I'm sure they would ship them to you no problem.

[igozoom]

Tarvey and I raced last night. Setting aside the fact that I drove so poorly that I'm not qualified to operate a shopping cart, the car did very, very well, after Tarvey gave me some set up info. Picked up a full second a lap. Woohoo. Thanks Tarv !

I had someone slam into me full speed after getting out of whack over a double. I also had about a five revolution cartwheel includiing catching the front A arm on an out side pipe at close to full throttle. Not a single thing broke. I am running the new plastic rear shock tower and graphite front and rear arms.

I am still going to run the PRP Racing braces. Just waiting for my new one to show up. I think it is excellent insurace.

As for my driving, the only good thing that happened was that I turned my fastest lap time ever with the xxx-4 of 32.65. While I am ecstatic, I am still fully 1-2 seconds off of the pace, with the fastest guys at the track. I think I make a better Turn Marshal than a driver. It sucks to be slow. :(

[tarvymoto]

Igo , for having your car for all of about 10 days...you did awesome. The A main was a bit of a blood bath at the start but ish happens. I think we should go down and practice one day this week to get more time with the new setup. Also let me know when you want to have a painting session.

Travymoto

[igozoom]

How about a couple of days this week. I need all the help I can get.

As for the painting party, later in the week will be good. I have two or three bodies. Let me tape em up and be ready to go.

Post your set up for everyone. I know that you started out with Matt Francis' set up, but you have altered it significantly enough that it differs in a number of areas. A full second a lap for me is a serious testimonial.

PS I'm still not falling for the battery in the front position. Can you say "Lawn Dart".

[Backfire]

Originally posted by igozoom
PS I'm still not falling for the battery in the front position. Can you say "Lawn Dart". :D :D

Igozoom, does the tower you are running have the little dimple in the ejector pin circle like the Losi site says, or do they just have the ejector pin circle without the dimple? If the later, has anyone seen new towers that have the dimple within the circle like the website says? Regardless, it sounds like the cars are surviving much better than with the earlier parts:)

tarvymoto, definitely post up that setup. Even with my XXX, which I have been driving for a while, setup is still an area where I leech off of fellow racers:D :p Has anyone found a setup cure for the chassis slap, or do you feel it is simply a 'cosmetic' problem that really isn't effecting performance?

[cabbynate]

After I did some set-up changing, I have found that going back to the Losi set-up plus a rear .50 sway bar and 1dg rear hubs has really helped a lot in the chassis slapping department. I also went with the high down force rear wing. Heck, it might just be that big a$$ wing I put on that is making my car come down so sotfly. The wing part # is A-8110. It comes with a front wing that fits the XXX.

[tarvymoto]

Here is the set-up I ran Sunday. It really settled the car down and kept it planted on the high speed sections. Our track is orange Georgia clay that is hard packed and in generally smooth but can develope some bumby sections(especially for a 4wd buggy).

Front : 32.5wt Silver springs( .06 inside limiter and .06 outside limiter) , 57 piston , Diff , -1 camber , 7.5F pivot , shock locations-#2 and inside on arm , camber locations-stock . Ride height= BONES above level !!!

Rear : 30wt Yellow springs ( stock limiters ) , 56 pistons , -1 camber , 3R pivot , 3 degrees rear toe , shock locations-stock everthing else is stock. Ride height ARMS level !!!

I ran Ifmar pins all the way around.

Oh yeah ...and I ran the battery FORWARD!!! hahaha

seriously

[igozoom]

Backfire, the rear shock tower I am running does not have the dimple in the injector holes; however, the package said "new". Speaking with great ignorance, this leads me to believe that the new packages may have the new plastic compounds without the dimples. ANy thoughts ?

JFolk - Did your stuff come in today ?

[Backfire]

Originally posted by igozoom
Backfire, the rear shock tower I am running does not have the dimple in the injector holes; however, the package said "new". Speaking with great ignorance, this leads me to believe that the new packages may have the new plastic compounds without the dimples. ANy thoughts ?

Well, people seem to be having much better success with the 'NEW' towers, so it probably is something like that. Maybe Losi will update their page with the pictures of the new towers, if in fact they are inaccurate.