Tamiya F103

[roadrage]

I got a Tamiya F103, must be doing 60mph right now. I have the following:

Novak Dually
Deans
Ball bearings all around
35/93 gearing
Peak Performance Aurora 14T tripple
Porsche GT1 LeMans
Trinity 1400 SCR
Futaba 75mhz radio magnum

[jackhammer74]

nice, I've got one too but I just don't get enough time to work on it. I have found mine to be quite fast even with the black kit motor and when geared properly with the .04 spur gear set.

[b3man]

would you be willing to sell you f1 jack hammer for 100

[roadrage]

jack hammer whats that?

[b3man]

the guys name jackhammer74

[iceman0013]

How fast can aone of those cars be upgraded to go?

[LouisB]

Do u know if associated L2 or L3 wheels fit on the F103?
Thanks

[InspGadgt]

The easiest way to stick foams on the car is to find a set of the Tamiya Indy Car rims. They are very close to the same diameter as a 1/10th scale pan car rim so some foams will fit on them. Just becarefull not to let them soak in Laquor thinner too long because the plastic the rims are made of will melt. Also if your creative enough there are ways to fit a 1/10th rims fit. You'll have to change the rear bearings to standard bearings that fit tight in the rear pod. The fronts you'll need to find a metric bearing that fits tight in a 1/10th pan front wheel but has the same inner diameter as the axle.

[Aluma]

If the rear end is jittery on the turns... how do you compensate?
tighten the bottom up? heavier oil in the low friction damper? harder spring? clamp down the friction disc?

[jackhammer74]

What kind of tires are you using? Do you have a lot of traction?
is it hopping in the turns, or is it spining out?

[Aluma]

I'm using the kit rubber tires of the 312 T3 ferrari...I think they are type A's. the outdoor asphalt is sprayed with soda for traction. And actually it does both at different times. on highspeed corners the rear end bounces a bit and on some sharper corners it does a donut. sometimes I can catch it with countersteer but its hard to go all out with the car. I have to be very very careful when driving it. I recently switched to the FW18 body set...I think it lost rear down force compared to the 312 T3 body.

[jackhammer74]

The 312 T3 comes on the F103RS chassis that's the same one I have, and mine came with junky hard tires, you need softer tires.
If you lost rear downforce and are running hard tires, the car will
be very unstable.
Have you ever checked out this website, www.formula1-rc.com ?
If not, check it out, they have a bunch of info on set ups, mods, hopups etc..

[InspGadgt]

If the temp where you live is above about 70 degrees farenheit then try the Tamiya B compound tires. The A compound tire that comes with the car is a cold weather tire.

[jackhammer74]

Inspgadgt are A's particular to the ferrari 312 T3 kit? Because mine is also a F103RS and it came with very hard tires.

[Aluma]

yeah, I already checked that site out...formula rc.
well, I use the A's cuz we race at night and it gets into the 60s and 70s. but during the day, is when the car handles kinda funny.
anyway, I raced it last night and it ran fine until a motor connection came unsodered :P during the qualifier. fixed that and when we ran the main, there was so much fog that the tires were slidin everywhere! it was ugly! but I managed to finish with only a slightly crushed nose cone.

[InspGadgt]

The A compound tire is the standard tire that Tamiya equips all of it's later model F103 based cars. The only other tires that come with an F103 are foams or the tires for the Tyrell 6 wheeler which are probably also A compound rubber as well but I am not positive on that.

You'll probably want a set of B's then for the daytime. 60-70 degrees is borderline between A's and B's. I run B's on mine at night (our race is at night too) around high 60's low 70's in the winter with no problem. Not sure if we've had races in the low 60's yet but I do remember a few nights that seemed really cold.

[Aluma]

well, i bought some soft foams for the rear...not tamiya...I forgot what they are... would it be okay to run front type A with rear soft foams? I tried it once and the car went all over the place... but i think it was because i used traction compound on the foams. :P instead of gojo cream or tanning lotion like my buddies do.

[InspGadgt]

Rubber tires and foams do not mix well. Their traction characteristics are too different. I'd try to find a set of foams for the front to balance the car off or switch to B compound rear rubber tires.

[BrianJohnson]

has any one here seen a f103 with a l2 rear pod?
:cool:

[Aluma]

what foams do y'all recommend for night time bumpy asphalt with traction additive( grape soda) on it?

soft, hard, what brand? what shore?color whatever...

[InspGadgt]

I find that Purple fronts and Pink rears is a good place to start for asphault racing. If you need more rear traction go to whites in the back or maybe double purples in the front.

[yf22k]

If anyone is interested in some hop up parts or spare parts or even an f103 or f103L let me know. I have lots of stuff to sell including two sets of road hawg tires and a fresh set of slicks unmounted wiht chrome wheels. pm or e-mail me.

[ginshun]

What hop-ups do you guys recommend for the F103. I just got a F103RS used and I am fixing it up. I have never even had a pan car before and was just wondering what you guys see as the essensial up-grades to the stock F103. Obvoiusly a decent motor and ESC, which I already have, but what specific to this car?

[FSU427P]

Looking for an HPI super F1? Give me an e-mail.

[Nofri]

Which gearing should I use for the F103RS with a 11 Double T motor?

[rcster3000]

the f103 tamiya can beat the new f201 car ya know......................It can beat it with the sport tuned motor and a new pair of tires you can buy them at tower hobbies the #1 rc store in the world.

__________________________________________________ _____
life is good but short live it well by serving God

[microrcdude]

ok guys, guess i better join in! Im getting one, and i have plans to offer custom parts for it. But first, i gotta get the car!

[Aluma]

just dont forget that F103 is 2wd and easier to spin out and launch that the 4wd F201. Plus the F103 is really old and its getting harder to find parts for it. Hopefully you get its setup right the first time...;) Go with Foams if you do get it.

[microrcdude]

Well, they race the in seattle, and im gonna hook up with the other racers and use there set-up. I am going to get a F201 for the TCS race here, then i will convert my F103 to a pan car, since pan is slowly making a return here.

[Liko]

Well, they race the in seattle, and im gonna hook up with the other racers and use there set-up. I am going to get a F201 for the TCS race here, then i will convert my F103 to a pan car, since pan is slowly making a return here.

I've seen pan car chassis pics, and the 103RS looks like a pan car on a diet, but I've heard it's not classed as a pan. So what are the technical differences between these two types? The chassis I saw had two rear shocks on ball joints so it zeroed body twisting faster than the single with a friction plate (probably stiffer too). Apart from that, the more touring-style body tub for a balanced 3+3 pack, and foams, there was very little difference to my eyes. How do they compare? Any other major technical differences?

[microrcdude]

well, im just going to set mine up for pro10.

[losiXXXman]

Ive noticed that many of the F103 parts are not listed as "discontinued" on the Tamiya USA website. Anyone have any knowledge as to whether Tamiya USA is still supporting this chassis? I don't have one, but may be interested in piecing one together.... that is if I can source the parts...

[losiXXXman]

Also... I 'm aware that info opn tower's site is not that reliable, but they claimed a F201 body would/could fit a F103. Anyone got an answer on that??? Thanks in advance.

[TVRTuscan]

Nobody here would be willing to part with one of their F103's, would they?

Also, F102 and F103 bodies are interchangeable, correct?

[TVRTuscan]

Oh, does anyone know the difference between the F103 and F103RS? I can't figure it out for the life of me.

[Balugz]

I think Tamiya has launched their latest F103 successor. This will be my 1st pan car. :)

[rcster3000]

Ya know i set mine up with all stock parts all except for a sport tuned motor from tamiya that really pumps the horses up. The real only main difference between the f103 and the f103rs is that rs stands for "racing series" and i think its a little bit wider or longer I haven't been in r/c's for a long time and my first was my f103rs sauber c12 and I raced against my father's f103rs toyota gt1 tso-20 wich already came with a rs540 sport tuned motor and i had the mabuchi 540h of course he won but after i put a sport tuned motor my car really kicked butt. I don't join any racing leagues because i think that there not worth givng your time to. I think r/cing should be about having fun building and running your cars. Of course i have no problem if you wanna race your cars but to me running your cars is fun enough for the avid r/cer.

[minijosh]

That mercedes isn't a F103. That is a group c car. Totally different chassis's. I have a F102, F103, and a Group C Mazda 787B.

[minijosh]

I have both cars for sale TVRTuscan if you want a project. One is the Honda and the other is the Merc. Just send me a pm or go to www.tamiyaclub.com and look up minijosh in the showroom and enjoy my cars.

[microrcdude]

Man i love that merc body! that would be a perfect enduro body.

[losiXXXman]

Balugz...

Where did you get that photo? Is it new? Is there a rwevival of this chassis coming from Tamiya? We NEED to know, what's the scoop??

[losiXXXman]

Still wondering if Tamiya USA is a good source for parts? Aybody tried to get anything from them?

[TVRTuscan]

I just got an F102 and F103 in trade for some other R/C stuff I had lying around. The F102 is a rare Footwork body that I can't seem to find ANYWHERE (and it sucks because the one I have is in sorry shape) and the F103 has the Sauber Ford C12 body, in better shape but not mint.

First off, you guys know how the upper deck is connected to the main chassis, with a long screw going up through the battery mount then held on with a nut at the top. My cars are missing a few of those nuts...are they a standard size I can go and get from a hardware store, or am I screwed?

Also, are there any upgrades I should look into for these cars? I'm already thinking full ball bearings and probably some oil shocks, but what about anything other than those.

[Balugz]

LosiXXXman: I will have to agree on what minijosh has posted regarding the pic. :(

"Minijosh: That mercedes isn't a F103. That is a group c car. Totally different chassis's. I have a F102, F103, and a Group C Mazda 787B."

[rcster3000]

Dude!!! what have ya'll been smokin that is a totally diff chassis than a f103 that is a group c car period it IS OLD too so balugz don't count on findin too many parts for it

[ImpulseGTP]

that looks like a recent picture. first, we can see a Ferrari F430 (a 2005 car) body at the upper left corner, and second, it was painted in new Tamiya flip color spray can. so, i m asumming the C-11 is going to be a re-issued model.....and also, the Japanese text roughly says "Model with Painted body coming soon", maybe there will be two versions? one with painted body, one without?.......i also see Jaguar Group C car too.....yes! :eek:

[rcster3000]

Ok the new painted body group c cars have been released but does that mean the bodies are interchangeble,also are they releasing the other group c cars as well??? And have you heard if there is a slight chance that tamiya might release the old f1 cars on the f201 chassis as well????? I need to know

[rcster3000]

does any body EVER post on this fourm anymore?????

[Feral_Goz]

Hi all,
I seem to keep on breaking the rear wing on my F103. Mainly caused by braking too hard and flicking the car backwards into what I was trying to avoid. Does anyone know of a replacement wing that fits this car?

Thanks
Feral_Goz

[rcster3000]

Hello!!! Nobody Has Answerd My ? Yet

[Kenny T]

I doubt they will re-release older bodies.

[struman1]

Ok the new painted body group c cars have been released but does that mean the bodies are interchangeble,also are they releasing the other group c cars as well??? And have you heard if there is a slight chance that tamiya might release the old f1 cars on the f201 chassis as well????? I need to know

All the Group C Bodies should fit. I have the original and the re-released versions. Car is very fast but should be driven on carpet or very smooth surface. The old F1 bodies don't fit the F201 very well but I think they will re-release some vintage F1 kits instead. Tamiya F103 kits go quickly on Ebay and I bet there is a market for this.

[xtrememorph]

Ladies and Gentleman, today i am the proud ower of a New In Box F103LM-TRF!!!!!
And Protoform 911 GT1 Body (Brand new also)
And set of foam tires
please teach me how to assemble and take care of this baby?

[elcid4300]

Ladies and Gentleman, today i am the proud ower of a New In Box F103LM-TRF!!!!!
And Protoform 911 GT1 Body (Brand new also)
And set of foam tires
please teach me how to assemble and take care of this baby?

Congratulations :) As far as assembly, follow the manual, Tamiya is known for their excellent directions! Taking care of it is also pretty simple..keep it clean, the bearings lubed, check nuts and scews to make sure they're tight, clean the motor out with motor spray every few runs and lube the motor bearings. Have fun with it :D

[Races]

Hi guys i´m new here ! I have a collection of 4 F103L - Chassis with vintage IndyCar bodys ... 3 of them just for display & 1 ready to race ... anyway all 4 are fully equipped with Hop - Up parts. The one i race is equipped with the small speedway wings & is a real challenge ! I can provide some pic´s if anybody is interested ...

Greetings from Germany !

[Kenny T]

Welcome to RCZ. :)

Show us some pics, I've never seen a 103 modified. What exactly is modified because I can't imagine any part that has to be modified except for the rear suspension?

[Races]

So here we go with some pics from the cars. I will post some inside pic´s later ! First pic is from the car which i race frome time to time, the other 3 are just for display ... i just have to attach the tire markings on the Motorola car ...

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1993MansellR.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1993Mansell.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1994Groff.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1994Rahal.jpg

[Races]

I have attached the following Hop - Up Parts on all 4 cars :

#50397 RD 4428 Front Sponge Tires
#50398 RD 4445 Rear Sponge Tires
#53120 RD F-1 Aluminium Front Body Mount
#53124 3mm Tungsten-Carbide Diff Ball Set
#53136 One-Piece Ball Thrust Bearing
#53148 F-1 Carbon Graphite Low Friction Plates
#53149 F-1 Low Friction Pads
#53150 Turn-Buckle Tie-Rods
#53151 F-1 Diffuser Set
#53169 F-1 Flex T-Bar Set
#53183 Formula Car Aluminium Heat Sink Motor Mount
#53248 Formula Lightweight Diff Joint Set
#53258 Formula Link-Type Front Suspension
#53259 Formula 3.5 Offste Upright
#53273 Formula Car rear Suspension Ball Mount Set
#53391 Formula Super Low Friction Damper Set

The short antennas are from Carson part #13324 & the following two items are mounted on only two of my cars :

#53104 RD 0.4 Spur Gear set ( 93T, 104T )
#53116 RD 6mm Carbon Rear Shaft

Here are the inside views :

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/Diffuser.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/FlexT-Bar.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/FrontSuspension1.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/FrontSuspension2.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/FrontSuspension3.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/RearAxleLeft.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/RearAxleRight.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/RearSuspension1.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/RearSuspension2.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/RearSuspension3.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/Inside/ShortAntenna.jpg

[Kenny T]

Looks fantastic mate, thanks for the pics. :)

I love the upgraded turn buckles on the front. I know they're weak and I've been planning on doing what you've done with it.

Can you explain the purpose of having two of those carbon plates on the motor side shock mount?

[struman1]

I have several Tamiya F1's in boxes and runners but they still fall short of the HPI Super F1 and the Corally F1 for performance. When we raced F1's on carpet years ago, the HPI's weren't allowed to run with the F101,102 and 103. We actually called them cheater cars. Its basically a F103 and a Associated pan car rolled into one. Tamiya came out with several hops to keep up but it forced you to spend more than it was worth. HPI actually made a F103 chassis that was better than Tamiya's version. It was alot thicker and stiffer so that you didn't have to use the upper brace. I found one on Ebay for almost nothing that was brand new. You couldn't find those things when they came out 10 years ago. The Corally may be the best and is the cheapest. Its closer to the HPI than the F103 and you can get Tamiya bodies to fit. The battery sits length wise in the chassis and is held in with an upper brace. This config seems to make the chassis very stiff which is what you want in an F1 car on flat surfaces. To be honest, I like driving my F102 better than the F103 because it was lighter and simple. They are all cool cars though and Tamiya makes the best bodies without a doubt. :D

[Races]

Can you explain the purpose of having two of those carbon plates on the motor side shock mount?

The Carbon Graphite Low Friction Plates ... those plates have much less friction then the original parts. Especially together with the mounted Low Friction Pads in white teflon ...

[Feral_Goz]

Hi all,
I seem to keep on breaking the rear wing on my F103. Mainly caused by braking too hard and flicking the car backwards into what I was trying to avoid. Does anyone know of a replacement wing that fits this car?

Thanks
Feral_Goz

In case anyone is interested, I ordered one of these from Tower http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDBT3&P=7 and it looks like it is going to fit.

Thanks
Feral_Goz

[FranktheTank]

Just picked up an F103 roller and NIB FW18 body off Ebay :)

Really itching to get some electronics in it and head out to Tamiya with the Jag I just got.

[Kenny T]

Just picked up an F103 roller and NIB FW18 body off Ebay :)

Really itching to get some electronics in it and head out to Tamiya with the Jag I just got.

I really should drop the Hacker into it and see if I can hit 60mph.

Are you the same FranktheTank that's on Pforums?

[microrcdude]

Pforums? URL please

Races, your F103's are so beauitiful.

[Kenny T]

http://pforums.company-hosting.com/forums/index.php?

You into imports micro? I assume you are since you're into drifting. :)

[Balugz]

Hi,

Can any please confirm if the re-released group c bodies can be used on a F103 kit? Looking at some of the group c pics, I can already see that the rear wing has a different mounting compared to the F103 rear wing. And also group c rims, can these be used a f103 replacement rims? Thanks!

[raytracer]

Anyone got the new f103GT yet?

[raytracer]

Finished my f1o3gt. Will post pics soon of the finished kit. Looks really promising for a cheap and low cost touring car rc.

[scottywilkes]

hey guys i have a F103 the original one woth the williams shell and i was wondering if it is possible if i can get tyres that will fit and are foams for the rears and the front and what is a good cheap motor that i can put in it that will make it really fast CHEERS

[rcster3000]

Hey, Races, awsome rides.... I have the havoline body and the motorola body....but i've never seen the miller one..... did you paint them yourself, or was it custom, and where did you get the decals

[mudders1]

Are F103 and F102 parts interchangeable? I have an F102 which I love, but I'm after an aluminium heatsink but I'm not sure what the part number I need is.

[g0202180]

So here we go with some pics from the cars. I will post some inside pic´s later ! First pic is from the car which i race frome time to time, the other 3 are just for display ... i just have to attach the tire markings on the Motorola car ...

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1993MansellR.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1993Mansell.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1994Groff.jpg

http://www.cart-diecast.de/RC/1994Rahal.jpg

Beautiful cars dude! :)

[g0202180]

I think Tamiya has launched their latest F103 successor. This will be my 1st pan car. :)


yupe, its a GpC car. Its similar to the F101. I've got an F101 Ferrari F189...they use the same drive train. just that now its an ABS chassis instead of full FRP. :p my 2 cents worth..