Thunder Tiger EK4 S2 Unlimited

[TitansGT4]

u all hav probably seen this beast in the RC monster truck mag already, but whats the deal w/ this monster? Its huge, n' i thought that a .70 wuz overkill. THIS BEAST USES A .90 SIZED MILL!!!!Any1 hav ne more info about it?:D :D :D im a power hungry speed freak, ne1 w/ ne updates PLEASE TALK 2 ME

[BlutoSigPi]

This truck sounds good to me too. I just don't want to squeeze the trigger and have the truck explode before my eyes. BLAM! KRRRRRRRRKKKKk...click click click...done. But it would be the most exciting 3 seconds of my RC experience. :eek:

[alvin1]

I'm thinking of buying an ek4,but i think i'll just get the .70 version,the .90 looks like a serious case of overkill to me, and besides,i rang a local modelshop and they informed me that the .90 version was going to be a lot more expensive than the .70 version{but they couldn't tell me how much more,isn't that strange**:rolleyes:

[fastruck]

not likely it overkill.

the unlimited has heavier tougher parts in it lots of alumium parts from shock towers to bulkheads and also a stonger differental.

heres a pick I found at midnights forum.

from 3maxxman this will fulfil the need for speed.

http://home.attbi.com/~jeff-g/wsb/media/62323/site1071.JPG


an the unlimited will cost 799 or more.

and the version 2 ek4 s2 .70 will be the same and allot tougher.

but they will be a conversion kit for a regular ek4-s2 to go to a unlimited .90 beast.

hope this helps :D

[elwood80]

Hey guys, any word on when this thing is finally going to come out? I can't wait to feel the power spew forth from my index finger :D

[wetspot]

Just got mine yesterday!






oops thats the dream I had this morning Iheard that Its is supose to Hit the U.S.A. in mid January03 but tha probly means feb or march03

[Jasio18]

I read that its supposed to be out in August 2003. Don't remember where I read but I know I read something. LOL
.90....wow, I wonder what is the HP of that engine. It should be considered not a monster truck but a "monster motorcycle" Why???
Well...with .90 the front wheels will come of the ground with the lightest squeeze of the trigger....this thing is gonna be wheeling 99.9% of time......its gonna be riding on 2 wheels....therefore...a motorcycle...:D

[wetspot]

no wheelies at all ttr redesinged the chasic it incorporates a 1/2 alu. chasic with a cast iron front suspension and 3 lbs. of calceium in each front tire , not to mention the steel front diff. and the brick supplied with each ek4- 90. lol.:D

[Croozer]

When this truck hits the market I shall have it, It will be big brother to my current EK4.

[RC Jack]

Well, from a company that literally turned their backs on the very people that bought their product, I would not buy from them ever again!

Now that they have given a "taste" of the "70", they're preying on the egos of people out here with the "90" and if you think you are going to get support, guess again. They wouldn't even correspond with us an they have a website!! Months ago, there was a big "to-do" with Thunder Tiger/ACE about the drivertrain problem and they not only didn't correct it, they ignored everyone and threw us a bone! The bone? Screws thru the case, which was, at most, a Band-Aid!

I don't know about you people, but, if I'm going to support a particular company by buying their product, I DO expect some support in return....and that won't happen with the "90", just due to past experiences with Thunder Tiger/ACE.

Besides, what will a "90" do differently that a "70" won't/can't? No one has ever been able to answer that question. (running out of fuel sooner doesn't count)

It does make one wonder just what goes on behind closed doors at Thunder Tiger/ACE, particularly in light of the problems that plagued the "70".
Maybe it would go something like this: "Hey, guys, ya know all of those problems with the "70", drivetrain & such and we ignored them all, well, how 'bout we produce a monster truck with a "90"? We could still ignore them and sell them! A cash cow!! America. What a country?"

Just something to think about before you spend your money. Personally, I think the Titan is a much better truck, not only in terms of quality, but, support.

[pistole]

Hi.

What RC JACK has stated is true.

If you were one of the BETA TESTERS of the EK4 originally , and had all those problems, then you would be mighty pissed , and justifiably so as well.

As I have learned from my EK4 Version 2 ( which has been problem free ) , PLEASE DO NOT BE ONE OF THE FIRSTS ONES TO BUY ANYTHING ..... YOU WILL BE THE BETA TESTERS ....

I read all the posts about the EK4 before buying my Version 2.

This groundwork has paid off with the purchase of an all round good RC Car with the biggest engine of any production Truck/Car in the WORLD. Nothing can beat this.


So , for the 0.90 , just wait ........ be patient , and look out for cries of help on the forums ........ if after 3-4 months , there are no screams , then you can safely make you way to your LHS and put down your hard earned money.


Bye and safe runnings.

[Croozer]

I have a EK4 version 1 that has NEVER broke,it still has the stock diffs in it,and if you read these different forums you will see that all RC trucks eventually break.

I have heard horror stories about Mad Force's,Savage 21's,T-Maxxes,and Titan's,but some things you have to take with a grain of salt because set-up and break-in is everthing with a nitro RC truck,and if either is not done properly you will see problems.

Now bring on the EK4 unlimited,I'm waiting.:p

[RC Jack]

Yer right, croozer, ALL RC's eventually break, but, the EK usually broke on the first few runs. Oh, there a few of 'em that haven't....extremely few!! When you pair up a .21 drivetrain with an engine that has the torque of the 70, something has to give. We were the guinea pigs or in computer-speak, beta-testers for Thunder Tiger/ACE. There has been a lot of bad mouthing about Thunder Tiger/ACE, mostly about the EK4 and 99% of it is rightfully true. Which is why I can't grasp the concept of anyone wanting or wishing to do business or buy anything from a company that takes our money and offers nothing in return in the way of support....outside of ego.

Too bad you people who want to buy the "90" weren't on the ACE board a several months ago, if you were, you'd have an excellent perspective of exactly what that company is all about. And ain't nothin' changed! All I can say is good luck!

[hdcchrome]

Originally posted by pistole
Hi.

What RC JACK has stated is true.

If you were one of the BETA TESTERS of the EK4 originally , and had all those problems, then you would be mighty pissed , and justifiably so as well.

As I have learned from my EK4 Version 2 ( which has been problem free ) , PLEASE DO NOT BE ONE OF THE FIRSTS ONES TO BUY ANYTHING ..... YOU WILL BE THE BETA TESTERS ....

I read all the posts about the EK4 before buying my Version 2.

This groundwork has paid off with the purchase of an all round good RC Car with the biggest engine of any production Truck/Car in the WORLD. Nothing can beat this.


So , for the 0.90 , just wait ........ be patient , and look out for cries of help on the forums ........ if after 3-4 months , there are no screams , then you can safely make you way to your LHS and put down your hard earned money.


Bye and safe runnings.

I have an original with all the hop ups including $60 ceramic clutch bearings BUT STILL can not idle. Any clue?

So is your V2 .70? I thought V2 meant .90.

[hdcchrome]

Originally posted by Croozer
I have a EK4 version 1 that has NEVER broke,it still has the stock diffs in it,and if you read these different forums you will see that all RC trucks eventually break.

I have heard horror stories about Mad Force's,Savage 21's,T-Maxxes,and Titan's,but some things you have to take with a grain of salt because set-up and break-in is everthing with a nitro RC truck,and if either is not done properly you will see problems.

Now bring on the EK4 unlimited,I'm waiting.:p

Everything has broke on mine V1 and been replaced. I have $900 in this damb thing!!!!!

[pistole]

HD CHROME ............... I hope GAS AXE does not see your post. He will have a heart attack.

Bye and safe runnings.

[RC Jack]

hdcchrome, I was one of the "beta-testers", but, not one of the first ones, and tho I did quite a bit of research on this particular truck, the only main problem at that time was the engine and from what I had read, they were being repaired at a very slow rate of acknowledgement and not one sign of drivetrain problems occured, probably due the same truck not running because of the engine problem. As most know, I fixed mine once and for all almost immediately after the problem surfaced. Tho, I will say this, it's a sad day when a company turns it's collective back on the very people who kept/keep it in business for the sole purpose of $$$. It does make ya wonder, tho, why anyone would do business in the future with people like this.

hd, howz those bars working out? How 'bout some pix?

One other thing; in street terms, beta testers* is also called........SUCKER!!

*(software doesn't count, 'cuz betas are usually free)

[hdcchrome]

Originally posted by pistole
HD CHROME ............... I hope GAS AXE does not see your post. He will have a heart attack.

Bye and safe runnings.

?????????????:confused:

[hdcchrome]

Originally posted by RC Jack
hdcchrome, I was one of the "beta-testers", but, not one of the first ones, and tho I did quite a bit of research on this particular truck, the only main problem at that time was the engine and from what I had read, they were being repaired at a very slow rate of acknowledgement and not one sign of drivetrain problems occured, probably due the same truck not running because of the engine problem. As most know, I fixed mine once and for all almost immediately after the problem surfaced. Tho, I will say this, it's a sad day when a company turns it's collective back on the very people who kept/keep it in business for the sole purpose of $$$. It does make ya wonder, tho, why anyone would do business in the future with people like this.

hd, howz those bars working out? How 'bout some pix?

One other thing; in street terms, beta testers* is also called........SUCKER!!

*(software doesn't count, 'cuz betas are usually free)

Hey there, I need to get the pix loaded up, I know. I will today my friend.

My issue witht he engine is it does not like to idle with any resistance. Meaning, if I start it and hall BUTT, no problems, but when I hit the breaks it dies (not because the idle stop is too low) and locks up the engine. Even holding the truck in mid air and hitting the break the engine kicks back and dies. I DON'T get it.....

I am a sucker for continued punishment I know. I would love to buy the EK4 product line and turn it around (including a stand by your customer support staff).

:confused:

[hdcchrome]

Check out this one!!!! I would love to have it.

Custom EK4 EK-4 aluminium T E MAXX OFNA
Item # 3101268654

[rc10gtisthebest]

Originally posted by hdcchrome
Check out this one!!!! I would love to have it.

Custom EK4 EK-4 aluminium T E MAXX OFNA
Item # 3101268654

Wouldn't we all? lmao

If the V2 is "virtually" problem free, what makes the Unlimited seems ready to fall apart? I thought is was just a full-hop up version of the EK4?

[RC Jack]

hd, if your truck dies after hitting the brakes, back off on the brake adjustment. I had that problem and a simple readjustment cured it. You want the brakes to grab just enough to prevent lockup, maybe a little looser. My brakes were perfectly adjusted, just enough to stop the truck without locking up, even at full squeeze.

[hdcchrome]

Originally posted by RC Jack
hd, if your truck dies after hitting the brakes, back off on the brake adjustment. I had that problem and a simple readjustment cured it. You want the brakes to grab just enough to prevent lockup, maybe a little looser. My brakes were perfectly adjusted, just enough to stop the truck without locking up, even at full squeeze.

So the breaks should not lock up???

The interesting thing is that the engine will run ONLY if in motion or held in the air.

Take is from a dead stop, try to start it and it wants to take off (throttle is set very low) and if I hold it still it locks up. I can't seem to get the engine to idle without engaging the clutch.

I am using a new clutch from Thunder Tiger and the spring that came with it. I don’t get it. Never had this type problem with any of my 20 other Nitro vehicles.

[hdcchrome]

The clutch on the EK4 gets SOOOOOOOOOOOOO hot, and the spring lost it's stregth. So the clutch was always engaged even when at idle, so there you have it.

NOW, does anyone know where to buy a VERY strong clutch spring for this type clutch? I just installed a new one, but I am sure it will give again soon after a few runs.

Thanks!!!

[RC Jack]

I was gonna mention the clutch, but, I took for granted that you had checked that. After you had mentioned that the truck wants to take off as soon as it's started would indicate the clutch problem. Still, back off on the brakes; if they lock-up, the truck has a tendancy of doing an endo.

[pistole]

Brakes
___________


I usually tune my brakes two ways :-

1. By adjusting the linkage , and/or

2. By using silicone-hoses of different consistency as the buffer piece on the brake actuating arm.

If you us a harder hose , then the brakes come on harder and faster ( may result in a lock up and/or , as RC JACK was saying , an end over end !! ).

If you use a hose of softer material , then the brakes should come on gently and progressively...... I believe this is the setting we should be aiming for.

If your brakes lock up at all ..... it is already overdoing it ..... there is no control at all when the wheels lock and locking does not result in any better braking performance. ( Eg , anti-lock brakes in full size cars ....... ).

I believe thats why there is no need to waste money on a stronger throttle/brake servo .... even the puniest of servos have more than enough torque to get the wheels to lock because of the leverage that it has.



HDC CHROME
___________

If your clutch springs had lost their temper due to overheating ... maybe you would need to look at why the clutch was overheating in the first place.

Sometimes its bell/spur clearance , bearing failure and/or overtightened bell holding screw.

I almost fried my clutch after changing to the 17 tooth bell by overtightening the bell screw. Bell/spur-gear clearance is also very important ... too tight and it is bye-bye clutch.

I put 4 pieces of paper in it to adjust the clearance. A bit noisy , but what the hell , the noise from the exhaust drowns out everything else !!


Bye and safe runnings.

[shmotz405]

a .90 is just too much torque, a 70 is still alot of torque, those heli engines is made to produce torque not speed

[shmotz405]

Originally posted by pistole
Brakes
___________

If your brakes lock up at all ..... it is already overdoing it ..... there is no control at all when the wheels lock and locking does not result in any better braking performance. ( Eg , anti-lock brakes in full size cars ....... ).

I believe thats why there is no need to waste money on a stronger throttle/brake servo .... even the puniest of servos have more than enough torque to get the wheels to lock because of the leverage that it has.



there is anti lock brakes available for your car(s), i have found that i have it on my Hitec Lynx 3D transmitter, and i have it set up for my ek4, unfourtionately..... neither of my drills spin fast enough to start it so i havent tried it out :-\ but by pusing my truck the abs work great toodels yall


http://www.triplehracing.com <--- they sell custom CNC machined parts for the ek4 from a chassis to even a 2speed tranny, its pretty cool but not real cheap :-\

[shmotz405]

rc jack, dude waht the hells eatin yer ass? seriously thers absolutely nothing wrong with the ek4 v1, i have had NO problems waht so ever with mine and ive had it since christmas, ran it almost every day like 3 or 4 times, and it hasnt broken down, just one dog bone broke cuz the starter shaft was rubbin on it, thas all an easy $15 fixed that, but i honestly believe the 90 is over kill because it wont make it faster, it will just pump out more torque and drain yer cash supply faster, so if you want torque and speed, check out www.midmad.com and they have an article on puttin a 2 speed in the ek4:D

[RC Jack]

shmotz, perhaps if you were around during the "guinea pig" era, you wouldn't be so quick to ask, "rc jack, dude waht the hells eatin yer ass?" ! When all of us were pulling our hair out trying to repair TTR's beta-truck , what were you doing? The buying public, at the time, were the "guinea pigs"!! You apparently, have gotten one of the updated trucks. YOU...are capitolizing on what the rest of us have spent a ton of cash on to repair, the BETA-TRUCKS, only to have MJS and a couple of others produce parts, namely alloy gearcases, of which, mine was the very first one in existence and when it was determined that alloy cases would alleviate 90% of the problem, so, it was just a matter of time before the aftermarket started making them. TTR followed suit by providing a band-aid fix.

You shouldn't have too much to worry about having the updated truck, especially, considering the aftermarket parts that are available.

As for the 90, your right about that!! More torque, more cash!! In my opinion, it won't do anything any better than the 70, 'cept go thru fuel a lot faster!
The 2 spd trans are easy enough to install, I have one in my.......well, it was an EK at one time.....

Glad to hear you're enjoying your EK!!

[challenger440-6]

does the ek4 s2 unlimited have all the electronics ****? like servos and all that what not?

[rawdy rider]

just adding mt two bits.Im a big TT fan.Buying their products since their beggining.Got the EK4 s2 but they have just been careless about it,and its such a shame cos its just such a great idea!!All they have to do is put in sturdied diffs and metal shocks.Im sorry but with my gentle driving and plain fuel (no nitro,castor oil)the darned diffs still wore out and those plastic shocks just are bound to fall apart even tho there are seven!(just put in the eb4 buggy shocks).AND yes for Gods sake TT do something about that header coming loose!!(spring washers under the nuts).....