bigbeej

iTrader: (83)

I am sure this has been asked so I thank you for the time to reply. I am newer to onroad (been off road for 20 + years) and have a small group looking to get into it a bit. We have a fresh paved, smooth open lot that we will run them at on a track we design. Anyhow I am trying to decide where i can get my best value and performance. I have been looking at the classifieds but there is so many different ones. I have been looking at the TC6.1, T4 12 and 13, serpent 411. I feel like this is more than I need but I am a you get what you pay for and I always end up upgrading anyhow. Now with that said most of my stuff is 1/8 scale as far as electronics. tekin rx8's and the like. So I was looking at some rtes such as the serpent 411 rtr and the associated apex car. Are either worth buying or am I better off buying one of the other cars I mentioned and grabbing my own electronics? If roller, which one is best suited for parking lot conditions?

SteveM

iTrader: (165)

If you are only planning to bash and have fun with buddies outdoors on asphalt, then I recommend you consider the Spec-R S1 sport sedan kit. This is a chassis kit that you need to build and then equip with the running gear.

To make it ready to run, you'll need a radio, motor, speed control, steering servo, body, body paint, tires and rims. You likely have all the tools from your off-road days.

I like the following gear for cost and performance;

Savox SC-1251MG steering servo
Hobbywing Justock ESC
Spektrum Radio (there are several models)
HPI 190mm body shell
Tamiya lexan paint
Sorex 32R premounted slicks on white rims

bigbeej

iTrader: (83)

Thanks I will look into it. I have most things and can sell or trade one of my tekin rx8's and grab an rs and a new servo. I have a couple motors, 13.5T and 8.5T I use in my rc motorcycles. I want something that handles great without drifting too much. Not into drifting at all.

R3VoLuTiOn

iTrader: (29)

tc6.1 wc is a good bet for keeping your costs down - the associated parts are much cheaper than xray or serpent on amain.

RTR's are a great way to get into it, but generally cost more in terms of upgrades as you stay in it.

SteveM

iTrader: (165)

I run a 17.5 in my club's blinky class in my Mi5 with a HW Extreme Stock ESC and the car is a rocket even without boost. I have a Spec-R R1 but with plastic bulkheads with a 21.5 and HW Justock ESC for VTA and it too is fast. The VTA tires limit traction and speed.

I have always like the HPI belted X-pattern radial tires for asphalt and they stick well and seem to last forever. These may be as good as the Sorex but last longer.

bigbeej

iTrader: (83)

Found a great deal on a new in box Tamiya 416X kit. Would this be a good car?

SteveM

iTrader: (165)

Yes

IndyRC_Racer

iTrader: (9)

If you or your friends are going to be racing on an open asphalt lot, don't forget the following...

- Good broom(s) and/or leaf blower (for clearing debris)
- A hand pump sprayer (for spraying sugar water in corners for extra traction)
- D/C powered battery charger (for charging directly off of your 1:1 car battery)
- Chassis protection (especially for carbon fiber chassis, helps extend the life of your chassis)
- Appropriate rubber tires for speed/asphalt temps when you are going to run (plenty of help on RCTECH)

Don't overlook some of the current shaft drive cars like the Tamiya TB04, Awesomatix, or even a TC4. Shaft drive cars have enclosed gearboxes, which can prevent debris from getting into the drivetrain.

Since you are located in California and are close enough, you should check out Tamiya USA's outdoor track. It is located Aliso Viejo, CA. If you own a Tamiya car you can practice for free on Saturdays (if no other events are scheduled). Only Tamiya cars are allowed to use the facility.

bigbeej

iTrader: (83)

Just snagged a like new tc6.1 with a good amount of extras. I will start with my 13.5t and go from there.

rc car guy

If thats the first time running onroad id suggest starting with the kit set up a good set of tires and body and TURN THE EPA DOWN on your radio to like 50% and make CONSISTENT laps and then gently increase power until you get better trust me helped the kid at the track sooooooo much everyone thinks their fantastic at driving cars its more difficult than it looks trust me

Gridworks Racing

iTrader: (3)

Hey bigbeej, we race locally in San Diego at Heritage RC Racing Park. I would be happy to join you guys and run wherever you plan to run your cars and answer any questions you may have.

bigbeej

iTrader: (83)

Thanks fellas. I have been running rc for over 20 years so I am well versed on driving them. I am not the best driver but can handle my vehicle. I also have been running rc motorcycles for a few years so that has helped my trigger finger a ton. You have to really feel the bike when it drives or it's game over.

I do have a question in the car I got was setup for VTA and has gear diff front and rear. Where would be a good starting point for more of a touring car racer over the VTA? I have a 13.5T and an 8.5T motor to run.

SteveM

iTrader: (165)

I run my touring car and VTA car with a spool in front, but some racers prefer a diff. Some use 300,000+ weight diff fluid in the front diff to almost create a locked diff. It's all a matter of driver preference.

Gridworks Racing

iTrader: (3)

For 13.5 on asphalt, run a spool. Hope to see you around racing sometime.