RaceAce

Hi,

Been out of the hobby for some time... I want to kickstart my return to the hobby by getting a Tamiya Ta04 PRO chassis, just
as i was about to buy it, i read the following from classictamiyarc.com:

"Early reports indicate problems with the roundness of the spur gears. This is most likely due to the mounting hub which is made of plastic. Some people have reported premature failure of the spur gear because of this."

Is there an upgrade or hop up for the mounting hub or any other upgrade that will solve this problem, I really like the chassis and will buy it if if i can fix this via an upgrade or in any other way.

They also said:

"Another common problem is spur to pinion gear separation after extended runs. This has been traced back to the aluminum motor plate heating and expanding. The pinion "pulls away" from the spur gear and causes a chattering noise during braking. Tamiya has sinced addressed this with an upgraded motor mount which incorporates ribbed heat dissipating fins"

do the fins really help?

Anyone who has experience that can answer these questions?
I will really appreciate the help

Thanks!

lem2

iTrader: (6)

I think it will be better if you get the TA04-R Tuned Chassis or the TRF! The tuned chassis and TRF are updated versions!

Personally I prefer the tub chassis, to protect my electronics and tobe able to use side by side cells instead of stickpacks!!!!

The TAO4-R will be forever be a part of my chassisline up-- such a dependable/sturdy car! I have since modified it to look and perform better than the TAO4-R Tuned chassis kit!

There is a TA04-R thread, you'll get a lot of tips there!!!

And also if you have not gottenor ordered the kit yet, try to reconsider other kits like the 415?

Peae and Happy Racing!

WC

iTrader: (28)

Have owned a dozen or so TA04s, and that's not been a problem.

Tamiya sells an option alloy spurgear hub like on TRF414 if
you're paranoid about it. Available in blue or natural silver
and not very expensive.

There is also an option hardened layshaft (the bit the hub sits on)
if you ever manage to bend the layshaft. Bent layshaft probably
causes more gear hassles than the hub.


imho Aluminium plate expansion would NEGLIGIBLE...
It is probably more due to a hard frontal impact that has
shifted the motor forwards.

Finned heatsink motor plate is useful to aid cooling of your motor.
If you run in a class that really cooks your motors, every little bit
helps. It is also thicker and sturdier than the stock plate.


Other useful options for TA04 PRO:-

-TRF shocks, best shocks available bar none.

-universal driveshafts, for the front at the least.

-delrin balldiff outdrives; stock ones weigh a tonne.

-carbonfibre shock towers (if you don't like plastic)

-low friction drive belts (when you break your std ones)

-TA04 Racing Front Suspension (if you want less castor)

-Toe-in Rear Blocks (for 2-deg toe in)

-alloy belt pullies, if your plastic pulleys wear out too fast

-alloy steering bits... ah just looks nice.

RaceAce

Thank you both for your replies

Firstly, thanks Lem 2, I want to buy a TRF model, just concerned about parts availibility in future
and i'm sure they are more expensive than the "r" or "pro" chassis.
But hey, they sure look goood, yes!

There's something about the pro chassis that i like, if i could compare the two i'd probably find out why
the pro looks so nice to me. LoL!

Anyway, looks is part of the deal, but so are the other factors too.

again thanks Lem2

Now WC

Thank you for your reply, It sure sounds like you're a pro!
Thanks for all the Hop-up info, based on your experience, this'll sure help me add those needed extra's when finally purchase my car!

So many cars..., so many decisions... One more question should make my decision clear I e-mailed you with the question WC

Thanks!

RA

Tommi Makkinen

iTrader: (28)

RaceAce,

your earlier concerns about the motor mount and the spur gear hub are correct:

i have experienced those problems on my 04... but as my car was a 04S, i had to solve it the hard way... bought enough options so now it looks like a 04TRF...

the TRF's options have cured all the earlier problems with the spur gear hub and the motor mount... also, i use spring washers on my motor screws... it further locks the motor in place without it slipping away from its proper mesh in case of a hard collision or crash

also, regarding the fins on the upgraded motor mount: they do work bro. it increases the metal area which dissipates the heat faster... the faster the heat goes, the lesser chance that the motor mount will expand and knock the mesh off its true setting


p.s. also get a TRF hard type spur gear for the 04... its a good investment...

lem2

iTrader: (6)

Value for money, all of the hop up options that WC mention are in the TRF or tuned chassis. Yes it may be a bit expensive but well worth it than buying those stuff one by one!!

You are like me, I also go for the LOOK factor hehehehehee!! AT least I look good being last
Will post a picture of my ride soon.

RaceAce

These are the kind of 'olks i've gotta meet

Thanks you both for you replies

Thanks Tommi for confirming those concerns, it's hard learning the hard way, oh yes, i know too I learned my lesson with cheap battery chargers LOL, but that is a brand new story... let
me rather stay on topic here...

Thanks Lem2

Yes both of you surely convinced me now, i must get a '04 TRF

In fact i'm currently working on a good deal right now, i just hope
these guys still have one in stock, price looks good. AArrr i just don't like shipping, i always worry if it will arrive, and in what condition it will arrive, aah well, it's not gonna teleport to me now is it?...!

(btw i see the tb evolution kits aren't to cheap almost double the '04 TRF,) but thats shaft driven, we're talking belts here,

Well i hope i'll look good being last with this chassis too LOL!
Yes i admit, i am one of those that like not to really burn my car like all the speed maniacs out there (although the speed... yes,... it is in me)..!

Still i want a very, very good car, something that'l really last, Don't get me wrong, i'll burn it on a straight, but not while cornering. (i know, i should get over it... )


Now, anyone knows what motor Tamiya themselves use
on this chassis?, yes i know there are illions of options, i just like what they would reccommend the brand of motor and also, what type of motor and gear ratio should i use for least possible wear and friction on gears and belts etc?

Well i hope there are others who also think durability,longevity
looking after their cars for happy long runtimes.. yep!

Thanks!

RA

Tommi Makkinen

iTrader: (28)

well, TRF driver Surikarn Chaidajsuriya uses Reedy motors on his rides... you pretty much cant go wrong with that choice...

RaceAce

Interresting

Thanks Tommy

RA

WC

iTrader: (28)

Peak? Orion? Surikarn's got a V2 named after him...

IMPACTPLAYR

iTrader: (7)

WC- I believe Atsushi Hara and Jukka Steenari have orion motors named after them..... I see how you could mistake the names though......

Surikarn drives for Tamiya, Futaba, and Reedy.....

moshmike

iTrader: (13)

Sorry to tell you but you guys are wrong about Surikarn, He uses PEAK Motors! Check out the top right of his shirt.

moshmike

iTrader: (13)

Here's a better pic...I think he's in it!

Tommi Makkinen

iTrader: (28)

oops... my bad... didnt read the fine print on the results of surikarn's race at the reedy tc race... he is running peak motors now... u da man!

rc_square24

iTrader: (9)

though, i think he was using reedy power earlier in the worlds south africa