Tamiya Vintage Trans Am
 

I have two vehicles and was interested in converting / using one as a VTA car. Out of the two which would you use and why? Aside from body and tires what else would be needed.

Tamiya TA05 V1

Tamiya TB-02

Your help is greatly appreciated.

My opinion is to go with the TA05. Much easier. TB02 isn't bad but not on same level with 05. Fixed gear ratios on the TB make it harder to deal with....especially with the gear ratios needed for VTA 25.5. TA05 also has MUCH better parts availability from both the factory and aftermarket.

As for necessary items..you nailed it...Body, wheels, tires, 25.5 Novak motor and proper esc. You can buy the remanufactured 25.5 VTA combo on Novak's website for around $104 bucks. If i can make a suggestion, take a hard look at the new Mongoose ESC and motor combo. The Mongoose has OUTSTANDING brakes. really cool to out break the competition and bail into turns really tight. :nod::nod::D

i knew i needed a motor. I have a ton of 13.5 and lower motors but the highest i have is a Tekin 21.5, i thought someone at one point said i might be able to use that but i might have been wrong.

As for ESC's i would prefer to not have to buy another one but it appears i might have to. I have two extra LRP speedo's i do not use any more.

LRP Speedo 1 - Sphere Comp TC
LRP Speedo 2 - SPX Stock Spec

Are either of those usable in VTA?

Those esc's arent on the list but it depends if your local group uses the official rules or not. Some clubs and tracks are using their own rules. Never suggested but at least it's VTA in some ways.

Here's the current official rules:
http://www.usvintagetransam.com/rules/2010rules.pdf

For VTA I'm currently running a TA-05 ver.II R on carpet. So far I'm having a lot of luck it. It's durable and it handles well.

VTA is controlled Motor and ESC, follow Evoracer's advice and get a $104 combo.

Finally tire prep is VERY important in VTA, there's a tire prep thread somewhere else here with some good advice. Also check out the "Master" Vintage Tran Am thread.