SC10 FT Kit Upgrades at Build Time?
 

I am getting a SC10 FT kit and want to make sure I get any upgrades before starting the build. I am working my way through the 100+ pages of the SC10 build thread but it is slow going, I'll keep at it but figured I would ask anyone with experience on these trucks what I should upgrade off the bat. Lets put it this way, if you were starting over with your kit what parts would you add at assembly time?

Back to reading through the SC10 thread, any tips on an easy way to sort through the info in that thread? Or where to start in the thread? I am several pages deep and it is still about the initial kit release and the first builds.

Thanks,

-Joe

imo, rpm rod ends are a must

rpm arms front/rear, rpm front bumper, and tires (depending on what track your gonna run on).......

RPM ballcups, and back up a arms in case you break. spare bumper in case you lawn dart it a lot. :lol:

have plenty of different pinions/spurs for different tracks.

oh get a cva rebuild kit in your tool box.

What makes the RPM arms/rod ends better? What is better with the bumper? Thanks for the feedback so far! I had seen those items listed before in other threads but couldn't remember specifics.

Is it just the RPM heavy 4-40 rod ends I need?


-Joe

durability , durability, durability, enough said ;-)

Nothing at all wrong with the standard kit parts, I would only add a front skid plate, no need for RPM arms.

I second that sentiment. I have RPM arms on one of my trucks and stock on the other. I keep asking myself why i got the RPM arms. I see no need for them.

I also have RPM front bumpers but wish I would have gotten T-Bones instead.

True I never t hought this would happen but I broke an a arm. Whether stock or rpm, have a set in your toolbox.

Your LHS will show you which rpm ballcups to get.

I like running the ft Alum front bulkhead. It has set screws to hold the inner hinge pin which helps to reduce front end slip, adds a bit of weight for balance, and its stronger- though you typically will only break a bulkhead if you break the chassis. Worthwhile upgrade though IMO

I disagree about not needing rpm arms, I've seen the stock sc10 arms (mainly the fronts) brake at the track alot, which is why the hobby shop has a huge stock of them :D , everyone that has had their's break including me has upgraded to the rpm a-arms and I have yet to break mine at the track, and I suck at driving lol...... Plus rpm offers liftime warranty, so if you break a part just send it in and you get new ones.......But I've never had to do so since I upgraded to rpm, knock on wood.........

I have only broke 1 front a arm and that is because I went wide open into a metal pole by accident.

I have not broke any a arms racing and I have done plenty of crashing. I also have not had a single problem with the stock ball cups. I have a pack of the RPM ball cups but I have not opened it yet.

The truck is great out of the box. By some lead weight and maybe the rear aluminum hubs if you want. IMO there are no upgrades needed when you buy the FT kit.

My suggestions:

RPM Ballcups
Factory Team Rear Hubs (I run 1.5 deg, but many run the .5 or 1.0 deg)
Factory Team Rear Ballast Weight
12mm F & R hex conversion from the SC10"RS", or aftermarket (the pin drive in the wheels is prone to stripping out the rims)

These topics are all about your driving ability. I run mine 95% box stock, all AE parts, no RPM anything. I can go many race days on AE or JConcepts ballcups, and only end up replacing them for wear/slop.

I haven't broken a front A-arm on any RC car in a really long time, but then again, I really don't hit anything really hard very often - like direct contact between a front tire and a corner pipe.

The RPM stuff is more flexible, and thus more durable, however you are sacrificing performance and handing when you introduce more flexible parts. You need to make decisions about your build based on your driving ability. To say that "RPM arms are a must" is not true for every SC10 driver/owner.

Some pretty good suggestions and discussion. Right now I am leaning towards a stock build while getting a set of RPM stuff for spares if I do break the AE parts. Might go with a bumper right away though.

Keep it coming guys,

-Joe