EPIC Rival build.
 

This started as a brushless Monster GT build. I finished that, and immediately wanted to know if I could have done a center diff on the Rival chassis instead. So, I picked up the Rival chassis and some other goodies from DollarHobbyz, and started the build. Im using the center diff mount that "Torque" makes. He's on URC a lot.

First issue: Motor side of the mount doesn't fit the chassis without a little grinding.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps4210102e.jpg

Notched the chassis, and now it fits.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psc5b0a7d6.jpg

Sourcing the correct length center shafts was time consuming, but these with perfect using the RC8 center diff. Front shaft is the Tekno RC # TKR5078. The rear is Ofna # 18065. You get 2 shafts in the Ofna package, use the shorter one. Using those, you get this:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psb9f2fab5.jpg

Dropped the chassis off at Hard Anodize in Edina, MN, got it back the same day, now looking stealth.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps5a88a81e.jpg

Putting parts on.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps1d2c0e90.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps8d2a2745.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps52a4f155.jpg

Rival on the left, MGT on the right.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps9bdef261.jpg

Test fitting. Using the MM2 2200kv on 4s.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps954fa022.jpg

Interior now bolted down.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps7e0ea87b.jpg

I want to call it a conversion, but the Rival was already brushless and with a center diff. I definitely like yours much better with the simpler 1/8 style center diff though. Very clean.

Not a conversion, just a simpler and more efficient set up than stock. Also trying to think outside the box on this build as far as parts are concerned. Along with the center diff mount and drive shafts, I will be using shocks that I have yet to see anyone use, and upper arm mounts and hub carriers that no one seems to know about yet. Trying to set the bar for sickest rival ever.

A center diff is definitely much simpler. I don't understand why AE went with a trans for the Rival. Count me curious about the arm mounts and hub carriers. I've seen a few pics of guys trying to use Traxxas knuckles and the geometry looks really messed up.

LSLracing.com for the mounts and carriers. All 7075-T6 aluminum. Keeping the shocks a secret until I know they fit. All signs point to them working.

Beautifuls part by LSL Racing, the differantials case are greats but sold out :(

Parts here:

eMTA axels.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psf63a3e57.jpg

LSLRacing hub carriers and upper arm mounts.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...pse8c34db5.jpg

Coming together.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps29e35810.jpg

Painted the shock bottoms satin black. I will be using factory team caps.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps09bbd3f2.jpg

Soaked the bumper ends in ammonia over night. Takes the chrome right off, now they're black.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps061ae377.jpg

Done for now.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps11ed03b5.jpg

Now to fit these monsters. Ofna LX2 front shocks. They don't fit the RPM upper arms, so I either need to mill out the arms, or use the stock ones. Still undecided.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps1a258429.jpg

The hard anodizing on your chassis looks so awesome. Super clean setup. I love the hints of blue given off from wheels, arm mounts and shock caps. Cant wait to see some more pictures!

Yup, this one came out just as I had hoped. No mess of wires everywhere. Just clean, and simple. AE, take notes. This is how the Rival should have been built. Aside from the radio and steering servo, I paid less for this than the stock Rival RTR, that's INCLUDING the MM2.