It really comes down to how you like your engines to feel. I personally like Novas because they are very smooth. On the other hand my driving style does not work well with the Reds engines as they have pretty explosive power bands. I would drive a few local racers cars to see which engines you like and get that. IMO, you cant go wrong with an O.S. or O.S. based engine as they are usually pretty middle of the road feel wise and are a little easier to tune.

team spec picco mate and the 2099 combo the motor has heaps of features or a big $$$$ motor but is priced very good

and the combo works well in testing last week i was getting over 11 mins on my combo with 2 x green springs and 2 x gold springs in my clutch

Check out http://www.rw-mods.com/engines.html

Engines are based off Alpha motors. I currently have the base motor,the A5. Great power,keeps up with everyone else. The R8 Im told is equal to the Reds motor.
Engine lapping for a faster break in,or a full break in so you can just bolt it up and go.
Grab either the 801 or Tb-1 for the pipe and your set.

You'll go thru a few engines and clutch setups before you find what feels good to you. There are so many variables. The nova p5 is an inexpensive engine that has good run time. You can ask 10 guys and get 10 different answers. Stay patient, nitro is a whole new ball game. I always say find your best local nitro guru and pick his brain, absorb everything like a sponge. Nitro is like a puzzle piece, you'll get there :)

anybody got a quick fix, center diff was completely locked up. I can get Mugen shims and orings not sure if they will fit. May be sidelined this weekend...ugh...

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/r...pspecg7wyu.jpg

there in stock now at Tekno mate new black shims :nod: :nod: :nod:

I believe the new hardened diff shims are in stock at Tekno RC. Contact them for confirmation. I've been rebuilding mine every two race weekends with new shims and orings.

I used to have the same problem with the stock shims. But since i switched to the blackshims i haven't had a problem yet.:nod:

Got it. Putting new shims in the basket now.

http://www.houstonsengineservice.com...6ccde89f7005b3

Fusion X engines . NovaRossi quality, designed and sold by a racer. The X3
is a great motor at a very reasonable price.

Awesome to see you on the team Mason. Will you be at chads on the 19th?

Well I just got done building the NB48 and about to go test it on the home track. Here's a small review or synopsis of the build. Having built the NT48 this year I expected the same quality and was not disappointed. Some of the changes and notes I made while building:

Used the 3x40 socket head screws as suggested in post 1 for the A block and D block.

Used I-Screws for engine mounting rather than the flat head washer method.

Went mostly with kit setup, but swapped the sway bars and stood the shocks up one hole.

Clutch Bell - I had a TKO rear bearing ready, and front; however, this clutch bell uses a larger front bearing than the bell on the NT48.. so using the kit one.

Turnbuckles - ugh wish these were prebuilt hate them.. I do think the front ones are 2mm too long though, as they wont go in any further without really cranking on them and this may be an issue should I decide to go with a shorter camber link setup.

Diff housing/ shimming - I noticed that even with both shims on gear side that the lash was still a bit much. Have to see how it wears after a shakedown run. (Should be noted that I only run 1 gear side on the truggy now)

Screws - in general the socket hear screws and the larger 4mm screws are great; however, the 2mm screws are pretty soft. An upgrade to true 12.9 hardness would be a great addition to an already great kit.

Overall again, incredible build. All parts were there and fit with no modification needed, instructions were very clear and easy to follow.

Have to send for the new tank, but old one should be fine for now after doing all the tricks :)

So off for the shakedown with my Picco powerplant.. will post later :)

Sounds great!
Hope it all goes well on the shakedown

Yes send in a request for the new tank it is well worth it if your track has large jumps that's for sure

Mine has been built proof now with the new tank in :nod: :nod: :nod:

Agreed 100% on front turn buckle length as well but get the new tool and they are easier I have just ordered mine after stripping other brands of turn buckle tools :p

Have not had any problems with mine, none reported on here either. There just a bit looser than some other cars.

Yep different bearings, with some artful shimming you can run a standard clutch with 5 x 10 bearings.

Yeah there a pain but I think its better than the losi ones that would back out on there own.

The stock setup is a bit more aggressive than the truggy. From stock I went to

Swapped sway bars
More rear toe, think I settled on 4.5
Short wheelbase
And the inner pivot hole on the rear hubs.

The inner pivot hole really squares the car up on exit.

You have been doing so well with the truggy glad to see you running a buggy as well. Hope they got you a tekno shirt to go with it for your podium pics. Lol