The exotek chassis is something that offers these benefits from what I have seen:
- No need for the chassis brace
- Adds weight at the lowest point over what can be achieved with the stock chassis
- You don't get pushed around as easily by the heavies
- Felt as if I had more traction and was more consistent through the rough stuff
Personally, I would get it if I was running on a 1/8 scale sized loose track. Indoors you probably don't need it. However, I didn't find an issue with leaving it on. Car was very nimble indoors too even with it.
As for the turnbuckles, etc. the vehicle in general is built pretty durable. I didn't find a need for different turnbuckles. Main suspension part I changed and others did was the stock a-arms due to the a-arms bending to RPM a-arms, which for some, took awhile to admit it along with how inadequate the stock non-VTS slipper was until associated's version of the clutch basket came out .
Me personally as far as the rear end goes, I agree I like the rear end to be free for quick transitions, the problem however that a lot of people experienced with the SC10 4x4 who actually run on loose or medium grip tracks was it would have a tendency to come around on you, and you ended up fighting to lock it in by making other setup changes that could adversely affect another handling aspect of the car.
Talking with someone in the past who went very soft on his suspension to generate rear grip, he noticed it would dive into the ruts of the track more and get unsettled because of this, even though it was better with grip.
Me personally, the M2C rear toe in block at 3.5 degrees was a god send. It locked in the rear end so it was stable yet, the truck could be pitched more easily than before. I could then use the proper suspension setup for the track without worrying about the rear end stepping out on me. Turn it was consistent, finally at that point.