Originally Posted by
derekbsmith
Hi All! New to onroad but not new to offroad. Looking at a tc4 for some carpet vta racing. A few questions though.
1) What parts should I replace or buy with the kit that will yield better performance? shocks, cvds, arm mounts, turnbuckles, bearings, etc.?
2) Will 25.5 or 27.5T motors be just right for my club skill level which is 4 or a 5 on a scale of 1-10 offroad? If not what turn do you recommend and what pinion/spur combo?
3) Any particular parts that I should have a replacement ready to go as a spare?
4) I did not see a spring tuning kit on amain, what color springs should I have for tuning?
5) What compound of tires or tread patterns should I get?
6) What oil weight is typically run in these cars for carpet?
Anything else please suggest! Thank you!
Here's some answers from a TC4 USVTA racer.
1. Upgrade to some coil over shocks. The VCS2 or VCS3 are a good choice from Associated. This will make it easier on you to get the setup right.
Also, add a servo saver to the servo. Otherwise you'll break steering racks. Right, ITZNicholas72?
2. Your class rules will determine this. Some clubs run 25.5 motors, others run 21.5 motors in VTA. The USVTA rules are Novak 25.5 motors only. So check with your club/track before you buy a motor.
3. The usual list of suspects: C-hubs (caster blocks) are prone to breakage if you hit a lot of stuff.
If you use the stock front spool, you're likely to break the plastic outdrives in impacts (I think...I don't run a spool so I don't know if it's steel or composite).
I also recommend the steel TC3 axles for the front, or the TC4 Factory Team aluminum front axles. Much more durable than the stock composite axles.
4. The stock blue springs should get you close, find some Associated silvers for the rear. This is popular combo.
5. The VTA rules specify the wheels and tires to use.
http://www.usvintagetransam.com/rules/index.html
6. The kit shock weight is 40wt. That's a great starting point.
The TC4 is a good, solid starter car for USVTA. I loan mine out to beginners and people wanting to try out on-road. So far, the only thing they've managed to break is a bunch of bodies and a c-hub or two.
Good luck!