I've been meaning to chime in on a few recent topics of discussion but the thread is moving so fast I can't keep up
. So here goes:
Integy parts are $hit, period. They use sub par materials in all of their parts, hence the reason they are so inexpensive to buy. When buying Aluminum upgrade parts it's helpful to know what grade of Aluminum they are using 6065/7075 for the intended application:
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ount-w-Bearing
*note that King Headz and other top notch manufacturers always list the grade of aluminum used in their parts construction.
Integy parts are great if you are building a shelf queen but not for a serious racer like the 8lbs RC8BE. Save your money and buy quality parts, King Headz/Racers Edge/Robitronic/Dynamite. For reference, I've had an RC8BE for a little over a year and the only upgrade parts I've installed were the following:
- Elite RC motor mount - ease of maintenance and install of the motor
- Lightweight Aluminum drive line components - couplers and stub axles to reduce rotating mass
- FT F/R Aluminum hubs - stock hubs are ok but when running an 8lbs car I wanted the added strength of the CNC front hubs. Rear hubs have the optional inner hole mount, which I run, and they are CNC over the stock plastic. Did I mention the car weights 8lbs
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON INTEGY
Sanding the Diff cups:
The reasoning behind sanding the diff cups is too remove any material left behind after they are popped out of their molds. By litely sanding the diff cup face, use a high grit count (220 and above) a touch of oil and a figure eight pattern for a few seconds and you will have accomplished the task, you remove any imperfections ensuring you have a good seal between the cup and gear. As for using the Mugen gaskets, I don't see the need. My diffs never leak using the stock gaskets and Kyosho p6 orings. Also, when assembling the diff I use a touch of mobile 1 synthetic grease on the outdrives, o rings, and under side of the sun gear, Voila a diff that doesn't leak. AE did a fantastic job on the design of their diffs and are by far one of the lowest maintenance diffs on the market, set it and forget it.