one_hit

My first hobby-grade RC was a TA02 that I bought in 1996-97. I upgraded it with a Futaba MC310CB ESC l, this is perfect for Tamiyas since it comes with the bullet motor wires which makes it plug and play with Tamiya motors. I later changed to a Novak Racer EX because I upgraded the motor to a Trinity 11T triple. I still have the Futaba ESC, wish I didn’t sell the Novak back then (broke college kid problems)

All their chassis kits come in those boxes with the carrying handle. Been that way for over a decade now. The bags are also still labeled, nothing has changed with regards to the chassis kits. Some re-releases also got a box downgrade, such as the CC-01 Pajero Metaltop Wide, Pajero Rally Sport and Isuzu Mu

In the case of Tamiya, it’s not just the beginners chassis, even their mid level chassis have the same business model. I was even able to build another TA05 V2 R from the stock parts I removed from hopping up my first one. I replaced almost everything in that one - chassis, bulkheads, diffs, damper stays, steering, motor mount. Right now though, I’m not sure what Tamiya are thinking. TA08 parts seem to be as hard to find as TA05 parts.

I know right? At the very least, they should have supplied aluminum spacers. I need to open up the gearbox on my XV-01 to investigate a grinding noise, not sure if it’s the belt skipping or the pin groove has rounded on the idler gear. I wish it was as easy as servicing a TT-02 or TA05/TA08 gearbox

Yes buy the body you want and for the tires, get the cheap knockoff rally tire/wheel combo ($16 from Amazon). Aside from being cheaper, it is slightly taller than the Tamiya rally block tires and made of a much softer compound too. https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Plastic-Tamiya-Upgrades-Accessories/dp/B0B8RPQ3TQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=19I96E0WL4DNW&keywords=rally+tires+tamiya&qid=1685463901&sprefix=rally+tires+tamiy%2Caps%2C308&sr=8-1

I believe it doesn’t share a single part with the TA03. Most of the XV-01 parts aren’t used on any other chassis except for the diffs which are from the TA06 and the servo saver (51000). If you dislike spacers, you will be disappointed when you build an XV-01 gearbox. I know I was. A car like that shouldn't have that many plastic spacers inside the gearbox.

@87lc2 to keep the tub from collecting sand, just drill some holes on the tub itself so that the sand can drain out. TT-02 tubs are dirt cheap so I wouldn’t worry about drilling holes since you can go can always change it back. Make sure to also trim the little lips on the rear uprights to allow the rear arms to drop further down. I just built a TT-02 from spares and set it up for rally use and it was a blast in the dirt. Even with some hopups (oil shocks, aluminum steering and propeller shaft, bearings and CVD universals) it was still cheaper than buying a new TT-02 kit. Still need to get the chassis cover but I’m not too worried about dust and water since I have a waterproof servo and ESC in there as well as a sealed receiver box.

If you decide to get the TA08, keep in mind that spares are difficult to obtain and expensive. A spare TT-02 tub is less than $4 from Plaza Japan. The hophup hard version is less than $5 while a TA08 tub is around $40-50. The tub on the TA08 is its achilles heel, it is known to break at the rear suspension mounts. I’ve been looking for a spare one but no luck. Same with the A parts, can’t find those anywhere. A hard crash will break those upper arm mounts which come on the A parts tree. Most of the TA08 parts trees, as well as the chassis, are 7 digit part numbers which means they are not regular spare parts. Compare that to TT-02 spares which are cheap and readily available. In fact I’ve recently built a Type S and a regular TT-02 entirely from spare parts. That’s why at the track, I feel a lot more relaxed when driving my Type S because if I crash into the wall, it won’t cost much to repair. When I drive my TA08, I have to always be extra careful because a hard tap at a rear wheel could break the chassis and sideline my TA08 for weeks or months.

Went to the LHS today and was lucky to get their last pack of 6mm adjusters. It is indeed a little bigger so there is a little play but at least it fits.

Today’s purchase from the LHS. Some XV-01 springs, 6mm adjusters for the High Lift and a Civic body set

Glad to hear you got the steering sorted out. Which screws did skom say to loosen up? Yes it’s a good idea to always check the steering for any binding. Just pop off the steering arm from the servo and wiggle the wheels by hand. They should be smooth and free. If not, something is binding. Just loosen one thing at a time until you find it.

ABS being cheap is also one of the good things about it. It is very cheap to replace it. A stock ABS TT-02 tub from PJ costs less than $4, the hopup glass reinforced tub less than $5. Compare that to $40-50 for a TA08 tub that you can’t even find anywhere at the moment. The ABS tub on my TT-02 from 2015 is still fine, still no cracks. So I really can’t agree that it’s not durable especially since mine gets used on the track where crashes are inevitable. Regarding the steering, make sure the top and bottom screws on the front uprights are not too tight. You should be able to spin the plastic spacers on those screws by hand. Also check the servo saver if there is any play. Another thing to check is the tie rod screws. If they are screwed in too tight, it will bind.

@skom25 the price of the super stock at 185 PLN seems excessive compared to the TT and ST. I think for that money, you can get a brushless motor. You already have a TBLE-02S in your DT-03. You only need the motor and sensor cable. But again, the Tamiya connectors in your setup will hold you back.