[Expert Built Beetle Rally “Required” Upgrades?]

Hello Tamiya Club!

I am a guy who knows very little about hobby grade RC.  I really like the look of the Tamiya Beetle Rally car.  I’ve seen it over the years but have been hesitant to buy a kit because I don’t have confidence in my assembly skills or parts knowledge yet.  Once I saw that an Expert Built version existed, I decided to buy it.  The chassis doesn’t seem to be very desirable from what I’ve read but that’s what I’ve got.

Here are a few questions about the MF-01X chassis that I have after reading other posts:

1.  The vehicle comes with plastic bearings that several posters have stated should immediately upgraded to metal bearings.  (This advice comes from builders who are building the Beetle from a kit).  What will happen if I just run the car with those plastic bearings?  Are they going to wear out and damage other gears or parts?  Should I immediately upgrade this car?  Can I just run it as-is?

2.  There seems to be an issue with rear suspension hitting part of the chassis.  I’ve seen YouTube  builders Dremel plastic off, or change parts.  Aside l from the car not performing optimally, what if I just left that as-is and drove it until I learn how to remedy it?

3.  I just saw a post about the motor maybe sliding off?  Pinion problems?  Oh man - I just want to run it when it gets here.  That’s why I bought an EB version.

I guess the big question is:  Can I run this MF-01X chassis as it comes, without damaging anything?  Or should I start working on bearings, clearances, oil shocks, and motor mount issues immediately, then run it?  

Its going to take a while for it to arrive.  And my wife doesn’t want me to open it until Christmas, lol!  I have a little buyers remorse after reading up on the MF-01X chassis but I love the look of that car so much, I just want to run it.  
 

I look forward to your thoughts and opinions.

[Fast Attack "Whiskey Buggy"]

Disregard my earlier post.  I’m just going to build it stock when I do get a kit.  No motor upgrades - the more I think about it, the more I don’t want to do it.  
 

I hope to build the 2011 version or the new one when it comes out, soon.
 

I got a toy grade version to hold me over.  Looking forward to building the kit, assembly and everything.

 

(Not related) I also repainted another RC Ripsaw tank Army green just because it’s fun to paint stuff in military colors!

[Fast Attack "Whiskey Buggy"]

I really like military-type RC vehicles and am waiting for the Fast Attack Vehicle to be re-released.  In the meantime, I’ve been painting and racing my “Ripsaw” tanks.  (See pic). The tanks are cool but they just don’t go fast enough.  I want SPEED for my next RC project!

If I were to get a 2011 re-release Fast Attack Vehicle, can it be upgraded to a brushless motor?  In another forum post, somebody mentioned this motor might fit in place of the stock 540:  Brushless Tamiya Motor  I’ve never heard of anybody actually doing it, though.  It looks like a brushless 540 is hard to come by.  Every one is “Sold Out”!  Brushless 540 Motors

The Fast Attack Vehicle is a vintage RC that’s not designed for brushless but I really like it and want one that performs.  Has anybody upgraded  FAV?  Would the extra speed and torque make it unmanageable?  Would it destroy the gearing?