Help me to choose right TT-02

[skom25 1908]

Hi,

I decided ( almost...) that I want TT-02. Now I have TT-02B and DT-03. Both upgraded with many Hop Ups but to be honest, I do not like DT-03 anymore. It feels slow ( in terms of handling, not speed) and bit boring. 

I run my models on asphalt and pavement. Mostly on my own versions of "Racing by post".

My requirements: 

- Adjustable suspension

- Oil shocks

I consider:

TT-02 with any basic body. It is cheap but there are no bearings, no adjustment and kit shocks are friction version. Good thing is that it comes with ESC and body. Talking shortly, together with kit I need to buy:

- Bearings

- CVA shocks

- Some parts to make adjustable suspension ( I do not know which...)

- Minor Hop Ups

TT-02S seems to have all I need from suspension perspective and also bearings. It seems that it has everything I need, except of aluminium motor mount and shaft. Biggest issue is fact, that there is no body and ESC in kit. 

TT-02R feels like opposite version of type S. Some aluminium parts but almost stock suspension.

I am not sure. Basic TT-02 sounds like really nic kit for price but I am worried, that I will fall into spiral of Hop Ups.

TT-02S is bit expensive and I am not sure, if I need it. On the other hand, experience shows that few Hop Ups for basic version, can quickly reach price point of S or R version.

What do you think?

 

[Sogogi 3359]

I would go with tt-02d and get a new set of wheels/tires  (it comes with cva shocks, full ball bearing, sport tuned motor)

[BuggyDad 5391]

I'm no expert on the TT-02 but I do have a basic one (modified for rally) and a Type SR. On the basic one, I think the suspension and steering are so compromised for cost that the list of mods and hop-ups to fix it becomes so long, if you want adjustability, that you're into the territory of choosing a higher quality chassis. Ball joint uprights are an annoyance in that you have to get the whole adjustable set rather than just turnbuckle to adjust camber, and you've still got ball joints that have a tendency to pop out, a lack of steering throw and some areas of slop that are hard to fix. Add in diffs too. However, some of those issues are made a little worse by my rally use and mods so YMMV. 

My SR seems pretty good. The downside of that for my use case is simply that I think it's best suited to high speeds and big open areas, rather than tight corners, and because I've liked postal racing type driving my XV-01 and M-08 are both better at getting round tracks like that and more fun. The SR has S suspension so I reckon for me S and SR are similar. I upgraded the steering with the better tamiya steering kit and that was very good, but I don't run it much. Maybe I would if I went to a club or had a more suitable running space. 

If I were you I would price up your expected hop ups and price up some different chassis at the same time, because depending on what you want to do, going up the line a little might not cost you any/much more and might end you up with a much better driving car. Eg, if you're not fixed on Tamiya how about that HPI that @alvinlwh is modifying for rally. Looks good value with some advantages over TT-02.

The flip side of all this is I guess that so many good body shells come on TT-02s. 

[Kowalski86 4076]

If you want adjustability, a TT-02R wouldn't be a bad place to start. The Type S does handle noticeably better than a standard TT-02, but its a bit of a kludge to build.

Personally, I'd buy a basic TT02, oil shocks, bearings, and not fiddle much with it until later down the road. There's plenty of better touring cars on the market with an identical design, that aren't nerfed from the getgo.

I will say that in my experience, my TT-02s were always tricky to get around postal tracks. I've had better luck with M chassis.

[Pylon80 3435]

5 minutes ago, skom25 said:

Hi,

I decided ( almost...) that I want TT-02. Now I have TT-02B and DT-03. Both upgraded with many Hop Ups but to be honest, I do not like DT-03 anymore. It feels slow ( in terms of handling, not speed) and bit boring. 

I run my models on asphalt and pavement. Mostly on my own versions of "Racing by post".

My requirements: 

- Adjustable suspension

- Oil shocks

I consider:

TT-02 with any basic body. It is cheap but there are no bearings, no adjustment and kit shocks are friction version. Good thing is that it comes with ESC and body. Talking shortly, together with kit I need to buy:

- Bearings

- CVA shocks

- Some parts to make adjustable suspension ( I do not know which...)

- Minor Hop Ups

TT-02S seems to have all I need from suspension perspective and also bearings. It seems that it has everything I need, except of aluminium motor mount and shaft. Biggest issue is fact, that there is no body and ESC in kit. 

TT-02R feels like opposite version of type S. Some aluminium parts but almost stock suspension.

I am not sure. Basic TT-02 sounds like really nic kit for price but I am worried, that I will fall into spiral of Hop Ups.

TT-02S is bit expensive and I am not sure, if I need it. On the other hand, experience shows that few Hop Ups for basic version, can quickly reach price point of S or R version.

What do you think?

 

The TT-02 in standard form is a lousy postal racer at best mainly because it struggles so much to make the tight turns. It needs everything... bearings, CVA shocks. Probably springs too: kit ones are rock hard, halfway between the blue and the white from 54440 (!) while the black/yellow dot ones in the CVA set are way too soft. Steering upgrade of course, steering turnbuckles, possibly a good servo saver. And the list goes on, while the disappointment stays.

The S is a good basic touring chassis that will need very little for your intended purpose (barring the turning radius caveat above) other than a steering upgrade - as a minimum the arms, 54574 - and probably clamp type wheels hexes. Some people will recommend a hard coated or steel pinion. The fact that it needs almost nothing makes it considerably cheaper than the standard kit. It will run circles around a standard TT-02 all day.

Now, and this is not what you wanted to read, the M chassis are considerably better at postal racing than any full size touring cars. This is mainly due to their much shorter wheelbase. I think you posted videos of your buggy and your running surface has these little pavers, is this right? The ride height is the same / can be made the same as a touring car. M chassis can use the larger 60mm wheels which will not be that far off compared to full size touring wheels (64mm I believe?) and you also have the options of using these regular touring wheels on an M chassis. Some M cars even come with these... I think @Sogogi has a Mercedes for sale at the moment, just as an example. So basically M chassis with regular wheels is what I would do in your situation.

[Pylon80 3435]

4 minutes ago, BuggyDad said:

and because I've liked postal racing type driving my XV-01 and M-08 are both better at getting round tracks like that and more fun

Some wise words there  I didn't think about the XV-01. A very good choice as well!

[skom25 1908]

6 minutes ago, Pylon80 said:

The TT-02 in standard form is a lousy postal racer at best mainly because it struggles so much to make the tight turns. It needs everything... bearings, CVA shocks. Probably springs too: kit ones are rock hard, halfway between the blue and the white from 54440 (!) while the black/yellow dot ones in the CVA set are way too soft. Steering upgrade of course, steering turnbuckles, possibly a good servo saver. And the list goes on, while the disappointment stays.

The S is a good basic touring chassis that will need very little for your intended purpose (barring the turning radius caveat above) other than a steering upgrade - as a minimum the arms, 54574 - and probably clamp type wheels hexes. Some people will recommend a hard coated or steel pinion. The fact that it needs almost nothing makes it considerably cheaper than the standard kit. It will run circles around a standard TT-02 all day.

Now, and this is not what you wanted to read, the M chassis are considerably better at postal racing than any full size touring cars. This is mainly due to their much shorter wheelbase. I think you posted videos of your buggy and your running surface has these little pavers, is this right? The ride height is the same / can be made the same as a touring car. M chassis can use the larger 60mm wheels which will not be that far off compared to full size touring wheels (64mm I believe?) and you also have the options of using these regular touring wheels on an M chassis. Some M cars even come with these... I think @Sogogi has a Mercedes for sale at the moment, just as an example. So basically M chassis with regular wheels is what I would do in your situation.

About which M you think? I really do not want to spend bag of money, to have some fun.

I do not know if it matters but I consider to use Sport Tuned motor or Super Stock. Probably SS.

[one_hit 1087]

5 minutes ago, skom25 said:

About which M you think? I really do not want to spend bag of money, to have some fun.

I do not know if it matters but I consider to use Sport Tuned motor or Super Stock. Probably SS.

If you plan on a using Super Stock motor, then I would avoid the 2WD M chassis cars, unless you don’t mind replacing tires often. For your use I would recommend the Type S. Seeing your build thread, I know you will be disappointed with a basic TT-02 or even a basic M-chassis because those also don’t come with bearings or oil shocks. The Type S has everything you want, except for the body and electronics.

[Pylon80 3435]

9 minutes ago, skom25 said:

About which M you think? I really do not want to spend bag of money, to have some fun.

I do not know if it matters but I consider to use Sport Tuned motor or Super Stock. Probably SS.

Sport Tuned is already overpowered for postal IMO and Super Stock is just ridiculous  You will better served by a kit silver can motor. If you try to lay out a postal track and go around it you will see what I mean. Remember that it is more fun to drive fast with a slow car than drive a fast car slowly, as the saying goes! Nervously nudging the throttle between 0% and 10% around a track is not fun at all.

You would have to pick whether you want a FWD or RWD car first. FWD is fun and a bit easier as you can mash the throttle without loosing control while the RWD ones required a bit more finesse, which is a lot of fun.

 

[Kowalski86 4076]

5 hours ago, skom25 said:

About which M you think? I really do not want to spend bag of money, to have some fun.

I'd reccomend an M06, just get some CVAs, bearings, shim the wheel hubs, and a cheap fan to mount over the motor.

The M05s not bad, but it is a tire muncher and it has a higher CoG. My M06 put out better lap times.

I can't reccomend the MB01, it has a similar wide turn radius to a TT, and the suspension balls pop somewhat easily.

I have no experience with the XV01, but parts might start to dry up now that the XV02 is the hot ticket to rallying.

[Sogogi 3359]

I have m02 on sale but wouldnt recommend if you plan to run a lot (due to hard to find replacement parts..)

[qatmix 822]

Your options..

TT02-D (has bearings, CVA Shocks and a sports tuned motor) £109 + 54874 adjustable upper arms £23.99 = £132.99

Pros - Its got most of the set-up options you wanted above, it can also have a shorter wheelbase. 
Cons - You cannot really go much further if you want to tune it for even more speed. It is also less responsive to the set-up changes because of the inherent slop in the arms.

TT02-S £139.99
Pros - Its fast and adjustable out of the box.. You can expand it further to have droop settings and adjustable rear toe-in (The only two other main options that are needed).
Cons - It doesn't have a motor.

Both of these do not have the alloy prop or motor mount.. If you are running a slower motor you really don't need them.. if you decide to upgrade you can get those parts for cheap down the line. 
As to performance.. I have many differnet configurations of the TT02.. I love the **** car and sometimes race it instead of my TRF at my club..  

The TT02-S is more nimble, its fantastic around a tight indoor track, it is very easy to adjust camber etc

The TT02 suspension is full of slop by design, you cannot really ever eliminate it.. It's fine to make a soft, neutral handling car, but you need the precision of the TT02-S with it's TRF suspension system if you want to actually have the ability to have impactful set-up changes with simple camber changes etc.  Also in high grip the TT02 can actually be inconsistent in corners  so you need to add more rear toe-in  (Tamiya rear hubs, or adding ARS (Rear toe gain https://www.thercracer.com/2022/07/thercracer-tamiya-tt02-toe-control-rear.html both of these options cost more.

For what you want.. get the TT02-S it's just a better base platform. more expandable if you need it and not amount of upgrades with a std TT02 will ever be able to match it. 

[alvinlwh 7063]

.

[qatmix 822]

cool, so TT02-R with adjustable upper arms = £160 

But again you really dont need the props unless going faster than a sports tuned.

[alvinlwh 7063]

.

[Kpowell911 2164]

TT02D as you get a shell with different  tyres?

I like the S & R. I think these represent the best value 

[Dakratfink 1020]

2 hours ago, Sogogi said:

I would go with tt-02d and get a new set of wheels/tires  (it comes with cva shocks, full ball bearing, sport tuned motor)

I bought a Tt02 D used. 
The fella I bought from ruined the body , but I was pleased it had a CVAs full bearings and an off brand brushless system with a Redcat Gyro radio. ( I was able to use the Torque tuned he gave me spare in my G6-01 ) 
he didn’t give me the drift wheels , it had standard rubber installed , and I have one rear body post missing. 
I was pretty pleased with overall performance,

It doesn’t have adjustable turnbuckles or link for suspension, however. 

now I just need to find a good body shell and a set of mounts 

[skom25 1908]

TT-02D does not have adjustable suspension.

I quickly calculated price of basic kit with Hop Ups and TT-02S with additional body. Difference is not huge to be honest.

[Cephas 547]

I found this helpful when I was looking at which one suited my needs, 

https://www.thercracer.com/2014/08/tamiya-tt02-guide-mods-tuning-and-tips.html

[Pylon80 3435]

8 minutes ago, Cephas said:

I found this helpful when I was looking at which one suited my needs, 

https://www.thercracer.com/2014/08/tamiya-tt02-guide-mods-tuning-and-tips.html

This is a pretty good blog. What do you think @qatmix?

[Sogogi 3359]

Random thought, but i see lots of folks are interested in tt-02… in this forum. Maybe i need to consider too hmm lol

[TurnipJF 9872]

2 hours ago, skom25 said:

TT-02D does not have adjustable suspension.

I quickly calculated price of basic kit with Hop Ups and TT-02S with additional body. Difference is not huge to be honest.

I faced much the same decision as you a little while back, and did much the same maths, arriving at the conclusion that the Type S gave me all I wanted for less money than a base model with enough hop-ups to achieve comparable performance.

Having made that decision, I wasn't locked into choosing from the available Tamiya shells or tyres, so went for an aftermarket high downforce "race blob" shell and Sorex premounts, giving the car excellent Postal Racing performance while also saving a bit of money over the Tamiya options. (I then went and bought it a genuine Tamiya bodyset, wheels and tyres for shelf display, but that is another story...😁)

However if you want a smaller Postal Racer, the M-07 and M-08 are both excellent options, again with the tyres and body of your choice. No hop-ups required!

Any of these is sure to please!

 

[Nick-W 1788]

I adore my TT-02SR. I brought it from Tamico and got lucky on the tax. It’s at a really good price at the moment. I think even with adding a shell and tax it could still work out about the same as a UK kit and the hop-ups. 

[Sogogi 3359]

29 minutes ago, Nick-W said:

I adore my TT-02SR. I brought it from Tamico and got lucky on the tax. It’s at a really good price at the moment. I think even with adding a shell and tax it could still work out about the same as a UK kit and the hop-ups. 

I think sr is good deal too. (Like 90euros cheaper than srx). Though only thing is it comes with spaghetti noodle…

[alvinlwh 7063]

.