TT-02 conundrum - R vs Type S and what hop ups?

[Losi XXT-CR 469]

I know the TT-02 has been discussed at length. And last night I read a number of posts. But still have a few questions I'm hoping to get answers too.

I'm currently re-entering the world of RC racing. While I'd love to race buggies off road, there just isn't anywhere locally. But my local club and other local clubs do run TT-02 touring car classes. For a few weeks I've been using my Basher M.Rage (M chassis size). Which on paper should be good. But I'm really struggling to dial it in. Spare parts also seem to be an issue and last nights race it decided to melt the main bevel gear in the rear ball diff. I "think" I've found some replacement gear diffs from another brand, that I've ordered. But I'm uncertain if I will get it back running. And if I do, it still is quite unforgiving to drive, leaving me trailing everyone else.

So I'm seriously considering buying a TT-02. And like many before me, it comes down to what is the best and most economical way of buying a competitive and capable vehicle.

The vehicle will only be used for carpet racing (or tarmac racing if anywhere offers this, don't think anywhere local does, so likely 100% carpet use). It won't be bashed at all. And I'm not looking at other kits, as these are TT-02 (or TT-01) classes. Albeit you are free on setup etc.

I have a Core 21 brushed motor, 1060 ESC and Savox servo, plus Rx that I'd lift from the M.Rage.

So it comes down to the spec of the vehicle.

 

Currently I'm liking the idea of the Type S, available in lots of places, e.g.for £130-140

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-tt-02-type-s-chassis-387949

Does anyone have a list of what the Type S has over the regular TT-02?

I can't seem to find a decisive list, only partial.

Or to put it another way, are there any essential upgrades I should also consider?

I see there is a "hard" chassis: https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-tt-02-lower-deck-hard-black--444286

It is only £7.59, so thought I'd opt for this. But not sure if the Type S gets it anyway as it comes with other reinforced parts.

 

While checking prices for the Type S, I also came across a TT-02R:

https://amzn.eu/d/aBiuCsU

Just about the same money as the Type S, but it isn't hugely clear what the spec differences are between them.

 

Which is the better starting platform and why?

 

I've pretty much ruled out buying a regular TT-02 and hopping it up. Seems like it gets expensive quick. I'm not worried about bling, just performance and to some extent durability if there are any weak parts.

Thanks.

[Elbowloh 1306]

Check the rules at your club. Many clubs don't allow the S variant due to its advantages, especially steering/suspension upgrades. However the R might be allowed.

[Losi XXT-CR 469]

17 minutes ago, Elbowloh said:

Check the rules at your club. Many clubs don't allow the S variant due to its advantages, especially steering/suspension upgrades. However the R might be allowed.

Its all pretty relaxed rules wise. Its also for fun, nothing serious. As said, I'm currently running the M.Rage against the TT-02's, 

[GreenBar0n 70]

I recently bought a cheap Tamiya 911 RSR kit, with no ESC, direct from Japan on ebay.

 

I took the TT-02 chassis that came with the 911 body and wheels, and put this VW Dual Cab body on it.

 

Then bought a TT-02R for the 911 body and wheels.

 

TT-02R on the left, TT-02 on the right, with propeller shaft and motor mount hop ups.

 

Included TT-02R Hop Ups listed on the box.

 

The TT-02R is a better value, but doesn't come with a body.

[alvinlwh 7245]

S has the better suspension and other included hopups. 

Personally I prefer the R though as it is a straight forward switch to rally specs. 

[Losi XXT-CR 469]

17 minutes ago, alvinlwh said:

Personally I prefer the R though as it is a straight forward switch to rally specs. 

I have no interest in making a rally car of it. I have an XV-01T anyway.

[alvinlwh 7245]

Just now, Losi XXT-CR said:

I have no interest in making a rally car of it. I have an XV-01T anyway.

So the S will be better for you. Also, in the UK, the S is very slightly cheaper than the R. 

[MadAnt 320]

I own a TT02 Type S, it handles great, but I do not have anywhere to race it, maybe someday. Anyway,  if the Type S is allowed in the racing class you desire to run, then go for it if the price is right. Also, if you need more speed out of the TT02 but gearing is the limitation, you can modify the smaller TT01 spur gears to work. 

[Rijkvv 66]

The R has the high speed gear set and alloy shaft, I think those are the main features that the S lacks? I believe it's easier to get an S and have those bits added, than it is to give an R the superior suspension of the S.

[Losi XXT-CR 469]

Thanks all.

The Type S sounds like it is the way to go.

This is what I think I'd go for, plus a body and some paint, so around £200 all in.

 

My only other question is steering. I see some people say about the slop in the steering on the TT-02.

Does the Type S use the exact same setup? In the manual it looks a little different, adjustable turnbuckles instead of fixed links, but is the bridge different too?

I've seen these steering kits, but don't know if they would be suitable:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/yeah-racing-aluminum-ball-bearing-steering-set-for-tamiya-tt02-tt02b-1359399

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/fastrax-tamiya-tt-02-aluminium-steering-set-431583

 

The Tamiya kit does say Type S and looks different to the above ones:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-tt-02-aluminium-steering-set-1331366

Also considerably steep money when you consider the price of the entire kit.

[TurnipJF 10277]

2 minutes ago, Losi XXT-CR said:

Thanks all.

The Type S sounds like it is the way to go.

This is what I think I'd go for, plus a body and some paint, so around £200 all in.

 

My only other question is steering. I see some people say about the slop in the steering on the TT-02.

Does the Type S use the exact same setup? In the manual it looks a little different, adjustable turnbuckles instead of fixed links, but is the bridge different too?

I've seen these steering kits, but don't know if they would be suitable:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/yeah-racing-aluminum-ball-bearing-steering-set-for-tamiya-tt02-tt02b-1359399

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/fastrax-tamiya-tt-02-aluminium-steering-set-431583

 

The Tamiya kit does say Type S and looks different to the above ones:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-tt-02-aluminium-steering-set-1331366

Also considerably steep money when you consider the price of the entire kit.

The Yeah Racing kit would be my recommendation. It has the accuracy of machining that you would expect from a manufacturer that cares about its reputation, unlike the Fastrax one which seems to be a cheap rebranded Chinese knockoff. If you have the budget for it, obviously the Tamiya one is the best of the bunch, and any of them are better than the stock plastic.

[chris.alex 1349]

2 hours ago, Losi XXT-CR said:

My only other question is steering. 

In the TT02 series, the slightly wobbly steering has always remained the same up to and including the "Type S". With the TT02SR (and SRX and BR) the design has been changed by the new flanged pipes in the steering linkage. In my experience, this is a small but significant improvement. IMHO much better than any aluminum steering parts.

[Murmel 63]

2 hours ago, Losi XXT-CR said:

Thanks all.

The Type S sounds like it is the way to go.

This is what I think I'd go for, plus a body and some paint, so around £200 all in.

 

i would skip the alu propshaft and joints. no need for those, stock parts can handle a lot of power.

I also just installed the high speed gearset and would not recommend. Its a little wobbly, the stock spur is much more firm in its place. I would rather get a adjustable alu motor mount and then use a bigger spur.

the type s alu steering kit 54965 is really nice however. much better than all the other alu steering kits.

[MadAnt 320]

6 hours ago, Losi XXT-CR said:

Thanks all.

The Type S sounds like it is the way to go.

This is what I think I'd go for, plus a body and some paint, so around £200 all in.

 

My only other question is steering. I see some people say about the slop in the steering on the TT-02.

Does the Type S use the exact same setup? In the manual it looks a little different, adjustable turnbuckles instead of fixed links, but is the bridge different too?

I've seen these steering kits, but don't know if they would be suitable:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/yeah-racing-aluminum-ball-bearing-steering-set-for-tamiya-tt02-tt02b-1359399

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/fastrax-tamiya-tt-02-aluminium-steering-set-431583

 

The Tamiya kit does say Type S and looks different to the above ones:

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-tt-02-aluminium-steering-set-1331366

Also considerably steep money when you consider the price of the entire kit.

Big nope to the high speed gear set. Modify the TT01 spur gears for the most effective speed increase.

[alvinlwh 7245]

Amazon has the high speed gear set on Prime Day deal for £8.07.

Alternatively Modelsport has the YR version for £7.39. It does not come with a spur gear, which I actually prefer as I use 48dp gears instead of 0.6m whenever possible. 

[MadAnt 320]

I'll blow your mind. All these spur gears work in the TT02. Two of them are meant for the TT02, the rest are not, but making them work is cake. Just a little bit trimming is needed for the TT01 spur gear.

[Kowalski86 4312]

11 hours ago, alvinlwh said:

Amazon has the high speed gear set on Prime Day deal for £8.07.

Alternatively Modelsport has the YR version for £7.39. It does not come with a spur gear, which I actually prefer as I use 48dp gears instead of 0.6m whenever possible. 

I was considering doing that with my TT02, 48 pitch gears and a Kimbrough spur gear. It's nice having a more "universal" type of gearing.

[MadAnt 320]

On 10/8/2024 at 8:27 PM, alvinlwh said:

Amazon has the high speed gear set on Prime Day deal for £8.07.

Alternatively Modelsport has the YR version for £7.39. It does not come with a spur gear, which I actually prefer as I use 48dp gears instead of 0.6m whenever possible. 

That's actually a good idea since 48 pitch gears are much easier to get than the metric pitch Tamiya uses. 

[alvinlwh 7245]

10 hours ago, MadAnt said:

That's actually a good idea since 48 pitch gears are much easier to get than the metric pitch Tamiya uses. 

Yeap, I got a pile of 48p gears from my 3R builds and I changed the gear in my FF-03 to 48p to allow me a much wider choice of gear ratios without needing to buy new gears. 

[Losi XXT-CR 469]

...

Edited October 13 by Losi XXT-CR
Posted in wrong thread.

[OoALEJOoO 3296]

@Losi XXT-CR TT-02 steering can be shimmed to reduce its sloppiness by using aluminium foil on setscrews BC6 and BC7. Depending on your foil thickness, a full or partial wrap around its OD would be sufficient. This greatly reduces play and the foil will not come out.

[Raman36 1717]

The type S drives much better than the standard / type R.  You can also opt for the later 54965 type S steering, which has much better steering throw.  For slop, shims are your friend. I shimmed my type S and R to reduce the steering play.