M06 Pro or HPI Cup Racer?

[markbt73]

I've been wanting another M-chassis car for a while now, especially since the Eunos roadster body reappeared (I have a 1991 MX-5 Miata and I've always wanted to do a "mini-me" of it). I had been planning on getting the M06 Pro, but yesterday I saw that Tower has the HPI Cup Racer marked down to $169, or only $5 more than the M06.

Which had me thinking... On the one hand, I've never had a "full-option" Tamiya kit before, and this is a chance to get one for a reasonable price. Everyone seems to like the M06 better than the M04, which I had and never really cared for. But on the other hand, I've been intrigued by the Cup Racer ever since they came out with it, and I like the idea of the super-adjustability of it. And I'm kind of in the mood to build something non-Tamiya. I feel like if I buy another manufacturer's kit, I'm telling them "See? We like kits. Please make more."

I plan to use a mild cheapo Chinese brushless system that I already have, as neither one comes with a motor or speed control. And I don't want to race; I just want a nice involving build, that will run and handle well, and that I don't get tired of too quickly.

Does anyone have experience with both? Which one is a better value? Easier to drive? More fun to tinker with?

[gozone]

Personally, i would get the HPI. Right now, i have an ABC Genetic, which is roughly similar sized, and it runs great, and even though, the M06 may be fun, I would also find the HPI more interesting to build, and I am pretty sure, it will be better handling with brushless than the M06.

[neobrunox]

Personally, i would get the HPI. Right now, i have an ABC Genetic, which is roughly similar sized, and it runs great, and even though, the M06 may be fun, I would also find the HPI more interesting to build, and I am pretty sure, it will be better handling with brushless than the M06.

100% right ;-)

[Sayer]

100% right ;-)

Since my hatred of open spur designs started with my Cup Racer. I'd tend to go in the opposite direction for a "messing around car". Just driving around on tarmac in a parking lot lost me chunks of my pinion and on one occasion seized up the entire driveline due a rock between the gears.

[Skottoman]

I have both.

I actually like driving the M06 better, but the Cup Racer is more capable.

The reason I like the M06, is because I put it under a Cup Racer Porsche RS Body, so the rear weight makes the car handle and look more realistic. Great fun to drive!

The Cup Racer Chassis is 4wd (but you can make 2wd if needed). I have found though that while the cup racer handles very well, once you add more power, it starts to lose that edge.

Currently my M06 has a Trinity Monster HP 23T motor, and one of my Cup Racers has a Castle Sidewinder Brusheless 5700kv setup, set to 40% power. It's the only way to keep it under control. With the power of a good brushless, torque steer is massive, and it just doesn't handle that well. Proper power and it's the better handler.

Building the cup racer is more complex, and takes more to replace/repair parts, but it is a fun build.

M06 is simple and easy to maintain.

Favorite? I think it's the M06, but the cup racer offers so many options that it should be added to any M chassis stable and you won't regret trying something new. Body and wheel options are amazing compared to the Tamiya offerings.

Cheers,

Skottoman

[markbt73]

Well, you guys just aren't making the decision any easier at all... those are all valid points.

I do have a question about the Cup Racer: I have a couple sets of Tamiya M-chassis wheels; will they fit? From the photos, the hubs look gigantic. Are there clearance problems with the Tamiya wheels?

[Skottoman]

Well, you guys just aren't making the decision any easier at all... those are all valid points.

I do have a question about the Cup Racer: I have a couple sets of Tamiya M-chassis wheels; will they fit? From the photos, the hubs look gigantic. Are there clearance problems with the Tamiya wheels?

No clearance problems as I've found, you can put Tamiya wheels/tires on the Cup Racer chassis, but you must use the Cup Racer mounting system. (screw and washers instead of a bolt and nut).

Also, You cannot interchange the Cup Racer wheels and Tamiya Tires, or Tamiya wheels and Cup Racer tires. You must use Cup Racer tires with cup racer wheel, and Tamiya, etc.

I can prob answer most questions, as I have a bunch of M04's, 1 M06, and 2 Cup Racers.

Cheers,

Skottoman

[kaiser]

i'll be the first one to point out the cup racers short comings.

it's weak, very weak. the hinge pin braces are made of butter soft alloy, tag a wall and the arm falls off.

the plastics used for the tierods are also too soft, i collapsed a rear one in a very mild collision.

granted i run on a carpeted oval with inner and outer walls, but i can't manage more then 1.5 batteries without a breakage.

the build was really fun, the car is complicated and that's cool, but it's got some odd weak parts that noone makes a better part for.

i already installed better axle cups and front spindles, but the hinge pin braces and soft palstics have really turned me off.

i recently ordered an ABC genetic to replace it.

also the cup racer has been discontinued as far as i know.

the other thing to keep in mind is that hpi intended for the cup racer to run a 30 turn brushed motor. so i wouldn't put anything hotter then a 17.5 bl system in it.

[Skottoman]

i'll be the first one to point out the cup racers short comings.

it's weak, very weak. the hinge pin braces are made of butter soft alloy, tag a wall and the arm falls off.

the plastics used for the tierods are also too soft, i collapsed a rear one in a very mild collision.

granted i run on a carpeted oval with inner and outer walls, but i can't manage more then 1.5 batteries without a breakage.

the build was really fun, the car is complicated and that's cool, but it's got some odd weak parts that noone makes a better part for.

i already installed better axle cups and front spindles, but the hinge pin braces and soft palstics have really turned me off.

i recently ordered an ABC genetic to replace it.

also the cup racer has been discontinued as far as i know.

the other thing to keep in mind is that hpi intended for the cup racer to run a 30 turn brushed motor. so i wouldn't put anything hotter then a 17.5 bl system in it.

I have 2 cup racers built up... one of them has been running a 19T motor in it for at least 20 battery packs. I've put 2 sets of tires on it, and just use it for bashing around the street.

I don't race, so I don't have to worry about hitting walls. I think for standard running in an open area, the parts are fine.

The plastic drive cup though has been a problem for some, but not for me with the 19T motor. I've had no problems with it at all.

Final solution to the OP.... get BOTH!

Cheers,

Skottoman

[gozone]

Skottoman wrote: "Final solution to the OP.... get BOTH!"..

Yes, better get both... AND an ABC Genetic.. That should cover it, lol.

[markbt73]

Sure, I could get both... you guys want to take up a collection? Seriously, I can only afford one new RC project for the whole winter, so I'm being picky about what I get. The ABC Genetic is out because the wheelbase isn't adjustable, and the Tamiya MX-5 body I want is 225mm.

I'm leaning towards the Cup Racer, probably in its drift flavor, so that I can try something else new that I've been curious about. The comments about its durability are a little disappointing, but also hard to believe, because I had an RS4 Pro that I bought second-hand and ran as a rally car (with wide-open belts and gears!) and never had a problem. If it feels like it won't hold up, maybe I'll rethink the motor choice. The brushless system I have lsn't exactly a fire-breather, though.

Thanks for the advice, and I'll be sure to do a build thread. I've never tried to model one of my own cars before.

[markbt73]

Well, as it turns out, the decision was much easier than I thought. The local hobby shop had a new-built, never run standard M06 on the consignment shelf for $99. Came with a spare set of Mini-style wheels in gold and a Futaba servo installed. I think it might have bearings, too, but I haven't checked. So I grabbed it, and a set of Tamiya 60D rally-block tires to go on the gold wheels.

I also spotted an HPI Lancia Stratos shell and bought it as well. I have heard that these are a tough fit on the M-chassis, but if I can't make it work I'll save it for something else. It was too cool to pass up.

So for now, I'll use either the Lancia or an Alfa GTA body that I already have, and order an MX-5 body from Tower later...

[Skottoman]

Well, as it turns out, the decision was much easier than I thought. The local hobby shop had a new-built, never run standard M06 on the consignment shelf for $99. Came with a spare set of Mini-style wheels in gold and a Futaba servo installed. I think it might have bearings, too, but I haven't checked. So I grabbed it, and a set of Tamiya 60D rally-block tires to go on the gold wheels.

I also spotted an HPI Lancia Stratos shell and bought it as well. I have heard that these are a tough fit on the M-chassis, but if I can't make it work I'll save it for something else. It was too cool to pass up.

So for now, I'll use either the Lancia or an Alfa GTA body that I already have, and order an MX-5 body from Tower later...

Well nice that the decision is made! You'll enjoy the M06. I didn't think you could go wrong either way.

Regarding the Lanica Stratos shell, it will not fit the M06, the front shock tower is in the way, and there is no option for laydown front shocks on the M06. It does however fit the Cup Racer.

Like I mentioned earlier, the best EVER shell for the M06 is the HPI Porsche RS. Looks and drives quite realistically with the motor in the rear!

ENjoy!

Skottoman

[mike_o]

....I also spotted an HPI Lancia Stratos shell and bought it as well. I have heard that these are a tough fit on the M-chassis, but if I can't make it work I'll save it for something else. It was too cool to pass up...

In case you can't get it to fit the M06, I'll be happy to rid you of it I believe it would fit my RWD M-stick project perfectly....

[RS2RSR]

Maybe a bit late now, but what about the TT01 with the 3Racing short wheelbase conversion ?

I have two of them, and the wheelbase is adjustable 210mm-225mm

[4towing]

I also spotted an HPI Lancia Stratos shell and bought it as well. I have heard that these are a tough fit on the M-chassis, but if I can't make it work I'll save it for something else. It was too cool to pass up.

I also bought the HPI Stratos, hoping it would fit the M06, but it didn't, so I had to buy the M05RA and fit it to that! Shucks!

Completed the build, with my son in one Sunday afternoon.

Just need to complete electrics, and take some pix.