Need some input and ideas

[burakol 462]

So after almost two weeks of being hunkered down in our home, I decided to take my GF01, and TT02 out of the box. Now me and my son wanted to start a new build but I am not sure which one to do. I'd prefer to have the same car as him, but it is not necessary. I think my goal is to have him complete the kit as much as he can, with minimal help from me. 

So here's what I need help with: 

1. What kit should I consider for both me and my son that won't cost me an arm and leg? He prefers a truck over a car (another GF01, G601, blackfoot, or something else maybe?)

2. Hop-ups. I am thinking of slightly upgrading the GF01 I don't know what upgrades are even worth putting in for bashing. So far what I have in it are bearings all-around, aluminum servo arm, and lightweight gear shaft. I am currently running it using a 20t brushed Photon Speed motor from my Evader and I'm quite pleased with it for now. I actually wanted to put some LED lighting but I'm afraid that it is not worth it given that this is more of a basher. 

3. As for the TT02, is it even worth considering converting it to a drifter by buying those kits I see, or is it better to just buy a drift chassis instead?  

[TurnipJF 9180]

1. The G6-01 is a fun build, a good runner and a nice bashing companion for a GF-01 as both can handle similar terrain.
2. The "Big 3" are always a good idea - a steel pinion, oil shocks and full bearings. I'd suggest rubber sealed bearings for an off-roader.
3. Best get a drift chassis. Drift cars are so specialised these days - it is hard for a conversion car to compete with a dedicated drifter.

[Juggular 4961]

1)  I have a feeling that you'll have to yield G6-01 to your son, and you'll be running GF01.   Plastic bushings can really cut down the run time short, so bearings are a must in my opinion. 

2)  [A]  I never paid for light weight gear shafts.  I've gotten them in used cars.  But they are not particularly useful.  It doesn't make the gear run faster, it's weaker, but overall weight of the car is few grams lighter.  If you are racing F-1 type of cars, that could be useful.  But for bashers where torque is important, stock shafts are 10 times stronger.  Servo arms don't flex much, but the pivoting points where arms are attached to tend to be loose with a lot of Tamiya kits.  Then again, for bashers it doesn't matter most of the times.  [C] Bearings are always good.  They improve speed, run time and acceleration 15-20% without any other upgrade.  [D] Steel pinion lasts longer, and avoids aluminum paste. [E] Oil Shocks are always nice.  

My order of upgrade is (1) 100% of my cars have ball bearings.  (2) 75% of them have a mildly upgraded motor like Sport Tuned, 19t or 13.5t.  (3) 85% have oil shocks because without oil shocks, they run like toys.  (4) only few have steel pinion (because I'm a tinkerer, not a runner. If I were running all the time, this should come up before motor upgrade)  I never get steering upgrades unless the stock steering kit is particularly wonky. 

Of course, all this is how I do.  You can pick and choose what you'd like to do.  Some people get aluminum A-arms for the bling-factor.  Aluminum actually breaks easier than softer plastic, but it's a hobby.  One should do what makes him feel good.  

 

[WillyChang 1814]

If you want to try "drift" just buy a set of Drift tyres for your TT02. Look for HPI T-Drifts or the 1001 similar copies available, that'll be good enough for AWD style rally sliding.

RWD drifter is pretty specialised niche, they won't run on most surfaces (you gotta retune for each surface) and IMHO more trouble than they're worth unless you've got a likeminded community around to support your interest. Otherwise it'll be run once then left lying around collecting dust.

[Biz73 603]

G6-01, bearings, steel pinion, and oil shocks. Your kid will love you for it

[burakol 462]

Thank you for all the responses. I'm trying to search for the best price around and it seems that TowerHobbies are offering it for about $167 shipped. I am also hoping that the Tamiya distributor that helped me a few years ago when I facilitated an RC club in the school I work at can order me at least two kits, maybe three.... will try luck in getting a KongHead for my son, while I, will have the schoo bus... and maybe another wheely car... 

[Big Jon 684]

G601 is really fun, especially with 4WS. Bearings, oil shocks, high torque servo savers (a must for all runners), and a zesty motor will do it.

Mine's kinda blinged. 10.5t, Protek 100T servos, aluminum servo mount, all low friction screws, e-clip hingepins and braces, chassis braces, etc. Nothing radical, but a nice sprinkling of hop ups. It's probably been driven by every RC guy in Dallas, and has been really fun and durable.

[burakol 462]

Where do you guys buy your kits and parts?

Besides TowerHobbies, AmainHobby, and Horizon Hobby here in the states, I only look at Ebay and Amazon. I do look at AliExpress and Banggood but the shipping is so slow... then some of the online shops like StellaModels, Tamico, etc. are based overseas and shipping cost is an arm and a leg to get to me... 

 

[Big Jon 684]

Your LHS might have an account with Tamiya USA, or you can order direct yourself. Horizon has a decent selection of kits, and, considering that they own Tower, so does Tower. TQ Racing has quite a few parts. I've found AMain to be lacking in Tamiya selection, although they're getting better. I often order from RCMart, and, a lot of the time, several of us will do a big order and split shipping. There are more RC guys out there than you think. Try building your local network, both online and in person, so you can have some homies to run with and share ideas with.

[burakol 462]

How come theres a lot more kit choices for European and asian markets? 

I went to rcmart and saw a Manta Ray kit. I remember that was my RC when I was a kid!!! Now I desperately want one but shipping cost is nearly as much as the kit itself.