should i buy an FF-03?

[Alexei]

i have interest in trying an FF chassis of some type, so i looked at the MST TCR and the Tamiya FF-03.

it will be for running ouside on the streets, not for competions.

the MST TCR looks better suited for indoor/track use, and i dont like how the suspension dont have dampers. i would also prefer to have pinion/spur covered.

the FF-03 looks closer to what im looking for, except that the front dampers and lying down. i would prefer them sitting up like on a regular rc car, and i dont think i can convert that with FF-04 EVO parts.

im not really sure what to decide, so anyone got some advice?

[wtcc5]

The FF-03 performs really well. I wouldn’t be concerned about the lay down dampers. They work really good, even if you want to race indoor at some time. For parking lot running the FF-03 is definitely the better choice. It will cope with dirt and be more robust if you hit something as the plastic of the suspension is not brittle.

There is a lot of tuning parts available, but only the TRF shocks make a big difference. So there is no need to spend money if you don’t need the bling bling.

[ThunderDragonCy]

Yeah, don't be put off hby the IFS, it works great. Get an FF03, you won't regret it. 

[TurnipJF]

Indeed. Being a better grade of touring car, it uses separate pieces for the suspension mounts, so you can replace them if they become damaged, as well as mount the latest TRF bits if you wish. The IFS is really rather good, especially if you ballrace and shim it during assembly.

[svenb]

Have a look at the sales thread @Fabia130vRS is selling one👍

[Alexei]

FF-03 it is then.

 

1 hour ago, svenb said:

Have a look at the sales thread @Fabia130vRS is selling one👍

just checked it out. very reasonable price, but i want new in box / unassembled, as building the kit is one part i like a lot.

[Nicadraus]

As mentioned, the FF-03 is a great car. You'll love it. 

[Grotty Otty]

I think mine is great. Works really well as a rally car with a little lift in ride height (achieved by merely swapping kit parts about) and Schumacher Sst tyres. Think gravel paths and cut grass, surprisingly quick with a 13.5 brushless and Tble-02 on Nimh. 

[Carmine A]

9 hours ago, Alexei said:

FF-03 it is then.

Just checked it out. very reasonable price, but i want new in box / unassembled, as building the kit is one part i like a lot.

You won't regret it!! Great Handling and surprisingly robust. 

If I had the $$ I'd have bought @Fabia130vRS Car YESTERDAY!

[Jonathon Gillham]

Why not the FF04 since you prefer upright dampers? I don't think the FF03 setup will be a problem though. I went for the FF04 because it has the alloy steering, DCJs etc etc(and I would spend the money on those later)  but if its just a carpark basher (and you won't spend money on hopups) then the FF03 will be perfect

[Aerobert]

Modellbau Lindinger has the Opel Vectra  FF-03 for 129 € and in stock. 10 € posted to Denmark.

https://www.lindinger.at/de/detail/index/sArticle/9778299

[Carmine A]

Shame the Opel isn't available in the U.S. 😞 

Even though that Store can Ship here, I just converted the currency....   $154.00 USD + $41.20 USD for Shipping.  NOT that I've got that kind of money, but I'm hoping that IF it's available closer, it won't be as much... 

I just REALLY want a FF-03!!  You will enjoy yours. 😊   The Cantilevered Front Shocks work better than you might think.

[Alexei]

10 hours ago, Jonathon Gillham said:

Why not the FF04 since you prefer upright dampers? I don't think the FF03 setup will be a problem though. I went for the FF04 because it has the alloy steering, DCJs etc etc(and I would spend the money on those later)  but if its just a carpark basher (and you won't spend money on hopups) then the FF03 will be perfect

because i want a plastic bathtub chassis for driving outside, and i dont really need a fully upgraded chassis. i will add a few upgrades though. i dont know if the FF-04 got a standard version, or that it comes as EVO version only. but i havent seen a standard version.

7 hours ago, Aerobert said:

Modellbau Lindinger has the Opel Vectra  FF-03 for 129 € and in stock. 10 € posted to Denmark.

https://www.lindinger.at/de/detail/index/sArticle/9778299

i would prefer the Honda Accord bodyshell, but that price is tempting.

 

[TurnipJF]

The FF-03 is a brilliant deal these days. In terms of quality of materials and fixings, it is right up there with the latest TA and TB chassis, and is a solid design with plenty of scope for upgrades. 

[Alexei]

11 hours ago, Aerobert said:

Modellbau Lindinger has the Opel Vectra  FF-03 for 129 € and in stock. 10 € posted to Denmark.

https://www.lindinger.at/de/detail/index/sArticle/9778299

just bought one from the shop in your link. you saved me at least 40€. thanks  

but for some reason, when i put it in the basket and selected Denmark, then the price of the kit increased to 135€.

[svenb]

Maybe change the title of this thread to

"I have bought a FF03"! 

[Nicadraus]

16 hours ago, Alexei said:

just bought one from the shop in your link. you saved me at least 40€. thanks  

but for some reason, when i put it in the basket and selected Denmark, then the price of the kit increased to 135€.

Some very important upgrades (aside from aluminum dampers) whether to use it for bashing or track are:

universal shafts (CVD or DCJ)

aluminum ball differential outdrives - this is a must as the stock plastic wears out quickly. There's a set from Tamiya (54223) or Yeah Racing(FF03-069BU). I used the YR because it's better.

Aluminum spur gear adapter - Tamiya(54234) or 3Racing (FF03-10/LB).

Those parts make a difference and won't wear out especially with high RPM motors.

850 ball bearing (5x8x2.5) x 4 for the steering (stock FF03 doesn't come with these and only uses metal bushing) - It'll make a noticeable difference and better steering response without binding.

Congrats on the the FF. Feel free to join our discussions at the Tamiya FF Club thread.

[TurnipJF]

In addition to the above, I'd also recommend another 4 850 bearings and a pack of 5mm ID shims for the IFS bellcranks, which are also bushed in stock form and typically have a bit of play. 

[Alexei]

nice, will look into you guys suggestions.

[Alexei]

ordered the Yeah Racing FF03-069BU aluminum ball differential outdrives.

cant find the Tamiya Aluminum spur gear adapter in stock, but i read somewhere that it should be the same as the TT-02 High Speed Gear Set (54500). dont know if thats correct.

i should be able to get bearings for IFS bellcranks at my local hobby shop.

the universal shafts are a little tricky to tell what i should be buying, as i dont find a complete set with 44mm shafts. would this work? Tamiya (54078) 44mm steel shaft+ Tamiya (54076) Wheel Axles and Tamiya (53500) Cross Joints.

[Nicadraus]

23 minutes ago, Alexei said:

ordered the Yeah Racing FF03-069BU aluminum ball differential outdrives.

cant find the Tamiya Aluminum spur gear adapter in stock, but i read somewhere that it should be the same as the TT-02 High Speed Gear Set (54500). dont know if thats correct.

i should be able to get bearings for IFS bellcranks at my local hobby shop.

the universal shafts are a little tricky to tell what i should be buying, as i dont find a complete set with 44mm shafts. would this work? Tamiya (54078) 44mm steel shaft+ Tamiya (54076) Wheel Axles and Tamiya (53500) Cross Joints.

My friend who also has an FF-03 used this.

https://www.rcmart.com/3racing-swing-shaft-d44mm-for-sakura-d3-d4-sak-d113-00065570

He said it fits the FF-03 but sanded the outer shaft a bit to fit the 1050 bearings and it worked. I actually ordered a pair for my other FF-03 to try it out. I'll keep you posted.

[Alexei]

i would prefer Tamiya, as i have never had problems with their universal shafts i used in my other cars. i can keep the 3racing ones as an option if i can find them in EU. if i buy outside EU i will get nuked with fees and taxes :/

 

[Alexei]

did some research on the universal shafts. Tamiya 54076 Tb-03 Wheel Axles + Tamiya 53500 Cross Joints + 54078 44mm Swing Shafts should fit, so thats what i will try.

 

[Nicadraus]

3 hours ago, Alexei said:

did some research on the universal shafts. Tamiya 54076 Tb-03 Wheel Axles + Tamiya 53500 Cross Joints + 54078 44mm Swing Shafts should fit, so thats what i will try.

 

Universal shafts and DCJ for these models will fit the FF03/04.

TB-03/04/05/06

TA-05/06

TRF-415/416/417/418

If you really want best performance, DCJ is the way to go.

[Alexei]

universal shafts should be fine for my goal, to build a fun street basher that doesnt break down.

i just ordered Tamiya 54076, 53500, 54078, plus a few more upgrades.