Road Chassis Recommendations Please.

[Grumpy pants]

I’ve sold my Wild One and the Honda is up for sale and when it has gone I’d like to buy a road based chassis.

I‘m really intrigued by the FF03, M07 and M08, but they are all quite different and none of them are pocket money, so I need to choose wisely. 
 

I want something fun to build and fun to drive, having said that I am not at all adverse to the lower cost M05, M06 or TT02 chassis’,  I am looking for smiles per miles, not an unreliable, unrewarding, shelf ornament that needs £100’s of Hop ups. 

It does not need to cover any off road stuff,   I’d buy a TT02 or if affordable an XV01 if the opportunity presented its self.

All tips and feed back welcome!  

[ThunderDragonCy]

I would definitely get something FF03 / M07 level rather than TT02. Even in basic form they are just plain better. I love my FF03 and would heartily recommend it. M chassis can be a bit limited for casual street running because of the ground clearance, but that said, even my FF03 in full race setup around 5.5-6mm ride height runs great in the street. I also really like my TB03 and FF01 too. I got all used and built as chassis, but i still stripped them, upgraded them and learnt about them, us got to choose good tyres (i recommend Ride cut slicks) and your favourite body. So, not a build from scratch, but give you a bit more budget to make them your own. 

[Busdriver]

TT02-s for sale if your interested. Not easy to get hold of at the moment. Ready hopped up so just electrics to add. See in trades🤑

[Grumpy pants]

1 hour ago, ThunderDragonCy said:

I would definitely get something FF03 / M07 level rather than TT02. Even in basic form they are just plain better. I love my FF03 and would heartily recommend it. M chassis can be a bit limited for casual street running because of the ground clearance, but that said, even my FF03 in full race setup around 5.5-6mm ride height runs great in the street. I also really like my TB03 and FF01 too. I got all used and built as chassis, but i still stripped them, upgraded them and learnt about them, us got to choose good tyres (i recommend Ride cut slicks) and your favourite body. So, not a build from scratch, but give you a bit more budget to make them your own. 

Thanks Cy, great tips and insight there.

The FF03 really floats my boat FWD, battery placement and choice of shells spring to mind.

And I've read how good and robust the TB chassis' are, but having bought a TB02 in the past for pocket money and sold it on for cost, I would struggle to pay todays prices for one 

[Grumpy pants]

1 hour ago, Busdriver said:

TT02-s for sale if your interested. Not easy to get hold of at the moment. Ready hopped up so just electrics to add. See in trades🤑

Morning Jeremy!

Yes I saw that along with your Dancing Rider, the TT might be an option I'm pretty sure @TurnipJFrates this chassis.

[Busdriver]

It’s great but I just don’t have enough suitable places to run it. Same with the dancing rider. 

[Fabia130vRS]

I would like to try the new dancing rider, I dont think its anything else but a Lunchbox kind of experience. But still a lot different to any car I guess. Interesting hops ups on @Busdriver‘s build.

I have a FF03, M05RA and M05ver2. 
I just recently build the M05RA and start to like it more and more, but thats just me I guess, the M05ver2 has speed gears and some hop ups (I do agree quite expensive for what is necessary), it has way to much power and after wvery drive The gear box seems louder and asking for new grease.

the FF03 has ONLY a TA06 gear differential and new spur and pinion with no other hop up and it runs over 100kmh asking for nothing in return. I believe this chassis just continues the classic-ishness of the FF series as in wich I like to honor the first M chassis and so on. I believe to see even re-re‘s of these at some point.

I would love to get a FF03 Accord Aero Kit if bought new or just look for a FF03R in ideal surroundings.  

I havent seen in real life or driven the new M07 and M08 but I would like to get a M08 for my Nissan Silvia S14 shell that heartily accepts normal size touring car tires.

I believe I also will not sell my M05RA and just make a small rally car out of it. With a new Suzuki swift shell in plain white maybe?

but on the other hand I need a new body for rhe FF 03 and not quite sure what body to choose.

definately my words go to a FF03 or a newer TB chassis like TB05

[TurnipJF]

3 hours ago, Grumpy pants said:

Morning Jeremy!

Yes I saw that along with your Dancing Rider, the TT might be an option I'm pretty sure @TurnipJFrates this chassis.

I do indeed. At first I was slightly disappointed that it wouldn't keep up with my TB-03 through the corners despite using the same suspension, same spec electrics, same gear ratio, same setup, etc. Then I realised that its fore-aft weight distribution is a little different to that of the TB-03, so simply replicating my TB-03 setup was doing it an injustice. Now that I have done a bit of tweaking, it is every bit as fast and nimble as my TB-03, just with easier spares availability.

That said, my FF-03, M-07 and M-08 are also brilliant, all having placed well in the postal racing, so you won't go wrong whichever you choose. 

[Re-Bugged]

Shock horror 😱 you sold your WO!!

Ahhh well you’ve been there and done that with a few of them😉

The first time I took my TA02SW out it was a bit of a handful on 2s and Torque Tuned, but I’ve tweaked it a bit brought on by Postal Racing and I’m loving it more and more now on a Sport Tuned. I can’t believe it’s cracked tyres are still hanging in there. It turns in sharply with its shorter wheelbase. So much so that the new Opel Calibre has caught my attention that is on the tub type equivalent chassis.  I don’t have a TT02 to compare to but the R version is high on the list now for my MK1 Escort body which I’m looking forward to. (Shhh between you and me would be be my new Postal race weapon)  I do however have the M08 and is a hoot to drive and did benefit from S grip rear tyres & M grip front tyres. It’s just so smooth. I’m also currently upgrading my M05, mainly to take a square battery with a Ver ll chassis so will see how that goes, stock felt a bit average to me anyway probably spoiled by the M08. But the more I learn about set up helps with any of them. 
 

[Nicadraus]

FF-03 is definitely a good choice. XV-01 is another. 

[Grumpy pants]

5 hours ago, TurnipJF said:

I do indeed. At first I was slightly disappointed that it wouldn't keep up with my TB-03 through the corners despite using the same suspension, same spec electrics, same gear ratio, same setup, etc. Then I realised that its fore-aft weight distribution is a little different to that of the TB-03, so simply replicating my TB-03 setup was doing it an injustice. Now that I have done a bit of tweaking, it is every bit as fast and nimble as my TB-03, just with easier spares availability.

That said, my FF-03, M-07 and M-08 are also brilliant, all having placed well in the postal racing, so you won't go wrong whichever you choose. 

ok so I am intrigued TurnipJF a tough question for you- 

You can only keep one- which one would it be?  FF-03, M-07 and M-08 or TT02-S?

[Grumpy pants]

5 hours ago, Fabia130vRS said:

I would like to try the new dancing rider, I dont think its anything else but a Lunchbox kind of experience. But still a lot different to any car I guess. Interesting hops ups on @Busdriver‘s build.

I have a FF03, M05RA and M05ver2. 
I just recently build the M05RA and start to like it more and more, but thats just me I guess, the M05ver2 has speed gears and some hop ups (I do agree quite expensive for what is necessary), it has way to much power and after wvery drive The gear box seems louder and asking for new grease.

the FF03 has ONLY a TA06 gear differential and new spur and pinion with no other hop up and it runs over 100kmh asking for nothing in return. I believe this chassis just continues the classic-ishness of the FF series as in wich I like to honor the first M chassis and so on. I believe to see even re-re‘s of these at some point.

I would love to get a FF03 Accord Aero Kit if bought new or just look for a FF03R in ideal surroundings.  

I havent seen in real life or driven the new M07 and M08 but I would like to get a M08 for my Nissan Silvia S14 shell that heartily accepts normal size touring car tires.

I believe I also will not sell my M05RA and just make a small rally car out of it. With a new Suzuki swift shell in plain white maybe?

but on the other hand I need a new body for rhe FF 03 and not quite sure what body to choose.

definately my words go to a FF03 or a newer TB chassis like TB05

All very nice btw FF03, M05RA and M05ver2. 

[topforcein]

what about the re-re ta=-02 calibra

[Grumpy pants]

3 hours ago, Re-Bugged said:

Shock horror 😱 you sold your WO!!

Ahhh well you’ve been there and done that with a few of them😉

The first time I took my TA02SW out it was a bit of a handful on 2s and Torque Tuned, but I’ve tweaked it a bit brought on by Postal Racing and I’m loving it more and more now on a Sport Tuned. I can’t believe it’s cracked tyres are still hanging in there. It turns in sharply with its shorter wheelbase. So much so that the new Opel Calibre has caught my attention that is on the tub type equivalent chassis.  I don’t have a TT02 to compare to but the R version is high on the list now for my MK1 Escort body which I’m looking forward to. (Shhh between you and me would be be my new Postal race weapon)  I do however have the M08 and is a hoot to drive and did benefit from S grip rear tyres & M grip front tyres. It’s just so smooth. I’m also currently upgrading my M05, mainly to take a square battery with a Ver ll chassis so will see how that goes, stock felt a bit average to me anyway probably spoiled by the M08. But the more I learn about set up helps with any of them. 
 

I just listed the WO at a price I was happy to sell at and got close enough to my price to be happy to let it go, less than a year ago I struggled to sell it for significantly less.

The TA02SW is a nice looking bit of kit, but the M08 interests me more as it is strikes me as quirky and a bit of handful?

 

[sosidge]

The thing I'd watch for with an M-08 (or M-07 or FF-03) is that they are built for racing and don't have the ride height to deal with anything other than a nicely prepared surface. Otherwise they just end up skipping around on the bumps.

TT-02 has better ride height and is better suited to non-racing use.

But I also think that the right car for you (or for anyone) is that one that piques your interest. So if you like the body or chassis - get it and have some fun!

[TurnipJF]

3 hours ago, Grumpy pants said:

ok so I am intrigued TurnipJF a tough question for you- 

You can only keep one- which one would it be?  FF-03, M-07 and M-08 or TT02-S?

An interesting question, the answer to which would depend on whether I am allowed to keep the rest of my fleet, or if they had to go too.

If my whole fleet had to be given up, I would be keeping my TT-02 Type S. As I am still fond of a spot of club racing now and then, and there are more clubs that offer TC racing than FF or M-chassis racing, it would give me the most options of where to run. Plus it is the most versatile basher of the four, has the widest range of potential bodyshells that will fit, and is the easiest to drive fast as can be seen from the postal results.

However if I could keep the other cars in my fleet, my TB-03 gives much the same performance as the TT-02 Type S, so I would keep that for TC racing duties and hold onto my M-08 for M-chassis racing and carpark hooning as it seems to be marginally quicker than the M-07, albeit also a bit more challenging to drive.

[DayRider]

I finally have my M06 running perfectly after finishing the build in September, so if you get one they take sometime to get there, I have M05 and think it's great as well as a M07 and M08 but I am waiting for summer to get them dialled in but would say go for it.

I don't have a FF03 but I think it's worth while for sure and would go for one my self, I'm not much help am I? But I will say this FWD is more fun than you would think

The TT02 is okay but not much of a challenge and very tame, point and go!

But I think you are in the right place and as long as your having fun.

Try the FF03, for something very different I would say. GOOD LUCK 😁

[Alexei]

spare parts and hop ups for the FF-03 is starting to dry up, so that is a factor to take into account too. getting the aluminium spur gear holder is a @!)(="#$£@£€ pain.

[Re-Bugged]

7 hours ago, Grumpy pants said:

but the M08 interests me more as it is strikes me as quirky and a bit of handful?

 

It is quirky but I find it fun at the same time, that is on the 210mm Wheelbase. Stretched out to 225 or longer would probably calm it down a touch without loosing its character I think. It puts a smile on my face just walking past it sitting on the shelf in between runs.

Just bare in mind that you will have to factor in tyres, and all the electronics, and a body, as there isn’t any included in the kit, (Not even a Silver can!! 😱)

You do have to fit the more expensive Low Profile Servo in these to as a standard one doesn’t fit.

All said and done though I have no regrets buying the M08 at all.

I have found myself keep looking at the FF03 with the Chavalier body on with interest since doing a bit more on road stuff as well.

Happy decision making, chances are you will enjoy whatever you go for in the end anyway 😉

 

[MICHAELs TopForce17]

Could anyone post pictures of your touring car underneath chassis to see scratches from ff03,xv01, tt02s,ta02, tb02,tb03,m06,m07,m08!

[Nicadraus]

9 hours ago, sosidge said:

The thing I'd watch for with an M-08 (or M-07 or FF-03) is that they are built for racing and don't have the ride height to deal with anything other than a nicely prepared surface. Otherwise they just end up skipping around on the bumps.

Both kits are FF-03. Check the ride height on the left. I'm using that as an on-road car, rally car and a road/street basher. I did suspension mods to raise the height up which are really simple and can be done to most touring car chassis. The one on the right is purely an on-road car only.

[Nicadraus]

2 hours ago, MICHAELs TopForce17 said:

Could anyone post pictures of your touring car underneath chassis to see scratches from ff03,xv01, tt02s,ta02, tb02,tb03,m06,m07,m08!

I'll do that. Will post tom. FF-03 & XV-01

[Grumpy pants]

22 hours ago, topforcein said:

what about the re-re ta=-02 calibra

That’s a great shout and the Calibra was one of the hot cars back in my youth! 

[Grumpy pants]

All great feed back, tips and ideas, thank you to everyone who has chipped in.

It will come down to money and stock availability to an extent and it would do me no harm to start with a more modest M05 or TT02 for a reality check before wading in with larger sums of money.

I really like the FF03 and M08 on paper, a XV01 would then give me 4WD off road capabilities and complete the line up.

So 1st things 1st for me, sell the Honda and then see where I’m at.

 

 

 

[kwkenuf]

18 hours ago, TurnipJF said:

If my whole fleet had to be given up, I would be keeping my TT-02 Type S.... Plus it is the most versatile basher of the four, has the widest range of potential bodyshells that will fit, and is the easiest to drive fast as can be seen from the postal results.

 

15 hours ago, DayRider said:

The TT02 is okay but not much of a challenge and very tame, point and go!

I've been considering an on-road for a while also.  These comments have confirmed my inkling for the TT02.  I don't want/need something that is difficult, quirky, or even "authentic" to drive.  Steer and blast is what I want.  It will just be a basher anyhow.