Tamiya FF-02 build from spares (+options?)

[Strady_Ita]

Hi guys,

it is one of the first post i'm writing here with my "new" nickname, because i was used to follow this web site many years ago (2004-20012) then i lost my password and never been able to refresh my account. so i'm basically an old user coming back to RC (thanks to lockdown, and thanks to childrens being more easy to handle).

I've seen some pages arguing about the FF-02 chassis but basically nothing helped me a lot... so i ask you (maybe again) some suggestion while i will post pictures of my build up.

Everything started from a crappy old M03 blue chromed chassis i had, i wanted something more bigger (do not joke-me on dimensions  ahahah) and i came up to the idea of converting it to a touring 257mm wheelbase. Then as you might see, quite nothing last from the blue chassis ahahah. maybe only the rear knuckles.

Then, after some compulsory purchase (ebay, fusion hobby, rcmart, tamico) i now have a box full of parts to start my build up from new parts. I Ask you suggestion and comments regarding the potential options or modification to create a good model (i do not mind to go exactly box art or manual correct).

Starting with:

- M03 chassis parts (grey), NIB

- TL01 suspension parts NIB

- M03/TL01 steering knuckles NIB  (NOTE i may purchase alloy knuckles front and rear, i'm not totally convinced regarding their shape, i wonder if it is possible to put M05/M06 knuckles or something better) I also have the M03R rear knuckles, blue chromed, i need to check if the has some toe-in angle or not. 

- carbon gear shaft

- bearings (obvious)

- fibre lyte front and rear carbon shock tower stiffner (thanks rcracer)

- fibre lyte servo stiffner (thanks rcracer)

- GPM blue alloy chassis extension for 257mm

- Gears (standard, white ones, i miss the opportunity to buy the hardened black ones... i hope it will not be a big issue)

- turnbuckles, will be hand made with some blue alloy tamiya turnbuckles double screw and spares coming from the big black box... 

- quick release battery holder (i'm thinking over conerting from FRP plates to carbon plates, maybe fibre lyte will help)

- Screws? Maybe i will replace self tapping screws wih hex head carbon steel ones. I think the shock towers are the most fragile, maybe i will drill and put screws trought

 

Then coming to some doubt.

- Differential: i have one original M05 differential with diff yokes output available, it is gear only, not tunable. (inside my M05 i put Yeah Racing ball diff... i'm sorry i bought only one). Then i may have one Manta Ray /TA01 ball diff, could it be an improvement compared to stock gear diff to a FWD car? I might so, i've seen this used on a FF01 that could be similar.

- Transmission: I have standard wheels cup joint and dogbones (coming from TL01) that will work fine with the standard suspension, then i have also a couple of TA01 Skyline Universals (MINT) that seems to be correct for FF02. Are they useful and worthy?? I know these universals may have some value, i have to decide about using them or not. Then i also have some Yeah Racing DF01 CVD that may fit. Maybe better to use the CVD??

- Stabilizator: i miss the opportunity to purchase a TL01 stabilizator kit, and the M03 kit is rare and sure will requires adaption. So i have purchased some stabilizator ball end and i will hand made my own stabilizator kit. Is it worthy? Does anyone has some picture where i can copy the geometry of the stabilizator bars? thanks in advance.

 

Then last but not least, the Body. I like the peugeot 306maxi. it is very rare. I've seen the italian guys from Delta Plastik made a 306 maxi WRC 200mm wide. Anyone know if it is possible to fit the tamiya decals (repro from RcDecals maybe). Sure i will need to use offset wheels...

 

So ANY SUGGESTION?

 

 

[ThunderDragonCy]

I can't help with the mechanical stuff, but L and L Models in the UK do a 306 Maxi repro. I have one on my FF01

https://landlmodels.co.uk/collections/rally-car-bodies-190mm-200mm/products/controlfreax-306?variant=29530491650109

[Strady_Ita]

thanks! can you confirm me the wheelbase is 257mm?

Your car is nice!

 

[Juls1]

not sure if you saw my build, if you have any questions let me know. 

[Strady_Ita]

5 hours ago, Juls1 said:

not sure if you saw my build, if you have any questions let me know. 

Sure i had! You can bet i had lurked on your bling bling car for some time...

I'm going the same way (bling and long span) with my other build that will be a Golf Gr2 racing M05 with Yeah Racing parts... I can't make many bling bling cars all together for budget reason..

[Marcus2116]

My favorite on road was the ff02. Most fun to run.  Understeer was an issue till I got a ball diff, sway bars, of course shocks and i used x pattern radials from HPI. I remember I used yokomo narrows in the rear and wider in the front. It did really well at the track. I had upgraded king pins and other hop ups I can't remember. Key was stiff rear and soft front sway bars. I still have the chassis somewhere I have to pull out to see what I still have. When it would understeer if you let off a little the rear would trail. Awesome car. ......... now I want one again.  

[Strady_Ita]

In meantime, while waiting carbon fiber parts from fibrelyte and bearings from germany, i proceed my compulsory purchase and i took these two bodies (at less price than i may be able to find the 306maxi... sorry tamiya but i can not mind overpaying so much something because it is "rare")

Montech WR4 Polo R 

 

And Zooracing Gorilla Toyota Corolla

 

[ThunderDragonCy]

Personally i prefer the montech because it's more scale. That zoozilla is the first on the path to ruining frontie racibg scale look IMO

[Strady_Ita]

Received today the carbon hollow shafts!!

Super happy, now i have everithing to start, maybe i will not wait next weekend.

Still doubting regarding spending money for bling bling alloys... only knuckles and C-Hubs (30€ almost) or proceed with Yeah Racing Long span? Love them but cost almost an entire car.. (120€).