Super, Super astute!

Another astute (from Taffer again! Cheers Scott!) - I have a real thing for these cars and really can`t wait to get this one running. It`s in superb condition, with the chassis being pretty much 100% new built.

Having read several other members comments about the famous Jamie Booth Astute, I thought I would set about converting thi s astute into a decent and, moreover, tougher than standard runner.

I started by replacing the normally very weak D5 part with a superbly cast alluminium replacement (I had this in a parts lots from a fellow member, but think they originally came from another TC member). Also replaced in alloy were parts D1. I then set about redressing the balance of all those intricate parts that make up the rear adjustable arms. Basically, I replaced parts B2 with Macap lower wishbones and used dynastorm upper arms (turnbuckles), substituting Part C2 with super astute rear knucles, using two 3mm alloy bushing either side mounted on the shaft.

The front end got similar treatment, using the dyna storm turnbuckle set for the upper arms and the steering rods, and usiing tougher dynastorm/super astute nylon knuckle arms.

ALL brass bearings were replaced with shielded ball bearings and the rear drive shafts replaced with hop up UJ`s, fitted to the excellent TTC gear train from the super astute. This last option is a must in my opinion as the standard ball diff is so prone to slipping and requiring re-tightening, and eventually needing a re-build.
As for what motor, well it`s a choice between the torquey Tamiya 14 turn acto pink or the Dyna tech 02H (13 turn rotor), both of which are superb motors.

The shocks have been replaced using yeah racing alloy bodied dampers. 90mm rear, 70 mm front - having a very plush action and in my opinion assisting greatly when setting up the rear tow -in angle, as the screw cap compression ring makes it so easy to alter the coil compression helping to sit the back end up. That said, using these shocks and the aformentioned combination of replacment parts makes the car sit a whole 6mm lower than when running standard - again in my opinion this not only looks better, but when test running, the entire car appears to steer in much tighter (perhaps one of the downfalls of the original).


UPDATE:
Fibre lyte front shock tower, rear shock tower and sub chassis added, along with new body (18.4.08)