TB-03D on the race track

[rccardude04]

Well, I picked up a TB-03D Special Edition as a parking lot drifter, and realized that I forgot how bad I want to race some Sedan.

A local track is running indoors over the winter, and am hoping to get this thing set up for a bit of fender banging. They usually run 10.5 motors but occasionally 13.5s. I already have the TRF shocks, swaybars, aluminum outdrives, metal bellcranks and carbon link, and some aluminum arm mounts on the way. Hopefully I don't really need much else.

Anyone have any input on what other upgrades I should pick up? It should be fun to hopefully beat up on one or two of the Associated/Losi guys with my little Tamiya car!

-Eric

[akuntze]

http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=435

Since you are thinking about running 10.5, it is important to beef up the drive train with some parts. It is also a good idea to get a set of universals to help put the power down better. Finally, a spool would be good if you are planning on running on asphalt, or some other paved surface.
* 54052 - Aluminum Propeller Shaft
* 54053 - Aluminum Propeller Joint
* 53500 - Universal Assembly Shaft Cross Joint
* 54076 - TB03 Wheel Axles
* 54077 - 44mm Aluminum Swing Shafts
* 54125 - TB03 Direct Coupling
* 54054 - Aluminum Motor Adapter
* 50994 - 5mm Suspension Balls
* 54064:54074 - Suspension Mounts

[Wyoming]

Cool, thanks for that information been wanting to add one of those chassis to my collection and I always like to add a few factory hop-up options :Tamiya1:

[BobbyVegas]

Adding some of the hopups would make it a great machine. Out the box, the TB03 can hold its own.

[rccardude04]

* 54052 - Aluminum Propeller Shaft
* 54053 - Aluminum Propeller Joint
* 53500 - Universal Assembly Shaft Cross Joint
* 54076 - TB03 Wheel Axles
* 54077 - 44mm Aluminum Swing Shafts
* 54125 - TB03 Direct Coupling
* 54054 - Aluminum Motor Adapter
* 50994 - 5mm Suspension Balls
* 54064:54074 - Suspension Mounts

I have a fair chunk of all that, since a lot comes with the TB03D limited edition. I'm not sure if I like how it drives with the spool, but it's apparently not a bad tuning option? A friend of mine and I both have these cars, and ordered the suspension mounts also, but where he went with stock toe angle, I went ahead and assumed I'd want the extra bit so I went with the 3.0 blocks instead of 2.5. Should make the back end track a little better with the spool. I may build a diff from the kit and try it. I sure like the one-way in the front though, at least on the street/parking lot.

Great article too. I'll be sure to read it the rest of the way through shortly.

Thanks!!

-Eric

[akuntze]

I must have overlooked that you had the Limited edition kit, so yes, a lot of those parts should be included.

The spool is a turning option, and really depends on your driving style and race track what will work for you best. A spool is very good for tight asphalt, and even carpet tracks, where a one way is good for high speed, flowing tracks. The spool allows you to get into the corners deeper than with a one way because it gives the car maximum braking. The one way allows the front wheels to freewheel when you are off power and thus you do lose braking capabilities. You will have to see what works best for you, and what other drivers at your local track suggest. Ideally, it would be great if you could run both back to back.

On my TB03, I ran the setup much like my TA05 with the front suspension blocks B/A and the rear A/D with a 17.5 motor. With the low power, X/D was plenty of rear toe. For 10.5, you might want to consider X/E, or X/F in the rear.

[rccardude04]

Yeah, my driving style is to never really use brakes anyway. I found (with offroad anyway) that I am a lot faster when i just slow down and drive smooth instead of yanking the brakes at the last minute. I'm just not good enough for it to work.

Will the plastic diff outdrives hold up for 10-20 packs while I'm waiting for the aluminum units? Or should I leave the rear spool until I can get the aluminum outdrives?

The track is pretty big but indoors, so it's probably rather tight. I'll ask on their forum about spool vs. one-way vs. 2 diffs, etc.

I also need to figure out what pinion to put on this thing with a 150-170' backstraight... Tekin RS Pro 10.5, ideas?

I also think it's pavement of some sort, and the sorex 32r seem to be the tire of choice (either that or spec tire, not really sure). The track is almost an hour and a half away, but I really want to run sedan so we're gonna put some miles on the truck. :D

-Eric

[akuntze]

A lot is about driving style with the spool vs. one way. The problem is, if you are racing with a lot of people who use the spool, you will have to be careful diving into tight corners and not getting run into.

The plastic outdrives should not be an issue, and even if they start wearing down, you know some better ones are on the way. At least using the plastic ones will get you out on track to get some practice in. Using a spool in the rear is fine for drifting, but I would not recommend it for any type of racing.

I am not sure what a good gearing would be for 10.5 but usually someone in customer support could give you an idea of what gearing they recommend for their motor. Ask around the track for ideas. If you have a temp gauge, that would also help a lot as you typically don't want to see your motor get above 160 degrees F in practice trim to save your motor.