Foxy
Posts: 13960
Score: 488
Joined: 3/23/2005
Last Login: 2/7/2012
From: Kingston UK, but living in Athens, GREECE
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I also wanted to say, I really like what you've done with your truck, it looks a lot better with the body lowered like that, and let me also say that a few of your issues have been addressed on the thunderbolt.
Shocks... yep, same issue, water for shock oil. Smartech have conceded this, and on the recommendation of the reviewers including myself and Hellya, will be putting 1k (euro wt) in the shocks of the production units, well done for listening Smartech. The coils...hm, yeh, basically, they are exactly the same coils on the TB, and they needed to be shorter. It's a legacy of the fact they were designed for the Titan, and as you rightly say, new springs should be high on Smartechs list of aftermarket bits.
Radio gear... I ran mine with all the stock electrics (I had to for an official review of an RTR, I will put Spektrum in later and use my 3pk probably), but I have to say, it's one of the best sets of electronics I've seen on an RTR. The servos are strong and fast, the TX comfortable, and the EPA and Dual Rate are welcome additions. Perhaps this is something that Smartech have changed?
Suspension/Drivetrain... C-clips... I have captured hingepins on my car. The lower outer hinges where the hub joins the arm are still c-clipped, but they are the only c-clips on the car. Another change for the better? Dogbones popping out... still an issue. Happened to me in the first 5 minutes of running. Diff, yeh, still an issue, I'm glad to hear that my suspicion that locking it would make a big difference was correct.
Drive gears, chassis etc... yep, still hilariously noisy. Everyone who sees it is like 'what's that jingling noise?' lol. As you correctly say though, the all metal drivetrain seems to hold up well, and I'm glad to hear that after fitting a 290, you still find that it's holding up well. I agree an alloy clutch bell carrier is a must for all gas cars, and you were lucky to be able to get one from Vertigo. I hope a few more of the hop up manufacturers can get on board with this kind of critical stuff. My chassis is very stiff, very little flex. But again I wonder if that would still be the case if I put a 4hp mill in it. I'll look out for it, thanks for the tip. Once again, I really like what you've done with the body.
Engine... You did well not to even bother with it, it's not the sharpest part of the car. I want to try with a decent pipe and filter, but I suspect I'll be following you down the 'upgrade engine' route pretty soon. Filter, yeh, not the best. It keeps the crap out of the carb (see pics in other thread), but it's small, and an enclosed filter like that is not the best thing for an offroader, I also don't like how it forces the air through angles before it gets to the carb. A big open filter with an outerwear will be better. I have already ordered an FG to put on, as I think they are the best out there. Fuel tank cap, yep, it's a joke. I'll see if I can get my DDM alloy one to fit.
Sum up... Yep, it has issues, and yep, it's still a good car. All gassers need some money thrown at them, and these two cars are still reasonably economical ways to get into the 4wd game.
Now lets keep on at them about the aftermarket supply. 
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All Forums >> RC Cars, Buggies, Trucks, Tanks and more >> RC Giant Scale Cars >> Smartech Titan/ owners review 
Smartech Titan/ owners review - 
