First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice....

First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (Full Version)

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Calin666 -> First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/12/2008 3:20:44 AM)
Well, all you gear heads and experts out there I need some help..... I have a stock Tamiya TA05, that I bought specifically for racing, and I just found out from my local track that my car is ready for one of their classes. I am going to race in a class that is pretty lenient on how the cars are setup. Main requirements are: 19 turn motor. That's it. I have had my car for only five days, and have it running nice as is. This is my current setup, along with my own observations: Venom NiMh 7.2v, 3600mah pack (Starts loosing torque after about 3.5minutes, but lasts the entire race length of five minutes) Stock Tamiya tires and wheel (Weather is getting warmer, so a different compound might be need. Surface is smooth blacktop) Venom Fireball Modified 19d motor (Seems to run well, so I am not too worried about it) Spektrum SR3100 reciever for DX3R DSM2 Hitec HS-625MG steering servo This is the sucky part, ESC is out of my Duratrax Evader, a Duratrax Sprint ESC with Reverse I can't really afford a Lipo setup, so I am looking at getting at least a 4000mah pack, and using Deans Ultra plugs of course. I am not sure about a good ESC though. Can anybody give me any suggestions on a good, non-reversing ESC? Any other advice is welcome!

zake540 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/12/2008 4:21:41 AM)
As far as setups, box stock set up is pretty good for asphalt. My basic set up is 35wt oil all around. Yellow springs in the front, reds in the rear. No sway bars. After that you can play with your shock position. If you want more steering move the front shocks upright. If you're rear is loose laydown the rear shocks. May not be the fastest setup but it is real easy to drive. Tires I would go with the Takeoff cs27 but the stock tamiya tires are okay for now. Just put some paragon full rear and half on the front, if you need more steering full pragon in the front. Batteries I really like the ener-g 4600 cells. Check out rctech or hobby talk want ads, people usually sell them pretty cheap. Esc I would do the Lrp quantum or Novak. Depending on your budget I found the Dynamite Tazer 12t is pretty good. Just drive smooth, stay off the boards and keep a clean line. Have fun!!

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/12/2008 5:17:44 AM)
Thanks zake, I have found that you seem to have some good advice. I looked around, and can get a Novak XRS Sport ESC for $52, so that won't kill me. As for shock oil, I was thinking maybe 30 weight, and use the large preload spacers all around. I will check the spring selection out at my LHS, they usually have a good selection of Tamiya hop ups. I also just remembered that I can get a 2S, 4000mah lipo pack from another LHS for $75, and pick up in inline balancer for another $30, so I may do that, I need to look at what the possibilities are for batts. Zake, since I know you know something about the TA05, is there an easy, quicker way to adjust the tension on the belts, than to take the bulk heads apart? My belts are ok, but seem just a little bit loose, and I wouldn't mind increaseing the tension just a little bit, a couple of notches maybe, unless it is going to be a huge pain.

jmcvicker -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/12/2008 8:40:15 PM)
I'm running a Tazer 15T ESC (used off eBay) in a TC3 car and it's fine for 19T. Just started messing with the 19T at the track as we've started the year in the 27T stock class. I'm doing ok with it and can turn 20 laps which is about the speed some of the guys who run brushless setups (Novak 13.5). As long as the ESC is soldered up well and can deliver most of the power of the batteries, then the overall results will come from having the best batteries you can find. I'd say get a lower-cost ESC and better batteries (vs. the other way around). You can find some Orion 4200 6-cell packs on eBay and also look into new packs from a site sponsor here, cheapbatterypacks.com (I've tried their Elite 4500 6-cells and they are very good).

zake540 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/13/2008 1:53:45 AM)
Calin- Just as long as your belts are not skipping gears then it should be good. Don't run them to tight cause you might melt the diffs which a racing buddy of mine did. Also the only way to tighten them is to take out the upper bulkhead. It's not to bad if you have hex screws. As far as lipos check out yeahracing 3200 hardcase . There are some good reviews about them and they are under $40.00 at rcmart but you have to wait for shipping. Ultraline has them as well for $44.00 but they are in the US.

jmcvicker -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/13/2008 2:57:11 PM)
Also, don't worry too much about the technology until you get the gearing right. You could have the best battery and all that but if gearing is off, you'll not be too competitive. Maybe ask the shop or track owner what a good gearing is for the 19T touring car class would be for your car.

Access -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/13/2008 4:00:51 PM)
You guys are neglecting the basics, 90% of the setup is the tires and for those you want good slicks that are matched the surface, and before every race use the right chemicals in the right order. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWS71&P=7 http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDT08&P=ML http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKC84&P=ML Use the death grip cleaner, wait for it to dry, then apply death grip traction or paragon ground effects, wait a good 20 minutes and before it is completely dry, apply trinity tire tweak (should still be slightly wet). Applying the tire tweak can be a bit tricky, I like to put it on a paper towel and then apply it that way. Don't just goop it on like the other two. Tire tweak about 5 minutes before the race, and dry it off with a paper towel right before the race. If you follow this you will have really good traction for the whole race. Even if you can't afford good slicks, these chemicals will work wonders even on stock tires. For other setup, use this webpage: http://home.scarlet.be/~be067749/58/tc/print.htm Set the toe, camber on the front tires, keep your diffs loose (for a high-traction track) or tighter for a low-traction track, and don't run with the same oil in all 4 shocks. Softer front for low-speed courses of heavier front for high-speed courses. Get your weight balance right by moving the battery and other things around in the chassis. If it is IFMAR start the quals will be easy, do your best to get into the A main. If it is heads up start, or during the race, starting out is very important. If you can get in front take the early lead, or stay behind the traffic and try to pass as an opportunity arises. Do not get caught up in traffic you can easily lose 15 seconds or so if you do this. As far as electronics, turn your reverse off especially if your ESC does not have some kind of reverse lockout. You don't want reverse to kick in on the track when in reality all you want to do is break. Might want to invest in some $25. GP3300 cells, they will do better than the venoms you are using right now. Oh and for general race advice: http://users.pandora.be/elvo/ click on "columns" and then read "driver etiquette" and "racing strategy and dirty tricks" Don't waste a lot of money on upgrades or fancy stuff, get the basics of driving down first.

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/13/2008 8:39:40 PM)
That is some kick ass advice guys! I think I will stick with the motor I have, get the Novak XRS Sport ESC, try the shock springs, look at some different pinion and spur gears, and definatly look at some better batts. The Venoms I have are great for just bashing, but they start to loose it at the end of the five minute heat, and noticably so. It's finally starting to warm up here, and I am probably going to go with a medium compund for the tires. Fortunatly, the track is open all the time, so I have plenty of opportunity to get the car dialed in. Everbody is pretty much running 13.5 Novak brushless with Lipo, so I am going to be the odd man out, and really have to work on my skills. Fortunatly, I also have this weekend and all next week to get everything together, installed, and setup.

eckosof -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/13/2008 8:59:06 PM)
i just tore my novak brushless 4500kv out and replaced with xcelorin, only used it about 4 times, would be happy to sell it for nice price. here is what i pulled off site, ill ship for free # High-performance Novak SS4300 Sensored Brushless Motor # Novak Super Sport 10.5 Brushless Speed Control with reverse

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/14/2008 3:37:07 AM)
Those chemicals sound interesting, I might have to check them out. I checked out those 3200mah lipo packs (good tip on those by the way, they have them on sale for $34.99!), if my 3600mah nimh packs are barely lasting five minutes, at 3200mah, won't they the lipo packs die sooner? I don't know a whole lot about one vs. the other, so I need to ask. Remember, am a nitro guy getting into electric. hehe

Access -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/14/2008 4:01:26 AM)
Rather than the paragon some people prefer this: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWS70&P=7 Paragon says it is for foams but can be used on rubbers too, I use it just b'cos that's what was avaliable when I bought it. Might want to play it safe and stick with the above instead.

zake540 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/14/2008 4:07:36 AM)
It's all about internal resistance. It takes alot of energy for a Nimh battery to expel its power than Lipo's. All that heat you feel from a Nimh after a run is wasted energy. I run a 3200 lipo battery in a five minute race ( mod class) and I usually only use about 60-70% of the batteries capacity.

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/14/2008 4:27:53 AM)
Thanks for info zake. Now that it is explained to me, it makes more sense. I think I might pick up a couple of those lipo's, for that much it would be a shame to pass up the offer. In addition to the batts, I have decided to pick this up: http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=B3615204&pid=B3615205 It looks like a sweet little deal, won't kill my wallet, and should work great with my charger.

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/14/2008 2:00:07 PM)
Woo Hoo! My economic stimulus check from the IRS just got here! Time to go to my LHS and blow some cash on goodies! I LOVE free money. hehe

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/14/2008 2:40:19 PM)
Ok. Just ordered the lipo batts, and balancer with with conversion boards, cost me about $150. Next is to hit the LHS and grab the springs, ESC, tires, and maybe some cleaner and grip compund, and deans ultra plugs for the batts, and finally some different shock oil. I should be to get MOST of this stuff installed and tuned this weekend, which will be great, and then final tune when the lipo come in. This weekend I will try to get some picks of the track for you guys to look at (and maybe some video too), and give me some final tips if you don't mind.

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/15/2008 8:45:31 PM)
I said to hell with it all, and upgraded to a Novak XBR Sport brushless ESC with the 13.5 brushless EX motor. Got it installed, and that thing is frickin fast now! My LHS had NO tire stuff at all, so I orderedthe deathgrip cleaner, traction compound, and tire tweak from Tower this morning so it should be here before the race next Saturday. With all this stuff, I am hoping it will even the field a little. Next, get the sinter kit off of Tower. hehe

zake540 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/15/2008 11:21:06 PM)
Great move on the brushless! They will definitley pay for itself in the long run. Also 13.5 likes to be geared up to get its full potential. I would start with a FDR of 5.0 and work yourself down.

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 4:40:20 AM)
I am still getting a handel on gear ratios, so what exactly does "start with an FDR of 5.0 and work yourself down" mean?

Access -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 11:02:44 AM)
Final Drive Ratio. For 13.5 it can be geared very high. But if you cannot reach full throttle on the longest straightaway, you should pull the gearing back until you can. Gear it appropriate for the track.

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 1:49:16 PM)
I kind of figured that might be what it ment. Here is another question.... Last time I was down at my LHS, I did not notice if they had any other gearing selections for the TA05. If they don't, can use at least a pinion gear from another company, as long as it is the right pitch angle?

zake540 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 2:30:07 PM)
The spur gear with the kit is I believe is a 0.4 mod on the teeth. So you can't use a regular 64p pinion you have to change the spur as well. Youre probably better off since the are more a variety of pinions and spurs to choose from. Check out gearchart.com its a great tool to calculate your FDR http://www.gearchart.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=chart.create

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 4:37:53 PM)
That chart will be perfect! Tower, amain, and my LHS have no gears at all for the TA05. Can I use any gear, or does it have to be specific for the TA05?

gfevert -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 10:35:16 PM)
either kimburogh or roberson (sp?) will work i use roberson 100 104 108 spurs

COPS HATE ME -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/16/2008 11:33:17 PM)
should i get this ta05 http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTVY6&P=SM for racing

Calin666 -> RE: First upcoming race with stock TA05, need advice.... (5/17/2008 3:19:01 AM)
That TA05 looks nice, good looking body. I guess it all depends on how much money you want to spend. I have asked around about the IFS version, and from what I gather, is that the only real difference is that the IFS version allows you to use a lower body, than non-IFS. I am still learning about all of this, so don't take my word for it, and ask around to see what others say. As far as I can tell, the TA05, in any version ready to race out of the box, depending on what class you want to race. Take me for example, I am getting mine ready to race in a class limited to 19T/13.5T. In all the posts I and others have done, there are tons of stuff that I am getting, if I have not already gotten them, that I am going to use to try and give myself every advantage that I can, while still staying in the rules. Even then, it is all going to come down to my driving skill. A great place to check out is The Official Tamiya TA05 Thread. They have ALL KINDS of great stuff, and I bet you anything that the have more info than I will ever have (at least right now that is). I'm not trying to run you off in anyway, just trying to help out as much as I can. [:D]

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