TA-03F Pro setup tips from Tamiya!
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TA03F Pro Setup Tips
The TA03F Pro is Tamiya's third generation 4WD racing chassis. This chassis incorporates years of development to provide stable handling characteristics, making this car suitable for both beginners and expert drivers.
Be sure that all parts and equipment are in good condition. Any worn or damaged parts should be replaced.
Differential Assembly
When assembling the differentials DO NOT polish or prepare the parts other than the way it comes in the kit or hop-up. Assemble the differentials as per instructions.
Tighten the differential bolt until it stops, DO NOT use excessive force. The differential should feel smooth but not free. If the differential is too loose or too free the car will react inconsistently and have a squirrelly and loose feel.
Replace the thrust bearing assembly with a 5x11mm ball bearing and two large cone washers clamshelled. This provides a simple and smooth differential setup. A properly setup thrust bearing assembly will have the same effect.
Gears
The gears on the TA03 should have a thin coating of grease such as Tamiya's Ceramic Greas" #87025 which is made just for that purpose. All gears have some gear lash and a coating of grease on the gears dampen the lash resulting in a quieter, more efficient driveline.
Counter Shafts
If your TA03 makes a clicking noise, you can correct the problem by adding a small amount of blue threadlock to the 5x11mm and 3x7mm bearing surfaces on both front and rear counter shafts. Use only enough threadlock to coat the bearing surface. Any excess threadlock may enter the bearing or harm surrounding plastic.
The Suspension
The car?s suspension with the dampers removed should move freely. The upper arms provide just the right amount of camber. If you are using the adjustable arm set, the original camber angles are recommended. The stock caster angle of the TA03 is 8 degrees. Using the TA02 caster blocks will decrease the amount of caster to 3 degrees. This makes the car react much more quickly and provides more steering. When using the TA02 caster blocks, one or two washers must be added between the upper arm and the caster block; also two additional washers must be added under the 5mm ball connecters on the steering bell cranks (this corrects bump steer). One black o-ring must be installed in the front joint cups to prevent the drive shafts from falling out. The TA03F Pro kit comes with both front and rear sway bars. Using the TA02 caster blocks prohibits the use of the front sway bar. Removing both front and rear bars allows the chassis to roll a bit more in the corners giving more traction and turn-in.
Dampers And Springs
The original dampers provided in the kit are excellent and should be assembled as per instructions. 80w oil is a good alternative to the original oil when rebuilding the dampers. The blue springs from the "Tuned Spring Set" #53163, should be used in front and rear. This combination provides a perfect match between the spring rate and oil. If the dampers are too firm the car will be very unforgiving on curbs or corner dots, drift excessively and may even chatter in the corners. If the dampers are too soft the car will have excessive roll and react very slow. Once the dampers are on the car your ride height should be 4mm to 5mm and level to the surface.
Servo Setup
Tamiya?s "Hi-Torque Servo Saver" #50473 is recommended. It is very important that the servo saver sits 90 degrees to the chassis in the neutral position. Do not use excessive toe in or toe out settings (start with 0 degrees). Once the steering is set up, check to MAKE SURE the car turns circles equally both ways.
Wheels Tires and Inserts
Tamiya wheels have more value than just the scale appearance. There are several different offsets available. First is what is called the standard offset followed by the 2mm offset, the 4WD truck wheels and the two-piece wheels, all of which can be used to adjust the width of the front and rear of your car. With those adjustments you can fine tune the balance of your car. Wide rear wheels are also an option however the TA03 seems to work best with standard width wheels and tires.
Start with the tire that provides the most grip, such as Tamiya's Super Slick tires #53220. Use the same compound tire in front and rear, otherwise the overall balance of the car?s handling will be compromised. Inserts are equally important, Tamiya?s Hard Inner Sponge Set #53156 works very well as do the Soft Shaped Inserts #53250. The "Hard Inner Sponge" will usually provide the most tracion, but due to the amount of traction the TA03 tends to understeer a bit. The "Soft Shaped Inserts" however have less grip and slide more but because the TA03 is so stable both types of inserts will work well.
Battery
The TA03 has two battery positions to chose from. The instructions recommend the rearward position; for more steering move the battery foward. Tamiya also makes an optional Carbon Battery Plate Set that replaces the original battery box, #53261. This allows for side by side stick packs and reduces the weight of the car.
Belt and Pulleys
The TA03 comes with two 15-tooth pulleys and two 16-tooth pulleys as well as a belt tentioner. Use the 16 tooth pulleys and remove the belt tentioner. The 16 tooth pulleys provide the most surface area for the belt, and removing the belt tentioner makes the belt as free as possible. When the belt gets older and begins to stretch install the belt tentioner.
Conclusion
This setup is a result of extensive testing and development from Tamiya's factory drivers as well as myself, Gary Demory, Tamiya America Inc., Sr. Cutomer Service Representative, and the designer of the TA03F Pro. Each person?s driving style may be different and adjustments can be made to suit each individual.