convert 1/8 scale buggy for on-road bashing
#1
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From: St. Louis,
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I have an old Super Athlete that is still running like a champ. Everytime I take it off-road (just playing around, i am not a racer), I end up breaking something. Problem is, I am running very low on parts. So I would like to turn it into a parking lot car. I think I should change the shocks, wheels, and tires, any other recommendations? Where can I find the shocks, wheel/tires? Thanks for any help in advance.
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From: Kingston UK, but living in Athens, GREECE
Don't need to actually change the shocks, just the oil, pistons and springs...nor the wheels, only the tyres...
This is what I'd do...
Change the shock oil all around for 60wt, and put the stiffest springs you can find that will fit. Add stiff anti roll bars front and rear, and run it as low as possible (about 5 or 6mm off the deck should be fine). Then put those on-road tyres on it (they even look like rally tread, but I can't for the life of me remember what they're called), with stiff inserts. It will handle like a train after that, you'll be traction rolling all over the place. Then fit a front one-way differential, lock the centre differential and/or fit a two speed. That should cost you some...
Then take it down to the local asphalt track and watch their faces when you roast the one 1/10th models through the twisties and leave them standing on the straight! Hahahahahaha....
This is what I'd do...
Change the shock oil all around for 60wt, and put the stiffest springs you can find that will fit. Add stiff anti roll bars front and rear, and run it as low as possible (about 5 or 6mm off the deck should be fine). Then put those on-road tyres on it (they even look like rally tread, but I can't for the life of me remember what they're called), with stiff inserts. It will handle like a train after that, you'll be traction rolling all over the place. Then fit a front one-way differential, lock the centre differential and/or fit a two speed. That should cost you some...
Then take it down to the local asphalt track and watch their faces when you roast the one 1/10th models through the twisties and leave them standing on the straight! Hahahahahaha....
#3
I think you are talking about Medial Pro Tarmac IIs... They are very good on-road tires, very stiff as there is no foams. Instead the tires are "honey-combed"! But they are smaller than your average 1/8 Buggy tires, you will have to re-gear...
#5
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From: St. Louis,
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ORIGINAL: foxy42
Don't need to actually change the shocks, just the oil, pistons and springs...nor the wheels, only the tyres...
This is what I'd do...
Change the shock oil all around for 60wt, and put the stiffest springs you can find that will fit. Add stiff anti roll bars front and rear, and run it as low as possible (about 5 or 6mm off the deck should be fine). Then put those on-road tyres on it (they even look like rally tread, but I can't for the life of me remember what they're called), with stiff inserts. It will handle like a train after that, you'll be traction rolling all over the place. Then fit a front one-way differential, lock the centre differential and/or fit a two speed. That should cost you some...
Then take it down to the local asphalt track and watch their faces when you roast the one 1/10th models through the twisties and leave them standing on the straight! Hahahahahaha....
Don't need to actually change the shocks, just the oil, pistons and springs...nor the wheels, only the tyres...
This is what I'd do...
Change the shock oil all around for 60wt, and put the stiffest springs you can find that will fit. Add stiff anti roll bars front and rear, and run it as low as possible (about 5 or 6mm off the deck should be fine). Then put those on-road tyres on it (they even look like rally tread, but I can't for the life of me remember what they're called), with stiff inserts. It will handle like a train after that, you'll be traction rolling all over the place. Then fit a front one-way differential, lock the centre differential and/or fit a two speed. That should cost you some...
Then take it down to the local asphalt track and watch their faces when you roast the one 1/10th models through the twisties and leave them standing on the straight! Hahahahahaha....
Thanks again for all the advice!
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From: Kingston UK, but living in Athens, GREECE
Anytime, but it's all theoretical, many of these parts may not even be available for your buggy. Just do what you can and leave out what you can't. The biggest difference will be made by those tyres, if you only do one thing, it has to be that. As for the hubs, if they are really that different, then I suggest that you don't change the wheels, this may just cause problems. As for the shocks...dunno to be honest about the OFNA ones, the important thing is the uncompressed length of the shock should closely (but not necessarily exactly) match the length of your existing shocks. As for the diffs, well, a two speed normally eliminates the centre diff, but again, not necessarily...the front one-way will no doubt be tricky to find...but is the least important component (it is only for racing really), as you can always put heavyweight oil in it, to severely restrict diff movement.
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From: SydneyNSW, AUSTRALIA
I race my Hyper buggy on road , i have it set up pretty well now, after 2 seasons its almost perfect, now all i hav to do is learn to drive.
My set up is on a basic graupner hyper. Ive converted the rear to PBS
Standard shocks, Ofna hyper shocks are great value. Black springs rear, blue front 120 wt oil
I use the Tarmac II's in a 35 shore, love those things !! the car sits about 2 Cm off the ground..
I have a Torsen front and center and a spider rear with prepsol grease and a few drops of 1 K in it in case the grease dries up.
My set up is on a basic graupner hyper. Ive converted the rear to PBS
Standard shocks, Ofna hyper shocks are great value. Black springs rear, blue front 120 wt oil
I use the Tarmac II's in a 35 shore, love those things !! the car sits about 2 Cm off the ground..
I have a Torsen front and center and a spider rear with prepsol grease and a few drops of 1 K in it in case the grease dries up.
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From: Banbury, UNITED KINGDOM
if your only bashing on tarmac then you dont really NEED to change anything (ok maybe tires cos off road ones wear down quickly). i run my hyper 7 on tarmac with all stock parts and its ok. youd only need to change things if you want the BEST handling. or if your going to jump it on tarmac, but i assume your not since your doing it to avoid breaking parts



