Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Well Tamiya USA has a great deal on these kits right now and I couldn't pass it up. For what is included it should come along to be an amazing kit.

Here is some information directly off of Tamiya USA:

Presenting the fourth edition of the high performance TB Evolution R/C racing car. The TB Evo IV has been developed based on racing performance of the TB Evo III and driver feedback, leading to a chassis featuring the full benefits of the latest R/C racing technology such as newly designed aluminum bulkhead, a sealed bevel gear cover to protects gears from dirt and stones on an outdoor circuit and a more durable bevel gear developed from a special carbon based material. The model is also equipped with 2.5mm thick lower and 2mm thick upper carbon frames.

About the TB Evolution IV

* Newly designed aluminum bulkhead to firmly secure drive train and increase gear performance.
* A sealed bevel gear cover protects gears from dirt and stones on an outdoor circuit.
* Features a more durable bevel gear developed from a special carbon based material.
* Aluminum propeller shaft has been designed as a 3-piece shaft, reducing speed loss caused by friction during chassis roll.
* Suspension system has been totally upgraded for improved cornering with new lightweight and more compact suspension arm, hub carrier and front/rear upright.
* Increased damper attachment settings for easy damper adjustment, allowing damper to suit your driving style.
* Kit includes medium narrow racing slick tires.
* Motor and body not included

The Reedy Touring Car Race winning TB Evolution IV is now available! The shaft driven 4WD TB Evolution racing chassis just keeps improving, setting new standards in the R/C world. Based on data taken from real race performances by Tamiya's factory team, Tamiya Racing Factory (TRF), vital parts have been redesigned to bring you the ultimate high performance racing chassis. The main concept behind the TB Evolution IV was to improve drive train efficiency and reduce weight around the suspension. Drive train efficiency is critical for competition, especially in stock class and 19 turn spec categories. The result is a fine-tuned high-performance chassis that is the ultimate weapon for any expert driver.

Solid Chassis Design
For solid Chassis Design, both the 2.5mm lower deck and 2.0mm upper deck have been made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). To further reinforce the chassis frame the TB Evo IV also comes with aluminum front and rear bulkheads, allowing you to get the full benefits of the improved drive train. These bulkheads also allow quick access to the differentials for easy maintenance. Kit also comes with 2 types of hub carriers to choose from, allowing choice of a 2� or 4� caster angle.

3-Piece Propeller Shaft
A new 3-piece lightweight aluminum propeller shaft reduces friction caused by chassis roll. Combined with the front one-way bearing, speed lost when not accelerating has also been reduced improving long distance performance. Blue anodized aluminum motor heat sink greatly improves heat dissipation minimizing the negative effects of an overheated motor.

Option Loaded Rear Suspension
With the standard suspension mount, rear toe-angle is set at 3�, however by adding Tamiya's up-grade suspension mount (sold separately) you can easily increase the choice of 6 toe-angle settings ranging from 0.5-3�. For more precise damper settings, standard front and rear lower arms can be reversed increasing damper pivot options to a total of 5 positions.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Here are some more glamor photos that got me drooling:

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

First thing I noticed when I opened the shipping package was how small the kit box was. If you don't include a shell it takes up a lot less space:

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

What would the hobby be without upgrades? :D Here are the Hop Ups I chose to go with for my build. [&:]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Unfortunately I won't be able to start the build until tomorrow but I will update the thread as I progress. I plan on taking my time with this kit and enjoy it. I haven't even opened the box yet because I want to save that for tomorrow LOL I feel like a kid again! If anyone would like to add any comments about the kit please do. Or if you have one post some photos up and lets see it! [8D]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Casper,
Do you know if this car has the same problem with the differential that the TB-02 has? I am talking about the diffs always loosening up and the diff screw breaking when you try to tighten it. Does this car have a completely different diff in it? This car has a spool in the front right? I saw this kit for $230 at Tamiya Shop and almost bought one yesterday as they were having free shipping, I just want to make sure it has no diff problems. Please answer when you have time, thanks. Robert

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Casper, you know i'll be watching this one!:D The Evo IV & V are very similiar all the way down to the box it comes packaged in. Have fun with the build! When you finish it i guarantee it'll look like a gem. Then you'll know how I feel about running mine on the road...

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

tamiyafan I haven't heard of it having that problem I researched the kit on rctech.net and the guys there seems to have really liked it. I also own a TB-2 so I know exactly what you are talking about. [:@] The kit includes a one piece front one way I doubt you will be disappointed in this kit at all TRF kits are top notch! [8D]

LOL Willy you are probably right I may order another one just to keep NIB and use this one as a runner. Heck at the price you should pick one up as a runner I know how you love CF! :D

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

I would if they decided to ship to Canada[&o]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Doh! I forgot about that! :(

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

I got quite a good deal on mine from Rcmart when they were closing out the Evo V. But damn, $230 for an Evo IV is almost a steal for what you get. I'm surprised Tamiya hasn't sold out yet, cause they've had it for that price for quite a while now.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Yeah I totally agree this is one of those great deals that come by every so often. [&:]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

ive been wanting one of these for ages.. i hope this thread doesnt tempt me into getting one!

just looking at your hop ups.. does it not come with sway bars then? i find that odd for a TRF...

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Lee it does come with sway bars I went click happy when I was shopping. [:@] I could always use them on the TB02 I guess.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Opened the box and everything is nicely laid out typical Tamiya style. [8D] All the pretty aluminum bits are in the smaller box.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Instructions call for CA glue around the edges of the CF chassis some people use thin I used medium cuz it's what I had handy. ;)

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

I have no idea what's going on with my pictures tonight but RCU is not scaling them down to thumbnails like it normally does?? I'm trying to shrink it down best I can sorry if you need to scroll to see them. [:@]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Step 1 completed attaching lower deck parts.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Step 2 Build out of the front one way differential. I never owned a one way before and it is pretty damn cool the way it free spins in one direction and locks in the other. :D

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Step 3 rear ball differential went together smoothly. The cap screw that was included has a longer threading than the TB02 good to see Tamiya improved upon that. [&:]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Step 4 assemble the gearboxes. I really love all the blue aluminum. [sm=49_49.gif]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Step 5 spur gear assembly with the light weight rear propeller joint, aluminum center cup and two piece motor mount.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Here you can see the difference between the stock center cup and the aluminum one. Also the rear propeller shaft is significantly lighter then the stock part. I forgot to take a picture side by side of those part for comparison though. [:'(]

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

Step 6 attachment of the spur gear and gear box to the lower deck.

RE: Tamiya TB EVO IV: Build Thread
 

I'm done for today couldn't really get as far as I wanted but I made some progress. I wish Tamiya would just include hex screws in all their kits and not just the high end stuff. It makes life so much easier!