sgtsteve's Sakua D3 - Drift Master

[sgtsteve]

Ok, the Drift Master was just to get your attention, I am far from it Ive had this car up on our local forum for some time now and figured I would share it here as well.

Started with a 3Racing Sakura D3. Out of the box, its a pretty capable car. I chose to upgrade certain parts for their strength benefits, mainly drivetrain parts. I will skip all the extra stuff and just move on to pics and add notes every once an while.

Motor - Schuur Racing 13.5t Sensored Brushless
ESC - Justock Exreme (boost is available)
Servo - Savox low profile - 1258 I think.



Front end, few upgrades here, but not too much. Fabbed a no body post mount system using magnets which have worked out really well so far.



Decent steering angle



Cage I made for it





The stock gearing comes in at 2.14:1 which is a little high for me as I learn CS. So for now, I have it down to 1.54:1 and am starting to do really well with it.

Before the cage:


Let me know what you think, post questions or comments if you like

[Grumpster1980]

I like the cage idea. Did you make it out of metal or plastic?

Nice paint job as well!

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by Grumpster1980

I like the cage idea. Did you make it out of metal or plastic?

Nice paint job as well!

Thank you. Its made from 3/16" styrene tube.

[jboehler04]

looks awesome.

[Andy774]

How are you liking this car? Im looking at picking one up here shortly. What parts have you upgraded on it

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by Andy774

How are you liking this car? Im looking at picking one up here shortly. What parts have you upgraded on it

Im really liking the car. Its been very durable and as far as I can tell it drives really nice. Its the first front motor mount, CS car Ive owned so I don't really have anything to compare it to. As for parts, here is the list..

Yeah Racing ball bearings - YB0271MX
3Racing Front One-Way - SAK-59/V2/PK
3Racing Aluminum Spur Gear Cover - SAK-D305/PK
3Racing Aluminum Steering System - SAK-D310/PK
3Racing Aluminum Rear Bulkhead - SAK-D316/PK
3Racing Aluminum Motor Plate - SAK-D318/PK
3Racing Aluminum Rear Bulkhead cover - SAK-D321/PK
3Racing Aluminum Spur Gear Adaptor - SAK-D332/PK

[roksloski]

does'nt it come with an alum. motor plate?

been thinkin of getting one .......

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by roksloski

does'nt it come with an alum. motor plate?

been thinkin of getting one .......

Looks like it does, sorry about that one.

[nascarkeith]

How do you feel about the product overall? Quality, performance, parts support?

I have really thought about getting a Sakura Zero but haven't had a chance to talk to anyone who has owned one of their cars.

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by nascarkeith

How do you feel about the product overall? Quality, performance, parts support?

I have really thought about getting a Sakura Zero but haven't had a chance to talk to anyone who has owned one of their cars.

Quality I would give it 8/10. In stock form, fit and finish are really good. The only reason I personally don't give it a 10 is because in stock form, mostly plastic parts, the center belt is a little tight. Not a big deal, and it does loosen up after a few runs.

The car has also been very durable, haven't broken a part yet and I have thrashed on it pretty hard to include a demolition derby of sorts with two other cars and box of Wheat Thins

Performance has been great as well. It did take me 2 or 3 full days of drifting to get the hang of the CS. I ended up lowered the ratio to 1.54 by swapping out the stock 22t pulley with a 16t from an HPI Cyclone but do plan on going back to the 2.04 ratio in a month or so. The stock CVD's are fine as well although with most CVD's, even the really high steer ones there will be some chatter at full lock, but with the really high steer ones you can limit the steering to till get more than stock, but virtually no chatter. I don't have really high steer CVD's, and have dealt with the chatter and up until recently thought it wasn't limiting me. However, as I get more comfortable with the car, I can really see how that chatter hinders my drifting abilities. Again, its not a big deal, but something to consider. Overall the car is really smooth, predictable and balanced. I run a 13.5t sensored motor with boost and can think of only one or two times where I thought I needed more power. Most of the time, on our tracks, I find myself needing only 20-40% throttle to get around, maybe 60-80% on a huge sweeper (cant guess at what the size of that big sweeper is but figure its about a 3-5 second constant drift with a very short run up - hope that explains it well).

Parts support is really good too. I ordered my kit and spare parts (belts, arms, pulleys....) from TQ Racing. They carry just about every stock and upgrade part you could want and have absolutely hands down the best customer service and fastest shipping around in relation to this car. Of course, most RCC vendors also get this praise

To sum it all up, I really love this car. The only upgrades you really need, or are recommended, are the aluminum spur adapter and cover. They help line up the belts and give loosen them up a bit.

Please let me know if you have any more questions or want better pics

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by nascarkeith

How do you feel about the product overall? Quality, performance, parts support?

I have really thought about getting a Sakura Zero but haven't had a chance to talk to anyone who has owned one of their cars.

Funny thing is I just noticed you mentioned the Zero. I have one of those as well. It started life as a VTA racer but then turned into a drifter until I got the D3. It too is very well made and like the D3, only needs a few upgrades to keep it smooth and durable. I think my Zero cost $108 shipped and I put in about $40 in upgrades to the drive line. I have since added a lot more aluminum but only out of want, not need. Its about to be converted to a RWD drifter and run a Parma '57 Chevy Truck body

[loc0gring0]

there a real life copper/orange m3 around me... ill have to get some pictures

[The Crawl Space]

I've been thinking about getting one of these just to mess around with. Your real world review is very informative and helpful

Where did you get the body? Its same BMW my dad and I use to race SCCA with back in the day

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by The Crawl Space

I've been thinking about getting one of these just to mess around with. Your real world review is very informative and helpful

Where did you get the body? Its same BMW my dad and I use to race SCCA with back in the day

Thank you. The body is an HPI BMW M3 E30 (200mm). Part number - 17540

[nascarkeith]

Thanks for that great info! Sounds like a good, affordable TC option.