Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Finally picked one up.

I started assembling it earlier today.

First thing I noticed is the four nylon gears that go into the sealed diffs.
I put 5K in the front diff and 3K in the rear diff.

Everything is plastic, but seems really stout.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8790small.jpg

There was one gear that worried me a little, it sits on one of the shafts on a hexagon section, it seemed to have a little play, but in the end its probably not as bad as I think.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8792small.jpg

One thing I am really impressed with is the thickness of the motor plate and the bracing on the transmission.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8791small.jpg

Front gear box assembled.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8794small.jpg

Front gear box completely assembled with a Castle Creations 4 pole 5700 motor. :mrgreen:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8795small.jpg

I will get more photos of the progress tomorrow.

-Ty

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Awesome!! Been looking forward to a build on this new chassis subbed! What "modified" plans do you have on the way?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Thanks I have too. So far this kit looks amazing, everything looks really durable. And surprisingly the plastic even seems different, almost more like nylon.


The big one is going to be 3.5" or 4" shocks. ;-)

But I am sure more will come as I learn this car.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

I'll be watching this one for sure. "thumbsup"

I started to assemble mine tonite also, so I'll be paying attention for any insight or tips.

Side note/question......what's up with Tamiya and all the Phillips head hardware?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

I was just talking about this with some one else today. I think one day Tamiya will get with the times and switch to Allen heads. But I have to say I put about 10 allen head screws on the kit today that were supplied and that is 10 more then I have ever seen in a Tamiya kit.:ror:

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

The one thing I was impressed with when I built mine was at least they're 3mm machine threads now, not the old style self tappers.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Yeah that is nice, they don't hold as well, but when its time to upgrade parts at least now you don't have to replace the hardware too.

So this is how this rig was sitting this morning when I went out to the shop.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8987small.jpg

With the differentials in everything else went together pretty quickly.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8990small.jpg

The Savox 1251MG low profile servo leaves a lot of room in the chassis.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8993small.jpg


I trimmed part of the battery cover to clear the wires.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8994small.jpg


Bottom loading battery.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8996small.jpg


The XV-01 is reasonably sealed up. I can see a few places where dirt will get in, but for a factory job it is pretty good.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9002small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9003small.jpg

I built the shocks with 45 weight oil in the front, 30 weight oil in the rear and the longer rod ends on the shaft. The belly clearance is about 1" and the car is a little springy. Tomorrow I am going to start playing with the suspension, get the belly clearance down to 3/4" and go from there.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8997small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._8998small.jpg

I did take this for a little tarmac test drive today. It is pretty fantastic, basically I was really impressed and this is the best driving 10th scale rally car I have ever driven. I have a little bit of tuning to do, like addressing the understeer and springy suspension, but overall it is incredibly smooth and stable.

-Ty

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Hey Ty, got a concern my man, I finished assembly also and the belt seems really taunt, the adjustment is slid down all the way to loose setting, but I'm just not sure.

Never had a belt driven car before so I'm a little cocerned. I'm talking banjo string taunt brother.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Sounds like something is wrong there. It shouldn't be that tight. My tensioner was set all the way up at first (no tension). I just put a little in it after the first run because it sounded like the belt was skipping a little. There should definitely be some deflection in the belt. Make sure it is sitting on the gears properly, its not hitting anything and there are no twists.

If you are still having issues post some photos with the belt covers off so we can see what is going on.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Thanks for the reply my man.

I figured it out, a little embarrassing but it's my first kit and first belt driven car. I had the belt riding over top of the double bearing adjuster,duh,instead of it riding over the top part of the belt.

What the heck, live and learn right?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Glad you figured it out man. Sounds like a simple mistake.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Played with the suspension today, put the shorter rod ends on and went to a 70 weight oil front, 50 weight oil rear with the 3 hole pistons. I think it is still too springy. After a test session tomorrow I will figure out if it needs the one hole or two hole piston.

I did get the belly down to 3/4" rear and 5/8" front. The front has quiet a bit of weight on it causing the front to droop down a little I am still planning to switch out the shocks, but need to get some drive time on it so I know exactly what I am needing.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9009small.jpg

I also worked on painting the body today, I almost went with the stock paint then decided I needed a new paint scheme for the 2013 CRC series and this body was the perfect one to play with some ideas.

And yes I just happened to have extra functional tail light and head light buckets sitting around.:mrgreen:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9019small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9023small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9021small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9016small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9017small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9026small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9024small.jpg

I still have a few more decals to put on, but the body is pretty close. Tomorrow I should be getting some dirt action photos.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Interesting. I took mine for its first run today. On Tarmac only, but found it to be very taily. A LOT of oversteer. A few possible causes: Tires; Extremely top heavy body (inner body); and the lack of droop in the suspension settings. I think the heavy front end drops under braking/steering, then with no droop at the rear, the rear lifts resulting in no traction. Will try different spring/oil combos over time.....

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Interesting...mine seems to understeer, though let off a touch and it tucks right in. Factory setting all around except 60wt oil on all 4 corners. Do have the pirellis ilo the rally bocks though. Darn good driving car.

Turtle - looking great!

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Paint looks fantastic!!!!

How does it drive with the motor up front? I bet that feels different.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

have any of you guys raced or just drove really fast with your 1:1 cars? got to remember this is going to act more closely to a real life car then any other because the motor and weight are up front. being so much weight up front and the front wheels also having power, oversteer is probably going to be normal or common. just think of this rc as a real size car and what you would do to correct it.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Got mine together and RTR this morning finally!

Short spin in front of the house and thru a couple drive ways...I think I'm going to like it. Would it be wrong to fasten 2.5 oz of lead weight to the rear to help balance out the weight bias??

IMO the installed CC 5700 on 2s is way more power than this thing needs, 3s would be ridiculous. IDK how you all drive these little things off road on 3s, lol! Sorry for the personal rambling.

Ty, really like the paint job. I love the splatter effect you do and this recent color combo is right on my man! "thumbsup"

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Looks good. Glad to hear they are living up to expectations. Would drag brake help with the under steer? Looks like that would transfer weight to the front when you let off the throttle and help it turn.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Huh, Even again today it was still understeering when on the throttle.

That does help, I let off then hit it again and I can get the rear to spin out (in a good way)

Thanks!

Feels different in the best way possible. Really easy to drive and great driving.

I have driven many cars balls to the wall, and this car doesn't drive anything like a real car. This car will do whatever you want when ever you want. The forward weight bias of this car while it may seem similar to a real is not similar at all.

I thought about adding weight to the rear at first and it may help on the tarmac, in the dirt this car handles perfect just the way it is... At least for me.

Im running the 5700 on 2 cell and love it awesome punch, smooth low end, and great top end. I have 3 of these motors in several of my rally cars and it stays the coolest and works best in the XV-01. Ran a whole 3800mah 2 cell battery today in the dirt and the motor was maybe 130 degrees, really good for 20-30 minutes of driving.

Thanks man!

It might, but for my style of off road driving I don't think I need it. Off road with this car I use a on-off style of throttle through the corners that helps spit the rear end around.

Had a great time at HOON 470 today with Rodney, we tested the car in several conditions and learned the cars handling characteristics. Right now the plan is to go to 3.5" shocks front and rear and use Losi buggy springs to get them working right.

I will start on the photos and get you guys some action. "thumbsup"

Thanks for all the input guys!

-Ty

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Turtle,
Are there two different XV-01 cars? I heard that Tamiya was releasing a pro kit that has a few aluminum goodies but I can't seem to find anything about it. Have you heard anything?

8)

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

There are two versions. RPMJ (Rodney) has the pro kit version, mine is the basic version. After talking to him it doesn't sound like the price increase is worth it. The only thing that the pro kit has that I would want is the CVD's. The pro kit also doesn't come with a body, which is 50.00 if you want the Tamiya body.

Here is the pro kit
TowerHobbies.com | TAM58526 58526 Tamiya 1/10 XV-01 Pro Rally Chassis Kit


Here is the regular kit:
TowerHobbies.com | TAM58528 58528 Tamiya 1/10 Subaru Impreza WRX Sti Team Arai XV-01 Kit

Got some photos from HOON 470 today.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9027small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9034small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9048small.jpg


And a little jump sequence.
1.)
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9185small.jpg
2.)
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9186small.jpg
3.)
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9187small.jpg
4.)
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9188small.jpg
5.)
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9189small.jpg

And some Hooning. "thumbsup"
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9181small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9163small.jpg


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9176small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9170small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9153small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9215small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9217small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9213small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9221small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9149small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9120small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9107small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9139small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9128small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9240small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9245small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9266small.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9235small.jpg


Such a fantastic car!
-Ty

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Awesome air shots! Body looks good with the rear spoiler on, compared to the box art with none.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Well, I changed almost everything on the car - springs, shock ends, shock positioning and tyres and the car was PERFECT! Drove with no body as I think the heavy body will still effect it, but it does handle great now.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Thats pretty bad ass, you bringing some toys to NWSC's so I can see them?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

This is pretty sick. That paint job is just awsome!"thumbsup"

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Looks like you were putting it to task my man, great shots!

Ty do you or were you running with the cover over the ESC? If so what were temps like and would a fan be a good idea? Thanks.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Thanks man! Its a rally car its got to have the spoiler. :ror:

Thats great to hear. "thumbsup"

Maybe, if I have room. Between Taco Time, my camera gear and some clothes I might not have room... We will see though.

Thanks man."thumbsup"


Oh yeah it got jumped probably 50 times and there was not a single issue. I was running the cover on the electronics and it did get a little hot (as far as I could tell through the plastic). I have been thinking of mounting a fan directly to the cover on the outside similar to how I mounted it on my Exo Terra, that system should help with the cooling. I haven't decided if I am going to mount it straight on the box or a build a little "tower" so it is harder for water and mud to get it...

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Great writeup so far Ty...Glad to hear this thing is as good as many thought! A few questions..


1. How do you like that servo? I was thinking about the Savox SC-1258TG. It's not much faster than the 1251MG, and I don't think torque is that big of a deal. I like the low profile of the 1251 so I might go that direction.

2. Being belt drive, does this car have any way to overdrive the front or rear to suit your driving style?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Thanks Juan.

1. I really like the 1251mg. I have had one in the XV-01, XXX-S, TB01, rally legends car and the Mini Trophy truck. I have never had an issue with any of them. For cars this size I think it works perfect. Plus the extra room it leaves in the chassis is never a bad thing.

2. That is a possibility, currently though Im not sure if there are any different gears, maybe after some research some other drive gears would fit. Plus you never know what Tamiya will offer in the future. I would be interested in trying though. Not sure if it is needed, but interested nonetheless.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Nice write-up, Ty, sign me up with the rest for lusting after one of these. Too bad Tower doesn't offer Easy-Pay yet, or maybe that's a good thing... The paint scheme looks killer as always especially paired w that Yoko decal and covered in dirt :mrgreen:

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Thanks Ty!!!

I have a kit coming from my LHS and can't wait to dive in. I've been watching the Global RallyCross Championship series (http://www.global-rallycross.com) and I think I'm going to start a point series here in Utah. Just a simple tarmac type track with jumps, dirt and water corners and a bracket style racing format.

I love these stupid cars LOL!!!!

8)

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

You better just buy one Jake. Its a fantastic car. :mrgreen:

Your not the only one! I have what some might call an addiction. :ror:

Awesome! We also race with a double elimination bracket style using the IPhone/Ipod/Ipad app called Bracket buddy. It works really well and makes things really easy. If you need any help let me know!

Can't wait to see what you guys come up with."thumbsup"

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Do those little internal wheel wells actually do anything?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Wow - I missed the actions shots - simply awesome!

You've convinced me to put the wing on mine - it looks 100% better with it.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

They do! After running it the other day there was one little rock in tha chassis and that is it. For the winter time it could use a little more, but for the dry weather it works great!

Thanks man.

I got to play with the suspension this afternoon.

Ride height:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9301small.jpg

Full droop:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9302small.jpg

I went to a 3.5" shock in the rear and mounted it where the body mount mounts. The shock sits at 3" eye to eye.
Stock shock is next to it.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._9306small.jpg

I cut down some Losi Black springs for the front and rear shocks, the springs are 1.2LB.
I changed out the front shocks too, the new front shocks are only 2.5" eye to eye, I don't have room to go up on the front shocks so I will see how these do tomorrow and go from there.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

I know you are more dirt oriented, and I saw you said you had it on the tarmac, but have you put slicks on this yet, and if so how does the motor in front like the pavement?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

How wide is the battery tray in that bad boy? Is it bigger than the DF03?

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

I bought some pre mounted slicks just for this car and they are still sitting new on my shelf. :oops: I can tell you though the front end likes to dive into the corners and breaking, I need to stiffen the front end a little to keep the nose up. Besides that it handles really nicely, it fits my style having to drive and corner using the throttle.

I don't have the exact dimensions, but it is much larger, plenty of room side to side and even more in the length for all of my hard case 2 cell lipos from 3800 MAH to 5000 MAH. Thats all I have and they all fit.

There is enough room side to side to stick the wires on the side of the lipo and enough room end to end to put all the wiring (with deans plug) on the end. Plus it is a square shape made for lipo batteries.

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

Good to hear... What do you think about the belt drive now that you've had a chance to drive the car? I saw in Sith Lord's thread that the electronics box doesn't keep out much dust and crud so I'm curious about the belt. That's the main factor that's been pushing me toward the DF03 is the shaft drive, while the battery tray has been making me lean toward the XV01 (not to mention availability with the Subaru body).

Re: Turtle's Modified XV-01
 

It's butter smooth, on tarmac I have had the belt skip a few times because of hard braking and instant reverse, but there is no damage to the belt or drives, I have also heard somethings get into the cogs, but again no visible damage. I think it is a really solid system that requires a little bit more maintenance then a shaft driven car. Right now I would recommend this car over anything else on the market.


Yeah dust gets everywhere, but it does with 99% of rally cars whether they have an underbody or not. To me dust is not the issue its rocks, mud, snow and water. The XV-01 I think will be fine for these situations. The weather is starting to change here in Colorado so I will be testing all weather conditions soon enough. :mrgreen: