Del Monte's Losi Comp Crawler
 

So I finally got a chance to post up my comp rig. I would guess that I have more time on my rig then anybody else here :mrgreen: I've been following all the threads on here, but I finally had time to post up and add some tips and info.

We'll start with the rig

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5424/45669720.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5976/99603691.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9784/26074761.jpg

Specs:
Losi Xcelorin with 21.5 Brushless and 16 tooth pinion
3S 1350 Lipo
JR 8711 Steering servo
Losi Mini-crawler dig servo
Castle BEC
Spektrum DX3R with SR3500 receiver
Losi Aluminum C's, knuckles, and lockouts
Losi Graphite Shock Arms
Gearjelly in the diffs

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1608/34794848.jpg

Heavy Setup
10oz. added in the front/45wt. shock oil
4oz. added in the rear/35wt. shock oil

Light Setup
6oz. added in the front/35wt. shock oildf
2.5 added in the rear/30wt. shock oil

I've been doing a lot of experimenting with tire weight and shock oil combinations lately, and this is what I've found works best. I've been using my heavy setup in high-traction areas (Grantie, slickrock, etc...) and using the lighter setup in slippery river rock areas. For extreme vert. climbs and big breakovers I've been using the heavy fronts with the light rears for some extra forward weight bias.

I'm also running both of my upper links in the top holes on the chassis. I like having a little extra squat in the rear suspension on verticals, but if you drive with a little heavier throttle, you may want to move your rear upper links down to the center hole.

Thank you for posting details on your comp rig."thumbsup" I will be keeping an eye on this thread.

are you experiencing any sort of heat heat issues with your motor?

Performance MODS
 

I've been competing and doing quite well with my out-of-the-box Losi comp crawler, but there were a few things that I noticed that would really help its performance.

First, I love the convenience of the battery tray, but I wanted the battey weight lower. My 3S lipos are pretty light, but for a comp rig you want as little sprung weight as possible. I cut out a lexan tray and moved my battery down to the upper links.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/1149/34242414.jpg

Next, I wanted to outboard the rear shocks to help reduce body roll. I grabbed a long 4-40 bolt and an extra rod end, and moved the shock to the outside of the mount.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4404/68778023.jpg

This changes the shock angle and creates a bind at the upper shock mount, so I added 4 small washers behind the upper shock mount.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/4610/61874669.jpg

So far these two mods made a big difference in the rig's crawling ability. Its pretty scary now :twisted: I can't wait for my chance to put it up against the best in the world over the summer...

So far I haven't had any issues. I opened up my diffs and removed the extra shims, then packed them with some Gearjelly. My motor and diffs only get lukewarm after 30+ minutes of hard driving. I'll grab a temp gun and get some hard data the next time I go out.

I think the 21.5/3S combo might be the perfect setup for this rig. I tested a 17.5 over the weekend, and it just ran a little too hot for my liking. I've ran both setups on 12-18 tooth pinions, and my favorite has been the 21.5 with a 15-17 tooth pinion. For my driving style, the 21.5 has plenty of punch, and I still have great low-end control.

How about your foam setup Jake? Im just finishing up mine as we speak. Thanks Bob.

Thanks dude for the info,,,,sense all that is available to us is the 17.5 Ex motor what pinion do think would be best?
Also I see that yyou cranked the ring down on the two front shocks how far is that and do you like it there? thanks,Mike

I'm running standard foams that I cut about 1/4" out of the center diameter. I was going for a tire that is stiff laterally, but conforms nicely. I'm happy with them.

A 12-14 tooth pinion works best with the 17.5. I loved the wheelspeed with the bigger pinions, but it just didn't have the torque and low speed control. I don't have my rig with me, but the shocks are cranked down probably 1/4-3/8th"

What kind of springs are those your using?

They look just like xxx. . 2me

I meant like what firmness.

Do you know when the public will be able to buy the 21.5 brushless system?

Thanks

You saw those too. I think they might be the progressives that aren't out and may never be. Could also be the 1.6 gray or 1.4 gold. I'm pretty sure they are the progressives though.

Jake, where did you get those upper shock mounts? And are you compressing the springs more the driver side to compensate for the weight imbalance?

Thanks for posting up the inof and pics, this will be a big help to everyone.

Can you please discuss a little about your driving style with the LCC. How it differs from rigs you've driven in the past?

Jake, where did you get those upper shock mounts?



that is losi part number :
LOSA1114 Graphite Shock Tower Arms

Most likely to help with torque twist. The left front of mine will lift slightly on steep inclines.

I can't answer for him- but I didn't miss RCCTV, I was referring to LOSA5158 2.5" 3.7lb, Green. . .
J?

x2 please. I'd like to know too how you handle the brushless motor stall that happens when in a bind?

I know we are all happy to have a team driver doing a build. I will be watching, listening, and learning.

Thanks dude."thumbsup"

Jake the rig looks great. Hope you can bring it up here for one of our night comps this summer.