Ordered the 501X, any tips?

[V-Rossi]

In a few weeks time, my ordered Tamiya TRF501X should arrive. I'm aware of the little problems of the car, so I'm going to order the diff balls from Kanzen Racing, and a set of RC-Screwz. When the kit arrives, I'll do the little diff protection mod instantly.
I heard that the TRF501X is very strong and solid, so my question is: which spares do I need? I often hear that people with a JConcepts BJ4 (WE) break front shocktowers, front arms, rear arms,... is this the same for the Tamiya?
And does anyone know where to buy the front one-way?

[AaronR]

I've broken a rear shock tower (quite a hard landing on hard packed sticky dirt/clay surface and the rear upper arm mount shown here... http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3178

You can find the one-way diff from Jason's Store on eBay.. http://cgi.ebay.com/53951-Tamiya-TRF501X-Front-One-Way-Set_W0QQitemZ250096534492QQihZ015QQcategoryZ34063Q QcmdZViewItem

Quick shipping and fair prices.

[TRF_Tastic]

V, there are a couple of extra mods that I would do, these include Ti turnbuckles all round and the ecentric belt tensioners. As for other things that I have broken, one shock shaft and one front wishbone and thats it, the car is bullet proof, just keep the transmission in top order and you wont have any problems ever.

[V-Rossi]

I've got my TRF501X, together with the front one-way, my local shop had it in stock:D

[V-Rossi]

A small question (I don't have that much experience with belt-driven cars): is it normal that the belts and the entire propulsion aren't really smooth when you pull the spur gear (with smooth I mean that there is barely resistance)?

[Fiddybux]

It should move quite easily. Only a little force is needed. I would imagine it is just enough force to push a square 9v battery across a table (I couldn't think of a better example!).

If it is too stiff then check you have the indicator marks on the outdrives pointing the right way as per the manual. Maybe put them back a notch or two from what they should be to make the belts slacker. If you lightly touch the top of the belts there should be about 3 - 5mm of play. Of course if you press hard you will hit the top-deck....so press lightly.

Also, I had a problem the other day where I rebuilt the front end and things stiffened up for some reason....just be careful to apply equal pressure to each screw as you build was the key and then it was smooth and easy.

Be careful not to to tighten the clamps which hold the layshaft in place as this can crush the bearings - though this is unlikely.

Hope this helps.

[TRF_Tastic]

IT would also be advisable to check the bearings on the belt tensioners as it is easy to get a larger bearing on there that will pinch your drivetrain.

[V-Rossi]

OK thanks guys, everything is perfect now. My first race with the car will be the Tamiya Cup (a race only for Tamiya-cars in Belgium, in series with the TT-01, series with TA-05 and TB-02, and the offroad-series), which is a good practice.
Is it advisable to purchase the 16, 17 and 18T-pullies from the TA05/TRF415 MSXX/501X?

[TRF_Tastic]

You will also need the larger ones as well.

[V-Rossi]

Which effect will the smaller and larger pullies have?