Help noob with buying savage ss

[Timmey9]

Looks like i am going with the savage ss so that i can build it up myself. Just wondered if it is worth getting the kit instead of the RTR. I am looking at tower hobbies kits with the extras and wondered if there was anythign else i needed or if i should get different things instead. How does the futaba radio compare to the radio that comes in the RTR?

I am trying to decide if its worth spending the extra money on the kit.

What else should i get and what shouldn't i get?

Reverse?

Remember i a new to nitros...so no extra parts laying around or anything

Extra glowplugs? What ones?

What fuel?

any parts beark easy that i should carry along?

I want as lil down time as possible once i get it built so let me know what i need to get it built running broken in and bashing..

What do you think of the 3 speed that is comeing out? What would top speed be with one of those? Would like to be able to keep up with a revo if possible, but want low end power to power through any tall or rough stuff.

Let me know what to get without going crazy like a new motor..

 

[olds97_lss]

About all I'd suggest would be a couple spur gears and the parts for the 4 spider mod (need 2 sets) in the diffs. That way, your not tearing the diffs apart half way through breakin.

As for the glow plug, I don't know. Never had an HPI engine. I use OS #8 and byrons 20%nitro/12%oil fuel. Burns nice and clean.

 

[Timmey9]

When is this 3 speed supposed to come out? I would definately like to get one. Thanks

 

[robmob]

It is supposed to be out by Xmas. I wouldn't hold your breath though. Usually Tower has stuff listed that is coming out soon, and it has not been listed there yet.

My Savage is sitting in pieces waiting for the 3-speed to be installed so I can put it back together.

 

[Buncrana]

When is this 3 speed supposed to come out? I would definately like to get one. Thanks

Probably going to be before Christmas. As for glow plugs, I am happy with the OS 8's. Fuel, well, that all depends on what your hobby shop actually stocks. IMO, it's just better to be able to get fuel local rather than mail order just for the convenience factor. Fuels, Trinity Monster 20% and O'Donnells Race 20% has been good for me.

Hop ups I am glad I got:
Lunsford Racing Titanium Upgrade Linkage Kit
These do not pop out, period. Just make sure you put lock nuts on the back ends of all of them as the plastic does not hold them well.

Golden Horizons Aluminum Rear Knuckle
Got these after I broke 3 rear uprights in one day of bashing. No bending problems to speak of. If you do not get these, I suggest eBay for a complete set of stock uprights and hubs, with the hardware.

Megatech Aluminum Center Skid Plate
Plenty strong and you can still access your motor mount screws without taking it off.

One mod I suggest you stay away from if you want to jump are the Hot Bodies Aluminum threaded shocks. Broke 3, bent 2 in one day of jumping. Got the stockers on there now with green and purple springs with a complete set of stockers as back up (also from eBay for the best deals.)

Someone else mentioned spur gears and I'll say it again as there is nothing worse than ending a day to a bad spur gear. I buy em 3 or 4 at a time so I always have enough for me and anyone else who needs em. Stick with the plastic ones from HPI.

These are my suggestions if you like to jump and push your truck to it's limits, along with the 3 top mods in the sticky post by SkyMaxx.

 

[2Savages]

I would go with the RTR as it will save you a little money. The contoller is a good one, that has 3 channel controller for the reverse that you might want install later. As for glow plugs try the HPI R4 (#1503), or Mccoy #8 or the OS A5, they are a medium plug for most conditions. Whatever your local hobby shop has that is 20%. Get diff.cases as spares along with the 4 spider gears from HPI, that is about all the spare parts that you might need. All depends on how much abuse you plan on giving your r/c. Also get some loc tite for the metal to metal screws.

 

[BUGNOUT]

My last 2 rc's were RTR and when something breaks its a little more difficult to figure out how to fix it when your not too familiar with all the parts. Then I bought Savage SS and to be honest it was not that difficult to assemble at all as long as you follow all the directions to a T and do the 3 recommended mods along the way (diffs, throttle linkage and steering servo). It will pay off when your all done and you can say "i built this with my 2 hands" and when something breaks you are already familiar with all the parts and how everything works. I took my SS out today for the first time and I loved it, its a different driving experience from a buggy or onroad.