Build Thread Kyosho Optima Mid SE ESE

[CertifiedMike]

I bought myself a Mid SE on line.
It is a bit banged up. The chassis shows use but not bad scratches. I think I can thank the shocks and springs for that.
Its not as good as it sounds.
The Mid SE uses 'platinum' shocks vs 'gold' or gunmetal now.
The platinum shocks were a bit unusual because the design allows for external variable rebound adjustment.

The top half of this sheet is for the ball diff, unrelated right now.

The way to adjust is by twisting 'M' in or out while holding 'L' stationary.
Part 'D' is allowed space away from 'E' creating a variable dampening effect.

If I'm honest, its not great.
It works ok but the plastic adjusters are very difficult to turn and adjust.
I'm not sold that they change much when the valving changes.
I use light oil in gold Mid shocks. They work perfectly this way.
The platinums also feel 1000% better now...
Would anyone care to guess why???

The 2 pairs of springs are the set that came on the car when I got it.
The shocks are pictures with a pair of stock 'black' springs.
You can see the bend in the long spring from how over loaded it was and for how long.
These things must have come from a USA1 truck or something!

Optima Mids have silky smooth suspension.
This car was NOT silky smooth however. This was like an Amazon special with a light coat of grease in plastic dampers.
Push the bumper down to the table and let go... the car would 'hop' off the table by almost the same height!

Barney Rubble's maple syrup has been cleaned out, removed, wiped free... Its gone. Replaced with 200cst of natures finest type 200 silicone oil baby!!! (Do NOT use on pancakes btw )
I did not replace the orings because they aren't leaking.
The shocks feel nice and silky smooth now so I think they'll be ok.

I think thats all for this installment. Keep watching... theres a WHOLE LOT MORE KYOSHO FUN COMING YOUR WAY...

KYOSHO RULES!!!!

 

[Tunedfrog]

Looking forward to your progress Mike.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Looking forward to your progress Mike.

Thanks! Overall the car is in great shape for its age. I hope to get this one going quickly.

 

[Tunedfrog]

Thanks! Overall the car is in great shape for its age. I hope to get this one going quickly.

I wish I had the interests again but I've lost it.
Thought about charging one of my 5b's and firing it up in the back yard.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I wish I had the interests again but I've lost it.
Thought about charging one of my 5b's and firing it up in the back yard.

I've been fighting thru our green house resto project in the heat now for a few weeks. Its much easier and more productive to just work evenings and at night, cooler. Its been a lot of work.

This Mid project has been a nice distraction. I know them so well, its become fun to diagnose tuem and make them go now.

I need to mow so I have a good section of lawn to run in.

I've been looking forward to taking something out and actually driving it... I'm always tinkering.

A moster nitro or even an 1/8 scale buggy that wouldn't mind the tall grass would be perfect.

I'd toss a blade on that 5b and mow my lawn WHILE I was enjoying my RC time!!!

When I feel like I don't have the interest, sometimes I just sit and do it anyways. I usually find something on the bench that catches my eye and off I go! I'll be at it for hours.

I'd charge those batteries, fire that sucker up and see if that engine noise can inspire a little mojo!

 

[majin]

awesome bro