Looking for my first kit... Rock bouncer/trail runner/crawler all in one. H10 Optic?

[desmobob]

No problem my friend!

Your help took a big load off my mind (and saved me some cash). I was finally able to install the receiver, bundle and neaten up the wiring and declare the project complete. In about two or three months, the snow should be gone here and I'll be able to get the Optic outside on the rocks behind my house. Not an LA kind of problem!

Just a few notes on the build...

I've seen a lot of kit-built Optics in videos that had really horrible drive train noise. Mine is not noisy. Be sure to add one or two of the included shims as needed between the drive shafts and the differentials. I believe I used two shims on each. When I had assembled my axles, I applied some pressure to the input shaft while turning it. It was noisy and rough with pressure but smooth without. The shims stop the driveshaft from putting that same pressure on the differential's input. (No shims are needed on the transmission end even though the instructions mention it.)

The instructions don't mention clocking the universals on the drive shafts to the same position as the universals on the transmission. Having these in sync makes the driveline run smoother.

Now, the long wait until Spring!

 

[xjtorc]

Man! I missed the updates on this thread. The buggy looks great! I ran those same wheels on my Optic. Love the way they look.

Great tips on silencing the drivetrain!

Can't wait to see how much more you like it once you get to run it.

 

[desmobob]

Man! I missed the updates on this thread. The buggy looks great! I ran those same wheels on my Optic. Love the way they look.

Great tips on silencing the drivetrain!

Can't wait to see how much more you like it once you get to run it.

Thanks! The drivetrain tips are things I've gleaned from other forums and various videos; I'm just repeating them. They do seem to have worked for me.

I've tried running the Optic indoors and its lack of open differentials gets it a little bound up when turning sharply on rugs or carpet. And it seems to understeer dramatically on smooth flooring. I tried climbing over the pile of soft rifle cases I've used as terrain with my 1/18th crawlers and it too easily conquered and scattered them. It accelerates like a rocket and is a hazard to furniture.

I did take it for a rip out on the driveway to see if the 15T pinion would be sufficient for trail running and some rock racing type action. It is. The Fusion Pro 2300kv gets it rolling pretty fast with the stock kit gearing. The totally locked differentials and lack of center differential or slipper clutch really showed on the slippery surface. The Optic acted like it was on dirt, not frozen snow and ice. Impressive.

I will be happy when Spring gets here.

 

[xjtorc]

She looks fast in the pictures.

 

[desmobob]

She looks fast in the pictures.

It's amazing what a slow shutter speed can do...