The Savage Experiment - THE TRUCK IS READY

[Racer 1966]

Like the title implies,I'm going to try something a Savage just isn't set up for doing. On-road racing

The Plan
Ok it's not really "racing" but what I have in mind is this. Every year, the first week of May we make trip to Branson, MO. What I am going to try to do is try to set up my Savage for better on-raod handling and take to the go-kart tracks to see if I can persuade them to let me make some laps. I know of a couple slick concrete tracks IF I can get on them. This is really the hardest part of the whole thing.

The Truck
I'm not going to do a whole lot of work on it because I'm planning a major overhaul later this summer for our St Louis bash. What I am planning is simple so I can swap back to offroad easily and bash if I can't get on a go-kart track. Here are the planned mods:

1. Swap the stock Savage X tvps
2. Lower the ride height as much as possible
3. Stiffen up the shocks/springs
4. Use some 1/2 offset wheels
5. Use some Panther slicks.

Anyone have any other simple mods to help out let me know please!

Here's how it sits now, I'll post some pics as i get the mods done.

 

[samrsnow]

If you want that thing to not handle like a brick on wheels i recommend you get big bores and FLM lcg tvps for it. Just my two cents.

There is a thread on how to mod savage steering knuckles for a better turning radius but this forum does not allow links to other forums!! :thumbdown

 

[Scrogg]

Internal shock limiters, it will stay nice and flat.

 

[Rolex]

1. Swap the stock Savage X tvps
2. Lower the ride height as much as possible
3. Stiffen up the shocks/springs
4. Use some 1/2 offset wheels
5. Use some Panther slicks.

I think you have all the bases covered. The 3-speed is a must, along with the taller3rd.

 

[BOUTCH]

I think you have all the bases covered. The 3-speed is a must, along with the taller3rd.

I second Rolex has for the 3speed and the higher 3rd, tried it finally...and MAN! does it fly. I thought i wouldn't see the difference but holy sh** i did. So thats a 'must'. JMO

 

[Racer 1966]

Internal shock limiters, it will stay nice and flat.

I think that's what i'll end up doing, but I'm going to try some shorter shocks first.

I think you have all the bases covered. The 3-speed is a must, along with the taller3rd.

Too much cash/not enough time for this one. The lower first I can see but why the taller 3rd? I don't think the straights would justify it myself. Maybe next year for this stuff.

I have the tires mounted and ready

 

[Rolex]

All I can say about those tires is I think they look really slick.

 

[frickenjoey]

All I can say about those tires is I think they look really slick.

Bu.dum dum Ching! But seriously folks.....stop me if you've heard this one..... I do agree with Rolex I think you have most the bases covered on your idea there. Sounds like a fun project.

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

This thing looks like it's gonna be a mean project. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[flm_savage]

LST 2 shocks make a huge handling difference.

I would give the new big bores a shot personally. I like the LST'2 but they take more to mount up and if you are going at this on a budget, the big bores may be a good compromise.

 

[Rolex]

I'm really looking forward to seeing the progress on this one. What a great concept. Low, wide, bad to the bone.

Bu.dum dum Ching! But seriously folks.....stop me if you've heard this one....

Hey! I'm here all week! Try the veal.

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

Like FLM_Savage said, you should use Big Bores. IMO, the LST2 shocks are way to heavy and more expensive. You will get the same performance with Big Bores.

You should do the Mid-tank mod for more balanced weight and protection against rocks. But that kinda seems off of the "Simple mods". Maybe the Ofna throttle mod will help.

 

[Racer 1966]

I'm really looking forward to seeing the progress on this one. What a great concept. Low, wide, bad to the bone.



Hey! I'm here all week! Try the veal.

I hope it's not too disappointing, but this isn't an all out build. Just using what I have on hand and trying make it work!

Like FLM_Savage said, you should use Big Bores. IMO, the LST2 shocks are way to heavy and more expensive. You will get the same performance with Big Bores.

You should do the Mid-tank mod for more balanced weight and protection against rocks. But that kinda seems off of the "Simple mods". Maybe the Ofna throttle mod will help.

I could use the shocks off my Aftershock I suppose. The throttle mod maybe, tank mod no. Not enough time , I hope there aren't any rocks on the go-kart track

 

[Racer 1966]

Hey guys let me ask for few more opinions.

1. Gearing, I onlly have a few options without buying parts. I have 15 & 18 tooth clutch bells and 49 & 52 spurs. What combo would be best for on-road? I'm thinking of goin with the 18/52.

2. I have some progressive rate springs. Due to the shorter length when putting in the travel limiters they are really stout. So do you think one on each corner or use the stock springs and two on each corner?

3. I use a locker in the rear diff, probably need to ditch it for on-road right?

Teaser - I've got neat idea for the tvps that will look cool. Should have pics tomorrow night.

 

[Rolex]

Loose the locker, you'll only fight it in the turns and wear out your tires.
Gear for high end. You're not concerned with getting off the line.
Keep the ride short and stiff. There's enough inertial weight to keep it running smooth on a flat track.

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

1. 18/52 sounds good. Sounds like you're gonna have to mod them on though.

2. How hard is it to push down the Savage with dual progressives at each side? I think for on-road it should be tough, but not too tough. I think you should tune this part when you get it running. If it feels too stiff and bounces on uneven ground, then I would think single progressives at each side would do it. I think if where you are driving it is smooth, then stiff is good for it.

3. I've heard of putting putting lockers in the front in their on-roaders. Not sure why, but they said it gives you better speed, probably because both wheels are going forward when you turn and not one going the other way. I would think that would mess up your turn radius though.


Can't wait to see the TVPs idea.

 

[Racer 1966]

Loose the locker, you'll only fight it in the turns and wear out your tires.

That what I was thinking.

1. 18/52 sounds good. Sounds like you're gonna have to mod them on though.

2. How hard is it to push down the Savage with dual progressives at each side? I think for on-road it should be tough, but not too tough. I think you should tune this part when you get it running. If it feels too stiff and bounces on uneven ground, then I would think single progressives at each side would do it. I think if where you are driving it is smooth, then stiff is good for it.

3. I've heard of putting putting lockers in the front in their on-roaders. Not sure why, but they said it gives you better speed, probably because both wheels are going forward when you turn and not one going the other way. I would think that would mess up your turn radius though.


Can't wait to see the TVPs idea.

1. Mod to fit? Well I think I can do that.

2. I don't have them on yet but 1 progressive shock to me feels stiffer than the 2 stock sprung shocks

3. I only have just under 2 weeks but I may try to test this idea.

 

[olds97_lss]

18/52 won't fit without some serious modifications. I had to mod mine a bit just to fit 16/52 for winter running!

I'd try 4 rear buggy shocks vs the big bores. They are shorter and very robust, so you get the best of both for what your doing.

Here's a comparison photo for you to ponder:

From the left:
OFNA 9.5 Rear
OFNA Jammin XB 1 Rear
OFNA 9.5 Front
OFNA Jammin XB 1 Front

Savage SS stock

EDIT:
Had the front/rear notations backwards...

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

So Racer, what's the surprise with the TVP's?

 

[Racer 1966]

18/52 won't fit without some serious modifications. I had to mod mine a bit just to fit 16/52 for winter running!

I'd try 4 rear buggy shocks vs the big bores. They are shorter and very robust, so you get the best of both for what your doing.

Here's a comparison photo for you to ponder:
From the left:
OFNA 9.5 Front
OFNA Jammin XB 1 Front
OFNA 9.5 Rear
OFNA Jammin XB 1 Rear
Savage SS stock

I'm not skeered of serious mods I have an idea of what it will take but I haven't actually looked at the set up yet.

The rears are too short, the 2 fronts in your pic look like they might work but I don't have time to find a cheap set. I've got to get the tvps on so I can get an actual measurement for the length I want.

So Racer, what's the surprise with the TVP's?

Sorry Coby,you'll have to wait another day. My wife called and wanted to have lunch with me today so I met her for lunch instead of finishing the tvps.