Archive for August 24, 2008

About the Model:
-The new TB-03 chassis is totally improved upon its predecessor the TB-02.
-Bathtub frame comes with a motor cooling duct to improve heat dissipation for better performance.
-In-board Front Suspension system features horizontally-mounted front dampers to enable a low-nose profile to mount the new-mold aerodynamic polycarbonate body shell.
-The body shell is also compatible with TA05-IFS chassis
-Newly-designed one-piece aluminum motor mount makes changing and adjusting gears a breeze.
-Equipped with front and rear ball differentials for greater power transmission efficiency.
-Race-proven reversible short suspension and TRF416 front and rear knuckles.
-Includes body, wheels, tires, and Type 540 motor.

This are few option parts i have installed ni the kit during assembly:

1. TRF oil damper
2. Aluminium rocker arms
3. Aluminium rocker arm holder
4. Aluminium suspension mount
5. Aluminium wheel hub 4mm
6. Blue aluminium screws

There are still a few more option parts that is going in the kit to make it look cool. I’m running a brushless motor in the kit and tried out the 1st time on the proton event, surface was a nightmare and I was amazed how the car response and handle even it was stock setup as by the manual. The car felt like a belt driven chassis and it was so smooth. It was as quiet as a belt kit as well. Handling and response was 10/10 and found out it was running with TFR416 series upright and knuckle which gave more response on steering. Weight distribution is tad heavier on the rear and this can be caused by the IFS setup which bring the CG of the kit lower in the front, The suspension feels very plushy and smooth. I didnt feel as much torque steer as other shaft kit on the TB03. Motor mounting on the kit is bit hard to reach but with the new design that allows you to move the motor by adjusting 1 screw from the bottom of the chassis is has over come the issue.Overall, this kit is a great kit for all level drifters.
I’m running my kit with this current setup.

Chassis: Tamiya TB03
Servo: Futaba S3003 (Temporary)
Motor & ESC : 9.5T brushless and LPF esc by SPEEDPASSION
Batt: MUCHMORE 2800 side by side config

Will review more once i’m more familiar with the car.

There are already few TB03 owners that i know out there that uses the car for touring and they all gave superb feedback on it.

Some info i would like to share with those who are interested in the kit as there i have been asked by few fellow friends regarding the kit. So this is some Q&A asked.

1. How much for this TB03 kit?
For more enquiry on pricing, please contact HAIDI or Tamiya Underground.

2. What does the kit includes?
Includes body, wheels, tires, and Type 540 motor. No electronics such as battery, servo, esc, receiver

3. Is this a good drift kit?
This is very subjective to answer.. but all 4wd car kit can be converted into drift by just changing the tires. It also depends on the car setup.

4. Is this kit better than other kit?
Another subjective question as this depends on personal preference.. but based on my experience, this kit is more than enough who are looking for a mid to high range to start with and comes with a reasonable price tag.

5. Does the car have spare parts or option parts around?
As far as i know, this is the latest kit around town so spare parts should not be an issue. And this kit shares certain parts with the brothers and sisters in the TRF series, eg. TB03 is running similar drive train as the TRF TB EVO 5ms kit and TRF416 arm,front and rear upright (Correct me if I’m wrong). Full Option parts is already available at Tamiya Underground to bling up but that is optional to those wants to upgrade slowly.

6. How can this car compare to a belt driven kit?
Based from my experience, This car is as smooth as a belt driven kit and does not have as much torque steer as well With proper maintenance, it should be smooth all the time,this is where users must care for their car. Power wise, it does give you the direct power input feel but at the same time smooth and stable.

7. Does the IFS suspension really makes a different compared to a regular shock mounting position?
YES~!! firstly, It looks way damn cool with the new IFS setup, does look like a F1 car. I realise that weight at the front have been tremendously reduce as this is caused by the way the shocks are sitting and furthermore, CG have been brought down. The car feel very plushy and smooth during switchback (left to right transition) drifting. I still have a lot to play around with in this so i will keep updating it.

Updates*
21/08/08

Headed down to Tamiya Underground after work as most of the option parts arrived. Got my hands on the
1. Aluminium blue center shaft
2. Front 1 way differential
3. Aluminium rear input shaft (if i’m not mistaken)
4. Aluminium rear differential
5. Aluminium blue motor holder thingy

Like i said, all this option parts are optional and its your choice to upgrade it. First thing when i was holding the aluminum blue shaft, i was thinking will this make any different since the standard kit already comes with aluminum shaft, only silver in color. So beside bling-ing the car up with blues will there be benefit from it?? Yes, the shaft is design with a universal joint on 1 side that will reduce friction. I also realize this item is much lighter compared to stock shaft.And yes! its blue..make the car looks cool.The front 1 way is similar like any 1 way, so i guess u guys should know how it works, I installed this as i prefer to drive with a front 1 way and it does help the car to have more steering. As for the aluminum rear input shaft, there the weight different as stock shaft is made from steel. So with the aluminum rear input shaft, car is much lighter at the rear. Aluminum rear differential is different from the stock as stock if made from plastic. This can help prevent diff housing from cracking during hard impact but trust me, tamiya diff are tough as hell.. even the plastics ones. Like i posted earlier, adjusting the motor is made easier by adjusting a screw under the chassis and 1 on the motor instead of both screw on motor.Stock holder is made from plastic so it tends to be harder to slide.With the new aluminum motor holder, it helps to slide the motor much much easier now.I have yet to try out the car after installing the new parts, will keep u updated once i have test the car out.

Reviewed by Eujin (jino86)