Project Bash Savage

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 4:56 pm Post subject: Project Bash Savage

This isn't so much a project as it is a partial rebuild of an existing truck, but I've decided to document it anyway. The goal of this build is to create a fast, durable, low maintenance bashing machine with acceptable handling and jumping characteristics.

Engine/Clutch/Fuel System

Parts on hand:

Picco 28 engine (On gallon 8 or something, I lost track)
3 shoe clutch w/Mugen 7075-T6 shoes and 1.1mm springs
17t hardened/vented clutch bell
Losi HT tuned pipe w/HPI short header
Ofna 125cc tank

Waiting for:

TKO RT clutch bearings

Chassis/Suspension

Parts on hand:

IRC 1.25" extended 4mm LCG TVPs
IRC machined engine plate
IRC center skid plate
IRC 7075-T6 lower hinge pin braces
Aluminum bulkhead plate braces
Lunsford 6Al4V titanium turnbuckles
Integy rear carriers
Adjustable upper arms
Steering post bearings
Aluminum servo arms
Ofna throttle linkage setup
Grade 12.9 hex head fasteners throughout

Waiting for:

Nylon big bore shocks

Drivetrain

Parts on hand:

Shimmed 2 speed transmission
Dual fiberglass brake setup
BP ring/pinion gears
13x16x0.2mm shims
SHD dogbones, axles and outdrives
IRC high strength center dogbones
Hardened center drive cups
50K wt diff oil

Waiting for:

Vorza diff cups, hardened steel internal gears, cross shafts and outdrive pins
(Should have arrived 2 weeks ago, but Canada Post lost the package. Rolling Eyes

)

Electronics

Parts on hand:

Futaba 3PM 2.4GHz radio system
Hitec HS5645MG steering servo
Hitec HS5645MG throttle servo
6.0V 1600mAh NiMH receiver pack

Waiting for:

Nothing

Tires/Wheels

Parts on hand:

Losi Zombie tires w/moulded foam inserts
Proline black dish wheels

Waiting for:

Nothing

Pictures

Here are a few pictures of the build progress.

This is an often overlooked area, but one which I believe is absolutely critical for the durability of the Savage platform. Replacing the stock plastic bulkhead plate brace with a pair of aluminum engine plate braces (Drilled and tapped to accept M4x0.7 fasteners, of course) adds a tremendous amount of strength to the chassis, and also supports the plastic hinge pin stoppers on the skid plate, preventing the pins from pushing past them under stress.

Engine, currently in pieces while I decide which timing profile I want to use on the crankshaft. In stock form, the induction port opens at 46° ABDC and closes at 52° ATDC, giving it 186° total duration, which is extremely conservative, even for an offroad MT engine. As of now I'm leaning toward 33° ABDC open, 63° ATDC close, and 210° total duration. Certainly not the most aggressively it can be pushed, but these numbers should give a substantial boost to the top end performance of the engine during the final few gallons of its life.

I'm not much of an artist, so instead of an elaborate custom paint job, I just snagged a stock XL body from eBay for $20.

I'll update this thread as more progress is made.

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 1:41 am Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

I like the title of this build and look forward to seeing your progress.

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:32 am Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Love the big box of new parts. Its always exciting when you get a box like that.

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:28 am Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Finally decided to mount the front and rear ends and make it look like something vaguely resembling a truck.

Mounted the servos using some notched 3mm aluminum brackets I cut out yesterday.

Box and electronics installed...

You might be wondering why I didn't go with a mid tank setup, and to be honest, I prefer the stock radio box/Ofna tank configuration. I had a mid tanked chassis years ago and didn't like it; always found myself going back to the side mounted 125cc unit. Just my opinion though, as I know many people have differing views on the subject.

I'm hoping to get the grinding done on the crankshaft and the engine assembled by the end of the weekend, then it's just a matter of waiting for the rest of the parts to come in the mail.

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

I agree on the midtank. Its a lot of work. I built one just to do it. My other two are Ofna tanked. Easy and reliable. I have no problem with it only being 125cc. I usually run another truck after one tank anyway.

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 4:08 pm Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Crankshaft is done. Went with a slightly more conservative profile, but it should still scream pretty well.

Before:

After:

Didn't get my diff parts or TKO bearings in the mail today, so the rest of the build is stagnant for now.

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Alright, finally some updates.

Got the HB/Vorza diff parts in.

Assembled and shimmed.

Transmission shimmed and assembled.

Steering parts.

Front and rear ends assembled.

Front and rear ends mounted.

Engine assembled and sealed, clutch installed.

This pipe wasn't my first choice, but at $15 on eBay, I'm not complaining. Razz

Engine mounted.

Fuel tank and chassis brace mounted to left TVP.

Big bore shocks haven't arrived yet, so I decided to put together a new set of stock shocks. $13 on eBay.

Assembled, fuel lines added, new brake linkage made from A228 spring steel, engine protector with UHMW polyethylene extender mounted.

9lbs 10.1oz (4.4kg) without tires and wheels.

Body required slight modification to fit.

Done, for now...

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Alright! Rip it up!!!

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 4:17 am Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Big bore shocks finally came in on Friday.

Stock shocks, 69g per corner.

Big bores, 54g per corner.

216g total mass with a reduction of 60g. By comparison, my old LST shocks with mounting brackets weighed in at well over a pound.

Filled with 350cSt (30wt) Associated oil and mounted.

All ready to bash tomorrow, so long as it isn't raining.

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 8:39 am Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Looks good. Like your title suggested you have built a strong bashing savage. Enjoy.

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 9:37 am Post subject: Re: Project Bash Savage

Looks good. Love the zombie maxes.


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