Upgrading to Performance Parts on the TT02 Tamiya Chassis

The reason you upgrade parts is because you expect more from an initial purchase.  After you’ve bought a scale RC there comes a time that you want to upgrade it, especially if you like the RC. It was time for me to improve not just the looks but also the performance of my Italia 458 Challenge. I tried not to overdo it, but just upgrade the parts that will increase the performance of the vehicle. If you are interested in doing a similar upgrade here is a list of good performance parts to get started.

Hop-Up List 

Optional Performance Parts

Alloy Front/Rear Dampers

Batter holder & Heat Sink

Aluminum Motor Mount

540 Tuned Motor

Universal Swing Shaft

Alloy Drive Shaft

Alloy Steering Assembly

Alloy Tie Rods

One of the first upgrades I wanted to put on my TT02 was to replace the original no frills four dampers with better dampers.  The standard dampers are simplistic and they certainly leave you expecting more than a just a lightweight formed piece of plastic and spring.  My option is the newly released alloy 53mm dampers by GPM. Most of the upgrades are manufactured by GPM, but if you can go for genuine Tamiya parts because they will fit precisely. 

GPM Alloy Dampers are pretty strong well designed with adjustable easy grip tension rings. They come pre oil lubricated and factory sealed. Color option red anodized coating. These GPM dampers provide a firm reliable ride and improves cornering and road response. Go ahead run over those manhole covers and little dips in the road.  

GPM TT02 Oil Filled Damper Upgrade

TT02 suspension upgrade 

GPM Alloy Drive Shaft offers a sturdy drive mechanism to decrease power loss and shaft distortion at high rotation. Replacing this part will stop the flexing that happens during your run and puts the power back to all four wheels. It includes a rubber O-ring spacer to firmly set it in position 

GPM alloy Battery Holder is replaced to help dissipate the heat from a hot battery. Overheating of any parts could decrease running time or durability of parts. Using an alloy battery holder may help to increase the longevity of the battery over time.

GPM Alloy Universal Shaft for front steering keeps rotating drivetrain in synched. There are fewer transitions between moving parts to cause friction.

GPM Alloy Tie Rods offer support for sure steering control and firm handling.

GPM Alloy Steering Assembly  this is a three piece set and unfortunately they weren't produced accurately. I could only use the one long piece and had to revert back to the original.

this part is smaller and misaligned producing steering jam.  I do not recommend seek better ones!

GPM TT02 steering assembly

Try and set the steering tie rods with the old ones for the right length
When the screws are straight up and down they are set well. 

Tamiya 540 Sport Tuned Motor a perfectly engineered horsepower replacement for the original stock motor. While the standard stock motor gives you a feel for the car, a sport-tuned motor increases twice the power and performance.  It breathes fresh new life into the TT02 you’ll think you’ve bought a new RC. The speed is substantially increased but not the point where the car is uncontrollable. This car really doesn’t need to go Li-Po or brushless to enjoy great performance. Certainly a no brainer for whatever you got in mind for race or fun.

Tamiya TT02 540 Sport Tuned Motor

Tamiya Anodized Aluminum Motor Mount a good choice to support a tuned motor and take the heat.

Set the pinion gear to 3mm

Heat Sink Motor Mount

1/10 Sport Tuned Motor

Now that you got a good idea of some of the upgrade options, get out there and own the road! Select the options right for you.