Cat XLS vs Procat
 

Hi guys,

What are the main differences between the XLS and the Procat?

Is it possible to back-convert a Procat to make an XLS and will an XLS replica shell fit the Procat?

Thanks,

Dan

From memory the biggest differences were the chassis and the rear suspension.
If you just swapped the chassis then the xls shell should fit

Yep, just change the bottom chassis plate and jobs a good'un :thumbsup:

Excellent thanks guys :)

I guess Fibrelyte is my only option for a CAT XLS chassis plate? Then I'll need a rear wing mount, wheels and front bumper too....that all?

The rear suspension is completely different between the XLS and Procat. Also the rear shock tower, XLS has chrome rims, even the front uprights were different. If you want to build a car that will kinds replicate the XLS it's no big deal but if you want to pass a Procat off as an XLS well thats an entitrely different thing.

My XLS-

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...ATXLS20125.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...ATXLS20123.jpg

Procat

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...riosprocat.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...iosprocat2.jpg

If you want something that looks like an XLS at a glance then the XLS chassis will allow you to fit the body on. Add some black 2" wheels and the less informed will be none the wiser as they won't notice the wire wing mount and front bumper.

But anyone with any knowledge of the old Cats will easily tell at a glance that it isn't an XLS by the rear suspension and shock mount. If anyone asks which vintage Cat a car is, the first thing you look at is the rear upper arms. Changing the bumper and wing mount won't make much of a difference. Fitting an XLS bumper also means you can't easily get at the Procat belt tension screws either unless you drill a pair of holes in it.

Full list of differences as far as I can remember.
Front bumper
Front gearbox casing, Procat has tensioning screws
XLS has an 8 ball front diff pulley, Procat has a 14 ball front diff pulley
Different chassis plates
XLS has rear diff in spur gear and integrator in rear, Procat has solid layshaft and diff in rear
XLS rear suspension parts are the same as the front suspension. Upper suspension mount brace is fibreglass, shock mount is fibreglass and wire wing mount
Procat rear suspension is taken from the Cougar with adjustable upper link instead of double wishbone. Upper link mount is similar shape to XLS brace, but in moulded plastic. Moulded plastic shock and wing mount.

The only major parts shared between the two are the rear gearbox case, upper deck, driveshafts and the whole front suspension.

Ok guys cheers I think I'll just keep both cars as Procats ;)

If we go back to the question "does a XLS body fit a Procat?" then yes as long as you change the lower chassis plate. It all depends on what you want?
If you want an original XLS using a Procat then I wouldnt bother:eh?: However if you're like me and prefer the XLS body and you want a nice vintage club racer and are not to bothered what the Schumacher experts say (Which I m one) then do it:p

This is my runner Procat..

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...y/DSCF4844.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...y/DSCF4846.jpg

J1mbo,

What steering cranks are they? I'm looking for a replacement for my kit procat ones. They just flex and don't work, really un-responsive and no return to centre. The T096 Steering Lever is the main culprit, it just flexes. the brass bushes and steering cranks though loose, have sticking points. i want to replace it all. I'd have a good usable vintage racer then, as hte rest of it is tiptop with lots of hopups from back in the day.

J1mbo, spot on thanks - this is exactly what my plan is/was thanks!

Is that a Fibrelyte chassis?

Yep, Fibre Lyte saddle pack chassis, top chassis and XLS rear shock tower. I wouldnt bother with the stick pack chassis unless you can find the battery clamps and a battery that fits (unless you use older Ni-Mh's).

Wing wire is just 1.6mm piano wire, XLS wheels and bumper;)

Oh, not sure who made the steering assembly however I think I ve got a couple of Wasp ones which are really nice.

and is that a penguin repro shell?

Nope, its an original and about 20 odd years old:woot: Wing is a Teambluegroove item though!

Nice looking always wanted the xlsp chassi looks awsome.

I atleast found it hard to get upgrade steering instead of the original but take a look at lukes solution in his procat thread, he had the arms made in carboon looks awsome and superstrong.

mvh Isobarik

Procat steering links
 

Ta-da!

http://www.oople.com/forums/showpost...&postcount=224

J1mbo it's you who has the Masami '87 replica isn't it?

Post some pics will you? I'd like to do the same....can I still get the decal sheet from the guy in Oz?

Dan

It is
http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=77016 although you would have to contact Willy to find out about the sticker sheet

Cheers Terry I've just emailed Willy, the sheet is still on his website but showing out of stock so hopefully he can help me out ;)

Cheers Terry, looks like you let the 'Cat' out the bag:woot: lol:lol:.Cant believe I made this over 4 years ago! I ve also got a great article on Masami's car, a prototype SWB and a Bosscat!

Theres a set on ebay at the mo http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autocollan...item2c6885b396

cheers again.....I just mentioned the car on Facebook and inserted a YouTube link to the 1987 race and tagged Masami....he clicked like....I'm honoured :)