Help with HB Lightning Stadium Pro?

[gramey]

I bought a Hot Bodies Lightning Stadium Pro (RTR) today and while I know many will say that I should have bought a HoBao Hyper ST or HPI Hellfire (two others that I really considered) or something else, the deed is done.

What I need to know now is what breaks on these, what will I need to upgrade when funds allow?

I replaced the stock steering servo with a Hitec 645MG, not the quickest but hopefully o.k., I don't think the stock HB 26 engine is the quickest out there either but I thought I'd run it at least until I get used to the handling and setting up.

I'm assuming if I wanted to race this (there's probably some laughing going on now!) I'd need a 21 engine, but which gives the best bang for the bucks and won't break the bank?
Any constructive comments appreciated peeps........

[Scoobster]

Now mate did you get the version with hte alloy arms? if so i have been running one for a good while now and they are very strong all i have broken so far is a the optional rear wing mount

as for bang for bucks motors try the STS range they are very quick and won't break the bank

[gramey]

Scoobster, yes it came with alloy arms, I need to find a decent receiver pack for it, any suggestions. I was going to get a buggy wing to mount in place of the stock lexan one, is it worth doing, cheers.

[schuwolf]

The Lightning2 is a tuff little buggy, I've abused one for a couple of years and now, rebuilt, it is my sprog's ride. And she can drive it better than me. I think the shocks are a bit weak, and Hyper 7 shocks with white springs seem much better, filled with 40 f & 35 r they handle our bumpy track well. The C cups can break easy(ish) if you run into tyre markers, or similar, too often Most of the Lightning pro stuff, knuckles, chassis braces, seem fine. The HB .26 engine is fine, but not the fastest, as you say. Try the Go .21 7 port (£120 delivered from MK Racing). It flies! Make sure you have the hardened diff gears though, and fill the diffs with decent oils, 5k, 7k, and 1k as a start. Might like 3k in the rear though with the extra power. Enjoy it, and give the Hypers etc a good run for their money You'll need a 6v hump pack, like a Venom or Nanda one, won't break the wallet!

[gramey]

I'll order the hardened diff gears, do I need gaskets for the diffs if I'm filling them with oil?

[schuwolf]

There is supposed to be a gasket on them, but when I stripped them down there wasn't! I cleaned them and used gasket jointing paste like Hermatite (from Halfords or Car spares shop). Worked fine.

[gramey]

On checking the Pro RTR spec it comes with the hardened diff gears, took the diffs out and there were gaskets there so I've gone 7/10/3 to start with.

[schuwolf]

Good, glad you had gaskets. Choice of oils should be fine. Keep us informed how it goes

[gramey]

Just a quick update, apart from losing it off a jump and breaking a C hub & shock end last weekend the LSP seems to be going pretty damn well.
Bedsides changing the oil in the diffs the only other thing I've done is fit the 17mm hexs and collared nuts from the Lightning GTX 2 allowing me to fit a set of HPI Nubz tyres.
I bought my son one as well this week and we both went to the track today and had a good old ding dong with each other for several laps. Unfortuantely the days racing was cancelled due to the rain and subsequent lack of competitors but we had fun for a while. It'll probably take me longer to clean them than we actually used them but hey ho....
Not the latest and greatest of truggies I know but they're sure putting a smile on our faces!

[schuwolf]

That's what it is all about, smiles on faces. Glad you and your Son are enjoying the LSP gramey. A youngster in my Club has had one since last Summer and misused it, but it still comes back for more. Like the L2 buggy, the C cups and shock ends seem to take the brunt of damages, but are easily changed. I've just got a Hyper ST for my first truggy, and that is seriously worrying some CRT owners , the young driver with the LSP still gets in the A Finals. You probably find your Son will soon be beating you hands down mate

[gramey]

schuwolf, you'll have to let us know how the Hyper ST goes, I seriously considered this before buying the LSP but being impatient my LHS only had the LSP & Thunder Tiger ST1 in stock at the time. I didn't particularly like the TT so opted for the LSP.
As you said I'm sure it won't be long before the boys beating me again, he usually does in 1/10th electric TC & off road already.

[schuwolf]

So far, I really like the ST. I have a Hyper 7 pbs with a Go .21 7 port that flies. So I thought the ST would make a good stable mate. I was impressed with it from the start, even though it is a rtr. Another member liked it and got one, and he is impressed too. Nothing broken yet, despite my driving, and it hangs with the CRT pro's well, giving them a few surprises too. I will keep you updated as I will be changing oils and springs soon to improve the cornering and traction on our dusty track. A Go .25 MAY just find it's way into it in the future, but the Mach 26 seems just fine at the mo.
Tell me about the kids! My 12 yo Daughter blows me away at times with the Lightning