Taking the 501x Racing: What Options?

[TRF_AK]

Ok like the title says, I am taking the 501x racing, and as this is the original and not the Worlds Edition, what option parts do you feel should be purchased for racing? There are so many parts from aluminum steering parts, caster blocks, etc. Let me know what items are higher up on the list, and which parts are a bit lower or the "nice to have".

[5POINTSTAR]

I run the original 501X, I have had it for 3 years and do not use any updated parts as my buggy is fast, nimble, strong and fun to race (club racing). I only changed the front diff pulley from 35T (overdrive) to 36T, that tip came from Hupo nearly three years ago at the IIC Onroad Championships here in Las Vegas.

My hopups:
I have alloy steering, tech racing servo stays and sway bars (not used)

[MRD]

The big pully conversion is pretty much a must, then everything else is either cosmetic or not really essential. I would concentrate on getting spares rather than hopups for the time being .

[5POINTSTAR]

Originally Posted by MRD

The big pully conversion is pretty much a must, then everything else is either cosmetic or not really essential. I would concentrate on getting spares rather than hopups for the time being .

Spares = Best advice for racing, they are a must eventhough the 501X is built like a tank. The soft spot may be the rear hub carries (e-parts), I broke two over the years.

[mole2k]

Racing the 501x once or twice a week for the past two years i've broken a rear wishbone, shock tower and a front shock shaft.

[MRD]

I've only started snapping the odd wishbone now I've swapped to the high traction ones, and even then they only crack or chip so it won't end the race. On my DB-01 Ive snapped hubs, the front shock tower mount and a belt, thats about it in 18 month of racing. There is a thread about all the best spares top keep somewhere .

[Fredrik Emilsson]

Why not just start racing and find out what needs to be replaced?

I would say that ceramic diff balls, other ballcups and ballstuds are the first things to buy.
I think the Losi white ballcups and HB ballstuds works very well.

I don´t think that you have to change to 18/37T and long belts.

[Migs]

thats an interesting point Fredrik, if the big pulley option isnt used, just maybe using the 36 tooth pulley in the front if u like running that setup then the shorter belts have to be run, ie the orginal 501x belts 363mm, as opposed to the new 511/db01r 369mm belts which are supposedly better, or do u think theres not much difference in the belts as far as wear and drag goes

[Fredrik Emilsson]

I also think the new reinforced belts are much better. No question about it. They seem to last forever.
The center pulleys wear out faster. Even think the 37T pulleys will.

But what I meant was that it not is a "must have" to start racing.

[kustom chris]

I RACE EVERY WEEK ON A 1/8 GAS TRACK ALL I CARRY IS FRONT SHOCK TOWERS AND SPARE BELTS AND REAR PULLEY AS I HAVE DONE A FEW REAR PULLEYS (BELT TO LOOSE FROM STRETCHING) BEEN RACING FOR A YEAR AND A HALF WITH THE ORIGINAL 501X ITS A TANK

[Migs]

Originally Posted by Fredrik Emilsson

I also think the new reinforced belts are much better. No question about it. They seem to last forever.
The center pulleys wear out faster. Even think the 37T pulleys will.

But what I meant was that it not is a "must have" to start racing.

yep, totally know where ur coming from

[TRF_AK]

Well, I should say that I am not getting anything until after I get some experience with the buggy, but I do like getting the opinions ahead of time. I am going to get some spare arms and belts just for starters. I will let everyone know how it goes once I get it running!