[jjjrules]

Hi - my Truckzilla kit arrived yesterday. Only 5 days after being sent from Texas (good service)

Includes an easy start back plate for the .46 engine, stronger dog bones and a longer rear drive shaft. TVP's are 1 inch longer and are 3.1mm thick compared to the stock 2.4mm. Pipe is highly polished.

Here's a pic of the Truckzilla Wheel/Tyre next to the standard. Big aren't they?

This pic shows the enormous size of the .46 compared with the HPI .25 (shown here with Nova racing head). Big mother of a thing although angle of picture makes it look a little bigger anyway.Hot Bodies claim 4.6 horsepower (we'll see) with rpm range of 2000 to 23000. Comes with 15 tooth bell to compensate for lower rpms.


Initial impression is good. Quality of components is high (head on .46 is a bit chinzy copared to the Nova). Instructions, whilst in black and white, are complete and easy to follow. Break in instructions are straight out of Savage manual. Conversion uses all standard throttle and brake linkages. Installation should be a breeze but I'll keep you informed. Kit alsoincludes a few screws etc and an alloy exhaust mount.


All in all great value imho.

 

[jjjrules]

Thanks Ausrc - you'll be happy to know the Savage is still in one piece. I have ordered an alloy clutch shoe set from Novaas clutch is a weak spot apparently. I'll probably wait until it arrives (maybe). Nellyneil - (funny my daughter's name is Nellie) - I got the kit fromHipro Hobbies inVictoria - Texas. They are fantastic to work with and as I said - 5 day delivery (wow).Ifit's ok with Ausrc I will post their details on the forum. The contact is janet and she is verygood at what she does. I paid $290 USD for thekit and $60 delivery. I have since bought some other things from them as they have pretty good prices. I have read a lot about Truckzillaon the net and whilst some people have had problems I think a well set up zilla will pull awesome wheelies don't you?BTW it's 4.8 HP claimed not 4.6. Proofs in the pud tho so I'll keep you all up to date.

 

[jjjrules]

Steve - I don't know that anything ever surprises you - except when that dang epic won't start (ever thought how appropriate that name is? Epic I mean).


Jerrah - the wheels are bigger in diameter, wider and have a slightly bigger offset. You need a pretty good servo to steer them but there are no issues with clearance. Handling I'll have to tell you about when it runs. I have read on the net that the Truckzilla is better run on the big wheels due to horsepower and gearing issues. They look strong around the hex area - possibly stronger that the standard Savage wheels.


Jo-No - I've heard of the engine mount breakage problem too. Fingers crossed eh? I think this problem could be caused by chassis flex so may be solved with some good bracing. We'll see.


Unfortunately Hipro Hobbiesdo not have a web site but they do sell on the Australian Ebay site. Apparently it is a family owned business and has been established for many years. I have dealt with Janet who is the daughter of the owner. Please be aware that Isupport buying Aussie but these things are not available here to my knowledge. Their email is [email protected] I have had a few probs emailing so I have communicated thru the Ebay "Ask Seller a Question" link. This is a link to the items they currently have for saleon Ebay.com.au


[url]http://cgi6.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherIte ms&userid=hiprohobbies&sort=2&page=1&rows=25 &since=-1&showpics=1&stab=0 [/url]


ta


John

 

[jjjrules]

Sorry I've been off line on the Truckzilla - I will do a review soon if you guys are still interested. I have had some issues with the running in process (rubbish pull start and very high temps) but I think I have hit the sweet spot now - man this thing GOES! Couple of teasers:

Nova racing head and aluminium clutch shoes are fitted - the steel spur shown here chewed out the clutch bell so I'm back to the plastic one

I got the worst blisters starting this thing during with the pull start during run in - BIG compression. Changed to the rotostart backing plate that was included in the kit and it was much easier (had to start it with a cordless drill tho)

Charlie thinks it's a bit noisey buy the pipe is pretty quiet

This is Stevo57 driving at less than quarter throttle at the Maitland track

Let me know if you guys want any further info - for mine it is a great kit but it's still early days,


ta


John

 

[jjjrules]

Thanks for the feedback - I'll definitely do a review but I'd like to get a few more k's under the bonnet first. The gearing is actually a 17 bell and I've used the 48th steel spur and the 49th plastic one. This gearing is suited to the bigger wheel/tyre diameter and I don't think i'd go any lower as I think it could put the drivetrain on shakey ground. Unfortunately I can't compare it to anything - I couldn't wait to build it so I still have the original .26 sitting on my shelf never used in anger. I also have a Thunder Tiger EK4 with the .70 heli engine in it and I think the Truckzilla goes harder (difficult to say tho). I will be getting together with Stevo57 in Sydney soon so I'll let anyone know who's interested in doing a comparison. In the mean time - has anyone ever ridden a GSXR1000? If you have (and I have) it's a lot like that!


ta John