Team Associated RC: Purpose-Built Race Platforms

Team Associated (AE) focuses on race-ready kits that build square, respond clearly to setup changes, and are easy to keep competitive with widely available parts. Whether you run indoor carpet, outdoor clay, dirt, or asphalt, AE platforms provide a predictable baseline and a deep ecosystem of setup support.

Who It’s For

• New racers moving from RTR to their first kit and wanting clear manuals and proven baselines.
• Club and regional racers who value precise geometry, consistent shocks/diffs, and fast parts availability.
• Tinkerers who want measurable setup changes that translate to lap time.

Choose This If / Consider Other Options If

• Choose AE if: You prioritize predictable handling, easy-to-source spares, and detailed setup sheets for off-road or on-road racing.
• Consider other options if: You want an extreme basher or scale crawler (AE is race-first). You prefer an RTR with minimal wrenching (AE offers some RTRs, but their kits are the core).

Picking the Right AE Platform

• 2WD Buggy (1/10): Most popular race class. Teaches throttle control and line discipline. Great for carpet/astroturf or clay/dirt. Lower running costs.
• 4WD Buggy (1/10): Higher corner speed and stability; rewards smooth driving. Good on medium–high grip tracks.
• Stadium Truck & Short Course (1/10): Forgiving and fun. Stadium truck emphasizes corner speed and consistency; short course is robust and friendly for mixed surfaces.
• On-Road Touring (1/10): Responds strongly to ride height, droop, and spring/roll bar changes. Best for prepared asphalt or carpet.
• 1/8 Off-Road: Suited to larger outdoor tracks; durable drivetrains and big-bore shocks for long mains.

Compatibility and Standards

• Scale: Primarily 1/10 off-road and on-road; also 1/8 off-road options.
• Wheels/Tires: 1/10 off-road typically 12 mm hex; verify offset/width for class and surface. On-road uses class-specific wheels/tires.
• Gearing: Most 1/10 on-road/off-road race kits use 48-pitch spur/pinion; check your manual.
• Motors/ESC: 540-size sensored brushless for 1/10 (e.g., 13.5T/17.5T spec or mod winds). 1/8 uses 4-pole 1/8 motors. Match ESC current rating and timing rules to your class.
• Batteries: 2S LiPo for most 1/10 classes; 4S (or 2×2S) for 1/8. Use track-approved hard case packs.
• Servo: Standard 1/10 low-profile or standard-size with metal gears and ~0.07–0.12 s/60° speed; verify horn spline and saver fit.
• Radio: 2.4 GHz surface radio with adjustable endpoints, expo, and dual rate.

What You Need to Complete a Kit

• Electronics: Motor, ESC, servo, receiver, battery, charger, and transponder if you race.
• Tires and inserts: Chosen for your track’s surface and grip level.
• Tools: 1.5/2.0/2.5 mm hex drivers; nut drivers; hobby knife; shock/diff oil; blue threadlocker for metal-to-metal; calipers; ride height and camber gauges.
• Typical build time: 1/10 buggy kit: 4–6 hours (experienced) or 6–10 hours (first kit). Shocks: 30–45 minutes. Gear diff: 20–30 minutes. Ball diff: 30–45 minutes.

Build and Setup Tips

• Fit and finish: Deburr plastics lightly; ensure hinge pins and kingpins move freely without slop.
• Shocks: Build in pairs, match rebound side-to-side. Bleed consistently to avoid pack imbalance.
• Diffs: Fill to spec, rotate slowly to release air, recheck after the first run. Correct diff action stabilizes corner entry/exit.
• Baseline first: Start with the kit setup or a team sheet for your surface; change one variable at a time.
• Tires rule: Select compound and tread for conditions before chasing springs or roll centers.

Maintenance Schedule

• Between heats (5–10 min): Knock off dust, check ride height, inspect spur/pinion mesh, verify wheel nuts and critical screws.
• Every race day (15–30 min): Clean bearings as needed, check shock weep, re-oil hinge pins, inspect arms/towers for stress marks.
• Every 2–4 race days: Rebuild shocks; refresh diff oil (off-road gear diffs). Ball diffs: clean and re-grease earlier if slip changes.
• As needed: Replace spur/pinion if worn or noisy; refresh tires once sidewalls soften or lap times fade.

Quick Tuning Guide

• Pushing on power: Loosen rear diff slightly (ball diff) or lower rear diff oil; add rear toe; try softer rear tires.
• Traction roll: Lower ride height; increase front camber (more negative); stiffer front spring or add front sway bar.
• Loose on entry: Increase front toe-in slightly; lower front roll center; thicker front diff oil or tighter ball diff.
• Landing nose-high: Soften front pack (piston or oil) or add rear pack; verify jump face and throttle timing.
• ESC/motor heat: Drop 1–2 teeth on pinion; ensure adequate fan airflow; reduce turbo/timing within class rules.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Predictable handling, strong parts availability, well-documented setups, and durable race-focused materials.
• Cons: Kits require time and tools to assemble; not aimed at high-impact bashing or scale crawling.

Safety Notes

• Use blue threadlocker on metal-to-metal fasteners; avoid over-torquing screws in composites.
• Charge LiPos in a fire-resistant bag on a nonflammable surface; never leave charging batteries unattended.
• Check radio failsafe and endpoint settings before the first run.

FAQ