Rules

The rules were simple. Start with a stock Traxxas Slash 4×4 (stock VXL-3S ESC and Velineon 3500kv motor, stock 2075 servo, stock shocks, stock springs). The only upgrades we allowed ourselves to install was the optional Center Differential (which comes with the Slash 4×4 Platinum), and the addition of sway bars (which none of us ended up using after experimenting with them). We were allowed to make adjustments to shock fluids, diff fluids, mounting locations for shocks, camber link mounting locations and lengths, etc. We had to keep the stock shocks and springs, but preload spacers could be added to get the desired ride height. Basically we wanted to simulate a stock slash, that just swapped over the chassis. The possible adjustments are not majorly expensive, and are in most racers’ pit boxes anyway (fluids).

Shootout Sponsors

We knew we needed an equal power source for all 3 trucks to keep the playing field level. They were running the same ESC/Motors, so they should also run the same battery. Team CRC was generous enough to help us out with this. If you aren’t aware, CRC Raceway is operated by none other than the same Calandra Racing Concepts (CRC) crew that makes those top end 1/12 and 1/10 road course cars. Well on top of those carbon fiber goodies they offer.. they also sell their own market-leading LIPO batteries. They offer everything from 1s-4s packs, with different capacities and C-ratings for every budget. Keeping with the “Slash-racer on a budget” theme, we opted to run their 2s Speedsport Lipo (5300mah, 40C). These packs retail for around $55 and provide plenty of punch for the relatively lightweight Slash 4×4.

We also needed a control tire to eliminate any variables that running different tires in a shootout of this caliber would provide. We asked many of the locals, and the same tire suggestion kept coming up; AKA Gridirons (supersoft compound). So we asked AKA Racing, and they generously agreed to sponsor this shootout with 3 full sets of Cyclone wheels and Gridiron tires, mounted up by the Pro-Shop @ Canalside Racing Products. The tires hooked up well on the track and we had plenty of traction.

After we built the LCG chassis from RCE, Chuckworks and SSC, we spent a few weeks tweaking setups. We asked for a lot of input from their respective manufacturers, as well as the local pro’s at CRC. On the day of the shootout, we gave the pro’s a final spin with each truck, and asked for their input on any last minute adjustments. We then went into full blown shootout mode… running timed laps on each truck, and filling out our exclusive opinion forms.

Not all trucks are setup the same way. We drove each truck a lot, making tweaks as necessary to get that particular truck to handle the best that we could given all of the stock gear. Shock oils, diff fluids, camber link lengths… everything that we could do to make these trucks handle as good as the stock suspension would allow was done.