Friday, May 10, 2013

Low Frequency Springs for the 22 Buggy

Hello TLR Drivers,

We are really excited to bring you  new performance upgrade parts for the 22 platform: 

Front Spring Set, Low Frequency (4 pair): 22/T/SCT 
Rear Spring Set, Low Frequency (5 pair): 22/T/SCT 

These springs have been tested for a few month by our race team with great success. The springs are made with much smaller increments between spring rates allowing for a finer tune on the setup. Rear springs are separated by only 0.06 lbs/in and fronts by only 0.12 lbs/in. The LF springs have a higher coil count than the traditional TLR Spring, which provides a lower frequency and a much less progressive feel. On the track, this translates to more overall grip around the track, and a less aggressive spring rebound which really helps the car settle after landing jumps. These springs are easily identifiable versus the traditional TLR springs as they have a black oxide coating which looks more like a matte finish compared to the black painted traditional TLR springs. They also have the color paint markings to identify the rate, but the coil count of the springs will also help to identify the rate even if the paint mark were to be remove. Lastly, the springs come in complete sets, so there is no need to track down several pairs.  The front spring kit comes with 4 pairs of springs ranging from 2.86-3.18 lbs/in and the rear spring kit comes with 5 pairs of springs ranging from 1.96-2.16 lbs/in. The front spring set rate range is likely only going to be ideal for the 22 buggy, but the rear spring range will work for all the 22 platform vehicle; 22, 22T, 22SCT. Below are images, links, and the spring rate information for both the front and rear sets.



TLR233012 - Front Spring Set, Low Frequency (4 pair): 22/T/SCT
Available for $19.99


TLR233012 - Springs included in order from softest to stiffest: 
Pink                        2.86 lbs./in         9.25 coils
Red                        2.96 lbs./in          9.00 coils
Orange                   3.03 lbs./in          8.75 coils
Silver                      3.18 lbs./in          8.50 coils




TLR233013 - Rear Spring Set, Low Frequency (5 pair): 22/T/SCT
Available for $24.99

Springs included in order from softest to stiffest:
Grey                      1.96 lbs./in          12.50 coils
White                    2.02 lbs./in          12.25 coils
Yellow                   2.06 lbs./in          12.00 coils
Pink                       2.11 lbs./in          11.75 coils
Red                       2.16 lbs./in          11.50 coils



I am confident these springs will take the performance of your 22 to the next level on most dirt surface, especially is they are medium to low grip.  Dustin is currently running the Red front springs and White rear springs, while JR Mitch is running the Red front springs with Yellow rear springs.  This information is just to help provide a good starting point.

Have fun with these springs and RACE ON!

Frank


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Nitro engine break-in.



I get asked all the time what is the best way to break in a nitro engine. I'm not sure if it the best method, but here what I do to break-in my Nova Rossi engines. With the engine installed in buggy I pre-heat the engine using a Competition Heater. If you don't have a heater from Competition Heat you can use a heat gun or hair dryer. Heat the engine up to 170-200 degrees before starting it. After you start the engine I usually leave the heater on the head, but unplug it. If you don’t have a heater you can put a 1/10th truck insert around the head to help keep the engine warm. I’ll then set the idle and low speed needle to make sure the engine idles consistently and let the engine idle for one tank. You may want to slightly rev the engine from time to time just enough to clean out the pipe. After one tank let the engine cool. Then repeat the process 3-4 times to heat cycle the engine. You should then be ready to hit the track or street to start running the engine. When the engine is new just make sure you run the HSN rich for the first gallon.