Project OptiMutt - Finished

[Coelacanth]

Another project finally wrapped up. I got this one done lightning-quick, compared to my other builds--barely 13 months!

I got the idea for this build when I acquired a set of these JPS rear aluminum wheels, then discovered RedScampi had a set of matching fronts. Neither of us had a full set, and I didn't want to build another 4WD, as I already had 3 other 4WD cars...so I was intrigued by how a RWD-converted Turbo Optima Mid SE might look sporting these wheels. I managed to convince RedScampi to send me his front wheels--fortunately I had something to trade that he wanted badly enough--and that was the start.

I also liked the idea of building a RWD mid-motored car as it's something you rarely see manufactured; most that I've seen were all mods.

On to the money shots...

[Coelacanth]

And the obligatory body-off pics...

[rccars4sal]

The belly pan is interesting. Is it also a tbg? Does it cover all the way forward and back? Stunning build! So many good ideas in there. I should try to wire my builds like that. So, how does it handle?

[Coelacanth]

Yes, that's a TBG undertray; strangely, no it doesn't quite cover the entire aluminum chassis plate; it cuts across at the front and rear. In the last pic, you can see at the front where it crosses the plate just ahead of bellcrank; and at the rear, a little bit before where the plate narrows down where the gearbox is bolted on. Not perfect, but better than no undertray.

I've only done some runs up and down the street with street tires and electronically, it's silky-smooth. It didn't seem to have understeer on acceleration and seems to hug the road pretty good. I chose this body because the whole body looks like a wing. I figured it might be a good design for downforce; as good as I've seen for an offroad buggy, anyway. It accelerates hard with no wheelie action, which is perfect in my books, but...then we got snow. Next spring should be fun, I plan to run all my cars, except maybe the Zebra Optima...maybe I should retire that one because of the Gold Celebration chassis.

[Hcp22]

Grate looking MID!

[rccars4sal]

I had received a body set that was painted by previous owner. It was tbg and had the pan,, and I was confused that it only went part way front and back. Your pics made it look longer. No matter, its a beautiful build, and I think that will be the shell for the next mid in my fleet that gets finished. Looks really good.

[Coelacanth]

Thanks, guys!

[alcyon]

If kyosho ever made a ULTIMA MID, this is definitely it.

[alcyon]

Just out of curiosity, what is the height of the yeah racing knuckles ?

[Jay Dub]

Hey, have you run those rear tires? If not can we trade for them? I recently aquired a PB mini mustang, and those are the perfect tire for that car. I can send you other/different ones. LMK -J