Optima is back!!

[GoMachV]

Marc, the front skid looks identical, even has the now unused hole for the bumper

[DennisM]

What about theSHOCKS, Jeff

[Coelacanth]

How sturdy does that chin plate seem, Jeff? The original Optima one was weak and thin, and later cars (Turbo, Salute) had a visibly thicker, stronger plate. I wonder if the new aluminum parts were hard-anodized? I seem to recall many pages ago that Kyosho stated the aluminum parts were stronger than the originals.

EDIT: I also like the direction they took with redesigning the bumper. Having a center-hole affixing the bumper to the chin plate only caused the plate to bend or fold up every time there was a front-end collision. They designed the bumper the same way I designed a custom bumper for Barney, using the 4 holes on the bottom...theoretically this would distribute front end impacts longitudinally through the frame rails, a much stronger way to go than having the skidplate & bumper brace fold up and break.

[GoMachV]

the metal is noticeably thicker than what i recall! The plate measures 1.58mm thick

Dennis...chocks are up later today...im following the manual

[BoostCreep]

Finally mine arrived this morning.

I'll be starting assembly next week. (running the Blue Ridge Half Marathon tomorrow and have a Losi 8ight to finish building first)

So far it looks like this is how it will be setup.

Speed Passion Reventon Stock ESC and 17.5 sensored brushless motor.
Savox 1258TG Steering servo.
Futaba R2004GF receiver bound to existing 3PL Tx.
5600mah 60C 2s LIPO.

Everything is on hand already so it'll all go in at assembly.

I haven't decided on a paint scheme yet but am thinking about options. May need to get some more paint colors.

It'll definitely be a runner and I'm looking forward to getting it out and having fun with it.

Anyone else building theirs to run?

What setups are you guys putting in your cars?

[GoMachV]

Ok a few more updates

Dennis, the shocks are remarkably smooth! The gaskets are a pita just like the scorpions were. I've never had to build my own shock tools

[DennisM]

How about the bore?

[GoMachV]

How about the bore?

Shock piston measures just under 10mm

[DennisM]

Thanks

I´m going to be a poor man

[GoMachV]

the quality of the kit is superb. I have a roller now, not going to post all the pics because there are better ones out there, but I will say- they did an EXCELLENT job once again.

[yellowdatsun]

My 2 come monday, I'll start the build as soon as it arrives. One will be a runner, with possible track use.

[harvey]

I'll let you know in the morning, I picked up two tonight and just finished up a chassis set to try on it

Jeff, I thought of your talents when I saw the side plates for sure! I can't wait to see your custom build; it looks like you've built wing mounts into the taller rear tower? I'm not a Kyosho purist, but I think the Optima will look better with a wing!

Has anyone any links to adding bleed holes to Kyosho shocks? I tried on my Scorpion, but they are difficult to seal.

[GoMachV]

These larger shocks don't need the bleed holes imo, they are buttery smooth and autobleed pretty well. The scorp shocks were a bugger to get right, these were not!

[GoMachV]

I put in a mild brushless and lipo pack, took her for a spin. Mind you the tires are super sticky and soft so I was trying to preserve their life a little...all I can say is DAMN! The acceleration, smooth as butter and perfect dampening make it a blast! I couldn't keep from playing around in the loose gravel, killer roost and did I say SMOOTH?! It's amazing. I might actually keep it as a runner


But not likely. I don't "do" runners.

[yellowdatsun]

This is why you get two of them. One runner, one shelf/box queen.