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Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 1:25 am
by mikea96
Ok finally started my exo rc long wheel base optima mid racer build. Will be ran with 13.5 with Associated big bores and jconcepts slicks.
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:36 pm
by Delorean
Looking good so far mate! I just finished building my LWB version with Lazer suspension, it'll get its first track run on Saturday
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:41 pm
by mikea96
Yeah I built the gear diffs and assembled and was just trying to wait a few days before going any further just to make sure they weren't going to leak.
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:42 pm
by mikea96
What all is needed for Lazer suspension?
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:46 pm
by Lavigna
Looks ace so far. Looking forward to this build.
I don't mean to threadjack, but the Optima and Lazer were both 4WD competition buggies sold at the same time? Why was this? Which was better performing?
Thanks!
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 7:21 pm
by Delorean
mikea96 wrote: βWed Feb 22, 2023 6:42 pm
What all is needed for Lazer suspension?
You need the arms and hubs and longer universals, im using the lazer rear shock tower and the competition Exo RC front one. The arms are a straight bolt on, i didn't even need to shim them
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 7:25 pm
by Delorean
Lavigna wrote: βWed Feb 22, 2023 6:46 pm
Looks ace so far. Looking forward to this build.
I don't mean to threadjack, but the Optima and Lazer were both 4WD competition buggies sold at the same time? Why was this? Which was better performing?
Thanks!
So the Lazer superseded the Optima, the main differences being they went to full belt drive with the Lazer and long arm suspension. I think people had problems with gears chewing out in the optima at the time, they also moved to an M3 belts as opposed to the larger tooth (XL-something) one from the optima
I've heard different things from different people, some preferred the Optima handling over the long arm suspension of the Lazer, then i've heard people say using Lazer suspension on an Optima works really well. i guess i'll find out!
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:11 pm
by mikea96
What universals did you use?
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:55 pm
by GoMachV
Lavigna wrote: βWed Feb 22, 2023 6:46 pm
Looks ace so far. Looking forward to this build.
I don't mean to threadjack, but the Optima and Lazer were both 4WD competition buggies sold at the same time? Why was this? Which was better performing?
Thanks!
I remember locally people were using the Maxxum front arms and caster blocks, I donβt recall if it was because they were available before the lazer zx or if they were just easier to source but they had the same geometry as the lazer with a different look.
My buddy famously (lol) finally saved up enough money for his Turbo Optima Mid SE and the day he finished assembly he got the latest Tower magazine showing off the Lazer. He was not happy

Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2023 11:15 pm
by mikea96
I'm hoping kyosho releases the Lazer ZX again that would be great!
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 3:01 pm
by mikea96
Ok started on the front suspension finally. Everything fits really nice.
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 4:42 pm
by mikea96
Ok rear suspension mounted now to complete the steering.
Re: Optima Mid Exo rc racer build
Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 11:45 pm
by mikea96
Ok steering all done. Getting there slowly.