Can you put GS Storm Pro parts on a GS Storm RTR?

[cbreaker]

Are the parts compatible? Could I drop in Pro parts on a RTR? I've seen some parts for the Pro for sale for pretty cheap at times, on ebay and such. Would be nice if I could grab some of the Pro's better parts and use 'em.

I just purchased a Storm RTR for $355 new and shipped, and I haven't even gotten it in the mail yet. But, I have questions, and this is the only place I've seen where I may have them answered.

Thanks ahead of time!

ps. This is my first Nitro.

[HumboldtBlazer]

yes you can, I fully upgraded my Storm RTR to a pro, although expensive I did it.

[cbreaker]

Nice. I do agree in the long run it'll be more expensive, but in the meantime I can use my RTR, learn about it, fix it when it breaks, and slowly upgrade it as I see fit.

If I just went for the Storm Pro or one of the other more expensive buggies to begin with, I could easily spend well over $600 after all is said and done, before even being able to use the thing.

As far as I've seen, there's not a lot of buggies like the Storm RTR that offer a similar price, with the engine and radio, and with the same degree of upgradability, plus still being a decent machine out of the box. I think it's an awesome buggy for someone like me who's just getting into Nitro RC!

I've seen some posts here and there in the past about what's "critical" to upgrade first; I believe my RTR has aluminum shock tower braces, the guy upgraded them but never ended up using it (no fuel through the motor.) Can you think of anything else that needs to be replaced asap?

I heard that the stock RTR exaust pipe is pretty loud, and there's a replacement I could get for something like $25 that will quiet it down quite a bit. Any idea what this part is?

Thanks for letting me pick your brain.

[Roadrash13]

Personaly I think the first thing you should replace is the lower hingepin blocks. The RTR comes stock with plastic blocks, GS & Dynamite, both make replacement blocks & even though I hate to say it, the dynamite blocks sell for about $10.00 on ebay. Which is far less than GS's blocks & they both seem to be of the same quality! As far as pipes go, I would suggest the THS 9886 pipe if your working on a buget & if not either the RB 9886 or the Novarossi 9886 pipes are the ticket! And for more upgrades, I would go for the differentials (front, center & rear), meaning I would disassemble them & clean out the stock silicone grease & replace it with silicone fluid. The front diff should have 3000wt., the center diff 7000wt. & the rear diff 1000wt. This will add to the overall preformance of your new buggy & get rid of the squirley handling! Now don't get me wrong, they handle pretty good stock, but even better after this mod. Contact me for more info. on this subject at: sro_oo@yahoo.com

Steve

[cbreaker]

Great info Roadrash13/Steve.

I'm getting the thing tomorrow, same day I get to have a wisdom tooth removed, so I'll have all day to pull the thing apart.

Once I disassemble it, I'll be able to figure out where all these parts are.

I'm new to nitro rc, but I do have a lot of experience with cars, computers, and lots in-between. I should be able to pick up on this pretty quick.

Right now I'm on a budget, and I want to get some of the more critical upgrades done as least expensive as possible. Eventually I'll be putting money into the buggy, but after the initial cost of the unit I'll need to be careful with the purse for a bit. I'd rather get parts and upgrades that will last.

I'll definately shoot you an e-mail once I've gotten my bearings (figuratively!) Good to know there's a line of support available to me besides my local hobby shop, which seems to be biased towards electric (and expensive.)

The different weight oils, I could probably pick a lot of that stuff up at a home depot or auto shop huh? Where do you get things like this around where you live?

-Joe

[militarymaxx]

Roadrash13 has given you some great info, good stuff on the diff oils too. I run those weights myself and man you can really tell the difference coming off the corners using the fluids vice the grease that came in them. My biggest/best upgrade was the shock towers and chassis. I got tired of bending the aluminum towers and I ripped out one of the rear screw holes in the stock chassis (they're very close to the edge). I upgraded to the Titanium towers and chassis from Hardcore. Very trick stuff, very strong and just as light as the aluminum. The stock shocks are good but there are better ones out there. I run the mugen ones. Again, pricey but well worth it. Set yourself up with some different tires too. Those stockers will wear out quickly. Search the forums for tire choices. I prefer the knuckles and I always have a set of soft and hard step pins also around. Great price on your Storm too. I paid over $500 for my RTR and have lost track on how much I have into it now. Either way, the Storm is a fine ride. Good luck with yours.

[cbreaker]

Thanks a lot man. I have since recieved my Storm, and so far I'm happy with what I see. I haven't even put it on the road yet (got a wisdom tooth pulled today.. I'm still a little shaken up!)

I already have upgraded shock towers on the front and rear. They aren't Titanium but they seem to be much stronger aluminum. They should be okay for me for now, and if I bend them I have the stock ones to fall back on which should give me enough time to order some nicer ones. I'd definately replace the chassis with a titanium one if I break this one. I wonder why they decided to put those screws so close to the edge? Oh well.

The radio seems really nice too, it's got a lot of configuration options and can even time laps. I'll probably stick with the XR3i for some time to come, even if I decide to get an electric buggy to race indoors. You can set it up to have 4 different sets of settings for different vehicles. But, you probably already know this!

Roadrash has been very helpful to me via e-mail too, and I'd like to thank him again for his assistance. This stuff isn't too difficult once you overcome the learning curve; most of which is the names of the parts and stuff like that, and the common issues you'll face as a new owner of a nitro buggy. Steve has been good =)

I can't wait until the weather gets nicer!

[Roadrash13]

LOL... Thanks for the kudos guys! I think all the Rc'ers should be as helpfull as possible ( not that most of you aren't ) so we can give this hobby/sport a good reputation! Then the parents of the younger rc'ers will be happy to let them around us older folks if we are setting good examples!

I mean, man do I see alot of cheap shots at others on all these forums when discussing different issues! And really what for? :sniper: Do they really think (at all hehe..) that is makes them or the way they speak look any better to others? Can't we all just get along.... I just don't put myself in those situations or join in on bashing anyone like that! Its really not worth my time or effort, or for that matter enyone elses either, to be honest!

Oh well.... enough of that! hehe.. It just really bugs me, as if you couldn't tell LOL. I'm just here to promote GS & the hobby as a whole, GS has treated me as good as can be expected (and thats GREAT!) so if you guys need anything just shoot me a line & I'll do what I can, even though its not much sometimes!

P.S. This wasn't a chop at anyone, just a hint to lighten up, to those that it applies too.

Steve

[cbreaker]

HOW DARE YOU TRY TO LIGHTEN THINGS UP!! =)

Actually, all the little jabs I've seen here on this forum while going back through the threads a few months, are pretty tame and usually on the subject. I mean, saying "I think the XYZ brand sucks and you wasted your money" is a lot different then saying "You are a little twirp that should put the buggy down and never come back here." I haven't really seen the latter.

I think this is a nice forum. It's a very good resource here on the Internet.

[Roadrash13]

I agree, its really not to much this forum as it is others that get pretty argumentative sometimes & alot of bashing whoever made the last statement instead of addressing the issue! Then theres 4 to 5 threads of who's right & then 4 or 5 more telling each other to get bact to the subject LOL! Sometimes it just drives a guy to...

Steve