HPI At The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

HPI Racing in conjunction with Tamiya America, Inc. and Kyosho of America announce today their participation in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, on April 16-19, 2009.

Article Courtesy OF  HPI RACING
Link: www.hpiracing.com

The three largest hobby manufacturers in the world will be joining forces at the 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach [LBGP], in the first “Radio Control Motorsport Experience.” This collaboration within the hobby community is aimed to increase awareness for the hobby grade radio control market. The combined marketing forces at HPI Racing, Kyosho America and Tamiya America, Inc. are prepared to take their respective companies to a broader audience than what is currently available within the radio controlled hobby industry.

The 2009 LBGP is set to celebrate the 35th anniversary. This will be the second race of the 2009 IndyCar Series brought to you by DIRECTV HD.  Support races include American Le Mans Series, Firestone Indy Lights, SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Series, Formula Drift Series and the world famous Toyota Pro Celebrity Race featuring an eclectic roster of celebrity icons.

A major component of the event is the Lifestyle Expo, which is held at the Long Beach Convention Center. The Long Beach Convention Center is centrally located within the temporary street circuit that is assembled every year to run the racing event. Over one hundred and eighty-five thousand spectators are expected to pass through the event during its four days of operation exposing the hobby industry to mainstream and motorsport enthusiast crowds.

The Lifestyle Expo contains many attractions for Grand Prix attendees, including a Kids Zone. HPI Racing, Kyosho of America and Tamiya America, Inc. will showcase numerous products as well as demonstrate R/C Drifting, R/C Rock Crawling, R/C Tanks and Mini R/C tabletop race cars.

We invite motorsport fans, hobby enthusiasts and anyone else looking to see what’s new and exciting in R/C.  Radio Control products will be on display and demonstrated at the 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. “Gentlemen, start your engines!”

If you would like more information about this topic, please call:

HPI RACING – Rodney Wills at (949) 753-1099 ext 107 or email rodney@hpiracing.com

TAMIYA – Fred Medel at (949) 362-2240 ext 846 or email Fmedel@tamiya.com

KYOSHO – Cliff Black at (949) 454-8854 or email cliff@teamorionusa.com

About LBGP

The Long Beach Grand Prix [LBGP] is the longest running major street race held on the North American continent, starting on March 26, 1977 and having completed its 34th consecutive event in 2008. The LBGP started as a Formula 5000 open-wheel race held on a temporary road course making use of the streets of Long Beach, California, and became a Formula One event the following year. From 1984 to 2008 the LBGP has been a CART/Champ Car event with other popular events during the Grand Prix weekend including a Champ Car Atlantic series race, a Historic Grand Prix featuring pre-1990 race cars, and the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. In 2008, Champ Cars series merged with the Indy Racing League to form the Indy Racing League marking its second season at the 2009-LBGP. The Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix is the single largest event in the city of Long Beach, CA with attendance for the weekend regularly reaches or exceeds 200,000 people.  www.gplb.com

About HPI RACING:

Established in 1986 in Southern California, HPI Racing (Hobby Products International) of Foothill Ranch, California, USA is a global leader in the radio controlled racing car section of the hobby industry. The HPI Group includes: HPI Racing, Foothill Ranch, CA; HPI Japan, Hammamatsu, Japan; and HPI Europe in the United Kingdom. HPI Group also produces collector diecast models, Hot Bodies (R/C competition specialties), R/C airplanes (456MB) and R/C robots. HPI USA currently operates out a 45,000 square foot facility in Foothill Ranch, California and oversees manufacturing operations there as well as in Japan and Taiwan. HPI has licensing agreements in place with GM®,  Ford®, Lamborghini®, DaimlerChrysler®, Lotus®, Honda®, Porsche®, Toyota® and all major American, European and Japanese automakers; as well as equipment manufacturers such as Yokohama Tires® and Eibach Springs®. HPI Racing’s global footprint includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Thailand and the United States. www.hpiracing.com

About TAMIYA

Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called “First in Quality Around the World.” Now Tamiya is offering more than 1,500 different products in the fields of precision static models, educational kits, finishing supplies and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan, but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. Tamiya America, Inc. was established in 1989 to expand its global reach and to further develop hobby products for the American market. Tamiya America, Inc. was also established to conduct various promotional events which include a national radio control car championship series known as TCS and various modeling contests. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. Tamiya’s replicas achieve the highest level of accuracy due to its close relationships with its licensing partners who include: Ferrari®, Ford®, Lamborghini®, Volkswagen®, Jeep®, Scania®, Subaru®,  Toyota®, Nissan®, Citroen®, BMW®, Mercedes®, Suzuki®, Porsche®,  Lockheed Martin®, Boeing®, Northrop Grumman®, Yamaha®, Ducati®, Kawasaki® and Honda®  www.tamiyausa.com

About KYOSHO

Kyosho’s philosophy has always been to show the world the value of enjoying life through the model hobby. Since its foundation in 1963, Kyosho has lived by this and there is no end to the pursuit of this goal. The R/C car and truck line-up includes both nitro and electric powered vehicle in multiple scales including but not limited to the multi time World Champion Inferno and Evolva 1/8 cars as well as the Ultima RB5 and Lazer ZX-5 buggies. Kyosho also has world-class R/C planes and helicopters from the SQS Series of planes that feature solid construction, a high level of detail and superior flight characteristics, to the Caliber line of Helicopters, which many credit as the start of the R/C heli market. Kyosho also takes to the water with a full fleet of R/C boats including sailboats and powerboats. All this in addition to the  hundreds of licensed dNaNo and Mini-Z Micro R/C cars and premiere level die-casts featuring all the worlds major automotive manufacturers including premiere brands such as: Toyota®, Ferrari®, Honda®, Lamborghini®, GM®, Porsche®, Mazda®, Mercedes®,  BMW®. All of this combined with headquarters in all the major markets has lead us to our title World’s Finest Radio Control Models. www.kyoshoamerica.com

CraftWerks-RC HPI Baja Pull Start Rope Replacement

New From CraftWerks-RC! Finally a replacement for those worn out pull start ropes. Never get stranded again when it’s time to go out and bash or heading to a race. These replacements are a must have in your pit box!<

Our Products are sold exclusively through TeamGoNads and there dealer network. Check out http://www.teamgonads.com/for more details.

CraftWerks-RC “Scale” Lighted Buggy Whip for the HPI Baja 5B/5T

New from CraftWerks-RC, The first ever Lighted Buggy Whip for large scale r/c cars, trucks and buggies. Made from high quality components and materials to withstand the most extreme conditions and use. These install in just minutes and take nighttime bashing to a whole new realistic level.

Our Products are sold exclusively through TeamGoNads and there dealer network. Check out http://www.teamgonads.com for more details.

HPI Baja Aftermarket Manufacturers Listing

The most comprehensive List of Baja parts manufacturers  on the face of the “BajaPlanet ”
Click on a company to see and purchase their products

• ADA Racing Products
• AMS Products
• ATX Products
• Allanach Racing Products
• Allsopp Racing Products
• B&T Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• Bad Doggie Products
• Bad Horsie Products
• Baja 5b Custom Build Products
• Baja Skins Products
• Baja Skunkworks Products
• Bash-Proof Products
• CBE (Custom Baja Electrics) Products
• CST (CustomStreet Toyz) Products
• CY – Chung Yang (Fuelie) Products
• Champion Products
• Craftwerks Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• DDM Racing Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• DPS Products
• DarkSoul Racing Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• DieMaster Products
• ESP (Earth Surfer) Products
• Elcon Products
• FLM (Fast Lane) Products
• Full-Force RC Products
• GBE (Gabe Brown Engineering) Products
• GH (Golden Horizon) Products
• HBZ-USA Products
• HPI Racing Products
  
• HRS Racing Products
• Hitec Parts
• Hormann Products
• Hostile Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• IHP Racing Products
• Illussionss Products
• Jet-Pro Products
• K&N Engineering Products
• KRD Products
• Klotz Products
• Lauterbacher Products
• LunaTik Products
• MRC (Model Rectifier) Products
• Mielke Products
• Multiplex Products
• NGK Products
• Nomadio Products
• Numbnuts Creations Products
• OOC (OutOfControl) RC Products
• Outerwears Products
• PB Kill Switches Products
• Parma International Products
• PhatDad – RC Products
• Pro-Line Products
• Protecta Products
• Python Products
• RC Evolution Products
• RC4WD Products
• RPM Racing Products
• RR (Robinson Racing) Products
• RSX Racing Products
• RamTech Products
• Rcscrewz Products
• Rhino Racing Products
• SUH Racing Products
• Scorpion Unlimited Products
• TFE (TeamFastEddy) Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• TGN (Team GoNads) Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• TR (Turtle Racing) Products (Baja Planet Sponsor)
  
• TS (Trevor Simpson) Products
• Threshold Products
• Tony’s Screws Products
• Unifilter Products
• VG Racing Products
• VP (Vertigo Performance) Products
• Venom Racing Products
• WSE (White Socks Engineering) Products
• Walbro Products
• Worx Products
• XXX Main Products
• Z-RC Products
• Zenoah Products

Baja 5B SS & Tamiya DF-03RA From Nitrodrink

Nitrodrink´s ultimate rc car compilation

Video from the Avon Park GTG

Baja Back flips

You Tube

Free Style Baja-X #3 From Rallyette

Free Style Baja-X #2 From Rallyette

Big jumps vid from Travis Brock

Thunder Valley RC Park

Thunder Valley 5T from Mike Conser on Vimeo.

BajaCross Track Video

You Tube

XTREME RC CARS: Baja 5B Video

Baja 5Ts Racing on a track

Baja 5b at Dumont Dunes

Install: Threshold Umbrella seals for the Baja shocks.

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Installing the Modified RC Quick Disconnect Roll Cage Tubes.

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Shimming your front hubs with Team FastEddy Pro Series Shim Kit

This tutorial covers the proper use and placement of shims on your front hubs. Shimming your hubs are an essential part of not breaking down while your out having fun. If there is to much play in your hubs the possibility of your front wheels falling off under impack is far greater. Sit back, grab a beverage and see how its done.

Shimming your front hubs

You Tube

Installing Threshold VCC Rezzi,s for the SS, 5T shocks.

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Using the Team FastEddy Bearing greaser

The “Greaser” is a great tool to keep your bearings fresh and to prolong the their life. It a great tool to have in your shop

Enjoy!

Available at TeamFastEddy.
http://www.teamfasteddy.com/index.ph…&cPath=335_336

Tutorial: Installing the DS Sikk 26 Billet Heat Synk.

This tutorial introduces the Sikk 26 cylinder and the DarkSoul Billet Heat Synk designed for the 2 stroke RC Engines used in the Baha and other RC brands. Not only does it cover the installation of these items it also offers basic engine rebuilding tips for the replacement of all top ends.

Its a long tutorial close to an hour long but is well worth watching if you are going to install this combination or want more information on how to install any new top end

Issues covered in this tutorial include disassembling your engine, removing the coil and head, removing the piston and connecting rod bearings, and the proper installation of and reassembly of all the above mentioned items.

Kickback, grab a beer and watch this DarkSoul tutorial produced with all the style and grace of all TeamFastEddy tutorials.

Product link:
http://www.teamgonads.com/Merchant2/…oduct_Count=13

Tutorial link:
http://www.rcdocuments.com/tuts/Dark…nder_Shell.wmv

Rebuild a 2 stroke Baja engine start to finish

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Installing the Turtle Racing Rear Shocktower Brace on the Baja 5T

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Turtle Racing Baja5T Front upper plate review and Install

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Replacing your piston ring Tutorial

Thanks to Yamadude for taking his time to send this to us.

OK first this only covers the ring change itself the rest of Ed and Ted’s vid cover the rest.
First start by removing the old ring from the piston.
Shown here is the ring still installed on the piston.

Now I use just my fingers for this but they do have ring removal tools that can be purchased but for these little guys I like to do them by hand.
Starting from one side use your fingernail or finger itself to get a hold of one side of the ring.

Then slowly work your ring around the piston making sure not to pull to hard or use any excessive force while working it around the piston,just spin it around till it comes off without force.

Once you have your old ring off the piston its time to check the end gap on the new one we do this by placing it in the cylinder,carefully squeeze the ring until it will drop in the cylinder(a little oil on the ring and cylinder will also aid in not scratching it for this step.

Now take your piston and push the ring in the cylinder about half way is good.This is to get the ring even in the cylinder for measurement.

Now its very important to check your ring gap even if its brand new I have seen them range from fully closed to .08mm your looking for .04mm-.05mm for a new ring with the limit being .25mm for the old ring.
As you can see in this next pic this ones out a little far and was replaced.Also make sure your in the actual gap for the ring and not on the lip as shown in this pic as well.

Now if the gap is to tight you may have to file the ends to get the correct gap(.04-.05mm) I do this with a very fine file then I round the edges with 800 grit wet sand paper. Another thing I like to check real quick is the ring width,most of them are fine(new) but I check them just to be sure. I don’t have a pic of that particular check but its as simple as checking its width which should be .78mm with the limit being .73mm for a 23cc (32mm) and .98mm and .93mm for the limit on a 26cc (34mm) and up to a 36mm ring.

Once you have checked all the measurements its time to get it back on the piston which I choose to also do by hand,starting by setting it on the top of the piston itself,Now it doesn’t matter which way is up unless your running a reed case engine modified by ESP in which case the ring is filed in areas at the ring gap that the 5th port coincides with.

Now I just give a little push downward while pushing it apart to get the ring over the top.Be very careful not to scratch the piston in this step you can also pull the ring apart with your finger nails to help start it.

Once its over just push it in the ring groove.

Now that your new ring is on the piston you can install the head,Its very important that you pay attention in this step as shown in Ed’s vid to get the ring gap centered on the ring pin facing the intake side of the motor arrow or 0 facing the exhaust side.

Holding the ring and piston in one hand and squeeze the ring on the piston making sure its still centered and start sliding it down on the piston,once it starts to go stop when you can see the ring in the intake track and double check its still centered on the pin.

And thats it just follow the rest of the engine tutorial to wrap up your engine.

Yamadude Linkage Installation Tutorial.

The Yamadude linkage package is a great way to upgrade your Baja throttle and brake linkage. It contains everything needed to convert your linkage to a duel rod rather then a single at the servo. No more sticking and they are much more easily adjusted to just the way you want them.

I would like to thank Harley Dan for taking the time to create this tutorial and submit the .PDF file.

Download the .pdf File Here

Dyeing Plastic R/C Parts with Rit Video Tutorial

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Elcon Clutch: Building, installing and adjusting.

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De-Anodizing parts the SAFE way.

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Installing an aftermarket servo such as the Rhino or Hitech

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Installing The Turtle Racing HD Clutch System

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Manufacturer Listing

Place holder

DuneToberFest 2008 Photos

Baja Action Photos

Baja Photos by Travis Brock Photography

Installing the Turtle Racing Transmission Top Plate

This tutorial will walk you through the main steps on the installation of the Turtle Racing transmission top plate and included top brake plate combination. Its fairly easy to install and should take around 30 minutes for a less experienced person and around 15 minutes if your used to working on your Baja. There are no tricky parts or major issues to notify you of. Quick and easy.

I will post a review on the part in a day or so.
The Plate will be available to the public shortly.

YouTube – Installing the Turtle Racing Rear…

Building and bleeding the shocks for the Baja 5B & 5T

This tutorial covers building and bleeding of the shocks for the HPI Baja SS Only, not the RTR.
It has many tips and tricks along with an alternative setup for pistons and shock fluid.

RCDocuments.com

Double the battery life of the DX3 Radio from Spektrum for under $20

I found this article posted on www.RCNitroTalk.com and thought I would pass it on.
Its not an easy mod but fore those that arent afraid to dig into your electronics, it doesn’t look that hard. It boils down to changing out an inefficient voltage regulator inside the TX with a more efficient one.

Link to the Mod….
http://www.instructables.com/id/SEK5UX7F03GBB2M/
Place to get the part
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/DE-SW033.htm

Have fun!

Building the Baja Transmission With Team FastEddy Bearings

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Installing the Turtle Racing Gear Plate

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Building a Baja Diff with the Turtle Racing Diff saver and Fast Eddy Bearings

This tutorial shows you how to convert your existing diff (RTR or SS) to us a Turtle Racing Diff Saver and installing the reinforced drive cups. It also shows the placement of the diff bushing to bearing upgrade using FastEddy bearings.

There are 3 SS parts compatibility issues using the SS Parts if you are doing a direct swap with an existing SS Diff.
All but one is included in the TR diff saver kit.

1- Need RTR washers on the inside of the diff. Need to get (1 set) HPI 87461
2- Need to use the RTR diff half gasket that comes with the TR diff saver. (The SS case gasket is larger)
3- Need to use the 4 case screws that come with The TR Diff saver. (SS screws are shorter.)

Building the SS Diff With Team FastEddy Bearings

This tutorial covers building the Baja SS diff.
It also covers installing bearings to replace the bushings on the inside of the diff.

RCDocuments.com

Remove the play in your spurr gear.

Use FastEddy Clutch/Wheel bearing  shim kit to eliminate any side play of the spur gear.

Place the proper amount of shims behind you spurr to remove the front to back play. (same as shimming front axe, or clutch bell)

Submitted by:
franky

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Help prevent tire cuts and tears.

Sand the sharp edges of the wheel and bead rings in any areas that contact the rubber of the tire. This will help prevent cuts and tears and will ensure you get the longest life from your purchase.

Submitted by:
Hostile Racing Products

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Prevent your Baja brakes from dragging.

To prevent brake drag, take the spring out of a click actuated writing pen, cut it into three equal pieces, and install one on each of the two brake shaft pins as shown below (3rd piece not needed but put it in your tool box in case you loose one):

Submitted by:
HarleyDan

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Better Braking on your Baja

The best way to get better brakes is to use fuel tubing instead of the spring that come stock on the Baja Linkage. Replace the spring with fuel tubing and you will instantly better brakes.

Submitted by:
CrazyAce63

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Make servicing the air filter much easier

To make servicing the air filter much easier, install a quick release cage mechanism. There are severl different mods or cage releases you can use.

Submitted by:
HarleyDan

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Build a better shock.

To help the seals on your shocks work better use Green Slime on the o-rings and shafts when you are putting your shocks together you are less likely to have any leaks this way. This will also help you from tearing an o-ring with the threads on your shock shaft.

Submitted by:
voltmeter101

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Easily remove exhaust bolts.

Submitted by:
GlockZilla

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Keep screws from vibrating out.

Use fuel tubing on the screws that come through the rear of shock braces to keep from vibrating out.

I have used both loctites but this works better.
NEVER vibrated out on me with this setup..

Submitted by:
Animal454

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Removing a tight wheel nut.

One easy way to remove a tight wheel nut is ,
Have the Baja on the ground, rest your left knee (if right handed) on the wheel/tire and use both hands on the wheel wrench.

Submitted by:
IIlusionSS

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Quickly remove you Elcon or Lauterbach clutch

A quick and easy way to remove you elcon or lauterbach clutch. all you need is a piston lock, a pair of needle nose pliers, and a screwdriver.

These clutches use the taper to lock onto the crankshaft. To remove them follow these simple steps.

1. Remove the spark plug and install the piston stopper
2. Insert the tips of the neddle nose pliers into a pair of the holes directly opposite from each other on the face of the clutch. You can do this on both clutches
3. Insert a screwdriver between the plier tips and use it as a lever
4. Wrench on the screwdriver. All you need to do is break the taper lock. After you do that the clutch falls off.

This is a quick and dirty way to remove these clutches. On the elcon clutch be careful not to tweak the thin cover plate with the tips of the pliers.

Submitted by:
Brice Arnold

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Replace that pesky carburetor linkage screw.

The Phillips head screw that is used to hold the linkage to the carb is a pain in the butt get in and out.
You can replace this screw with a bead lock screw.
Depending on what carb you have, you may need to use a little washer if the screw is to long.

Now its a alen head and will stay on your driver so you can easily get it in and out.
No more worries about striping the head out either.

Submitted by:
FastEddy

To submit a “Quick Tip” Please visit:
HPIBajaTutorials.com

Why glue and tape my foam inserts and tires?

There are more ways to do this then there are people doing it as well as ways no one has thought of yet. Yes, there is so much information out there that its confusing. Lets back up a step and look at the issues involved so you can make an informed decision on how to move forward.

Attaching the foams to the wheels:
Centrifugal force causes the foam to expand. The foam inserts act like air in a car tire to keep the tire on the road as well as giving the tire a cushion when pressed on. As the wheel turns faster the foams will expand changing the properties to be different then they were intended to be. Attaching the foams to the tire will help to eliminate half this problem. The other issue is having the foams move around inside the tire rotating and causing them to wear much quicker.

Attaching the foams to the wheel can be achieved in several ways. I use a rubberized CA glue designed to mount tires to wheels in the RC industry. There are many different glues available. Look at the properties of the glue and pick one. You mentioned Velcro, Hmm… haven’t heard of this one yet but I dont see why it woudnt work as long as there is enough to keep the entire foam secure to the wheel and that the glue on the velcro stayed attached to the foam. Only issue I see is what a pain in the ass its going to be to get them on strait.

Second foam issue is that once attached to the wheel the foam itself can expand during use and tear itself apart. For this people will use tape around the outside of the foam to help hold it together and to keep it from expanding. Choosing a good tape is the secret. You need a tape that will not easily stretch. A GOOD quality duct tale or strapping tape is what seems to work best. This is tape that had strings in it to help it from stretching while its under a load. I like to get a 3-4 inch wide tape that will cove most of the foam at one time rather then using 2 thinner strips however either will work.

Ballooning tires:
This is also an issue. the centrifugal force causes the tire to get larger as they turn faster. This can cause several issues one of them being that they can pull the lugs out of the bead locks. It can be addressed the same as the foam by taping the inside of the tire much the same as we did the outside of the foams.

Beads pulling out of the bead locks:
Once you have minimized the the tire and foam expansion this will also minimize the chances of the beads pulling out of the locks. Now we need to look at other reasons this may happen. The tile is held in by a bead lock that captures the tire mounting lugs in between the wheel and the lock. Anything other then a tight lock will give the opportunity for the bead to pull out. When assembling the bead locks its important to make sure that you tighten the screws down properly but to not over tighten them. The screws will easily strip out the plastic and allow for them to pull out. Its a delicate balance to get them tight but not to damage the wheels.Take your time, look and feel whats going on and you will be fine. Another fix for this is to get longer screws for the fronts and to put a nut on the inside. If your after a more permanent solution you can use the rubberized tire glue and glue the bead lugs onto the wheels then glue the bead locks onto the wheel sandwiching them followed up with the screws or screws and nuts.

How do I un-flood my engine?

The easiest and fastest way is to do the following:

1. Remove the spark plug
2. Turn your Baja upside down.
3. While its upside down, pull the starter cord several times. (10-20)
4. Turn your Baja back over
5. Wipe off the wet tip of the spark plug
6. Re-install the spark plug.

You will want to do this in an open and properly ventilated place. There may be a good amount of fuel in the engine and it will come out with force when you pull the starter cord. We recommend that you use protective gear such as eye and skin protection. Do not look down the spark plug hole while pulling the starter cord.

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.
www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

Why do I keep burning out my throttle servo?

The Baja stock radio has a built in failsafe. What this does is to apply the brake when the radio signal is lost. If you have burned out your throttle servo on more than one occasion chances are that you have turned off your transmitter and did nit turn off the power switch on your Baja or that you are not powering on and off in the proper sequence.

The proper power ON procedure is as follows:

1. Turn your Transmitter first. Wait 5-10 seconds.
2. Turn on the power switch located on your Baja

The proper power OFF procedure is as follows:

1. Turn OFF the power switch located on your Baja
2. Turn OFF your Transmitter power.

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.
www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

What is the proper fuel to oil mixtire?

This is a controversial topic. Depending on who you ask, you will get several different answers.

HPI recommends a fuel to oil ratio of:

• 25:1 (25 units of fuel to 1 unit of oil.)

This is a great place to start. Using the HPI oil that comes with your Baja mixed at 25:1 will keep you safe. It’s recommended that you use this for the first gallon of fuel during the engine break-in process.

After the first gallon, if you’re confident in your tuning skills you should be fine by leaning out your oil and running 32:1. If you decide to use synthetic oil after the break-in period, 32:1 seems to be a good mixture.

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.
www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

What octane fuel should I use?

Octane ratings on gasoline vary depending on where you live. Each country will measure it differently.

HPI recommends using a gasoline with the octane rating of:

• (US) 87-93
• (Europe-Asia) 92-98

Most people will find this at their gas pump marked as “Regular”. If this is not available, a “Premium” or “High Test” can be used without harming your engine. There is no need nor will you get better performance by using a higher octane rated fuel in your stock CY engine.

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.
www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

What settings do I use to charge my battery?

The first thing you need to do is to look at your battery and collect the following information:

• Battery Technology. Nichel Metal Hydride, Nicad, Lipo?
• How many milliamps is your battery?

Most chargers will have settings for the “Kind” of battery you are using. A majority of the battery packs used in the Baja are Nichel Metal Hydride (NmH) If your charger has a setting for this, set it to the kind of battery you have installed. All the new Baja kits have NmH batteries however some of the original RTRs did use Nicads. Double check and make the proper adjustments toy your charger.

Many chargers will have a setting for the Milliamps. Most of the Baja 5B RTRs and the 5Ts come with a 3000 ma battery installed. Its a good thing to check this before charging just to be sure. If you have an aftermarket battery look to see the Ma rating and remember what it is. If your charger has a setting for the Milliamps, go ahead and set it to match the battery you have. Some chargers do not have a setting for this and will auto detect this.

Your battery pack is a 5 cell battery pack If your charger has a setting for this you will set it to 5 cells.

Now the fun part. How many Amps do you set your charger to? This topic is a never ending debate. I will explain briefly. Rule of thumb is to not charge the battery over 1C. Keeping it simple this means if your battery is  3000ma dont charge it over 3amps. If it is a 4000 ma pack do not charge it over 4amps. Your standard choices are 1amp, 2amps, and 3 amps. The higher the number the shorter time it will take to fully charge. The lower the number, the easier it is on the battery but will take longer. Take your pick on the amps to set your charger at but unless you know more about all this stuff, doent exceed the 1C rule of thumb.

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.

www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

What is a good battery charger to get?

The charger that comes with your Baja 5B RTR or 5T is an “Overnight Charger”. It will work just fine to get you going. As its name states, you will need to plug your battery in overnight or for MANY hours to have it fully charged. If it is left plugged in to long, you can run the risk of damaging your battery and possible causing it to overheat and cause a fire. If you choose to use it, check it often and do not leave unattended.

In the long run getting a battery charger that uses “Peak Detection” is much faster and safer then using the stock charger. Rather then charging by time, it will detect when the battery is fully charged and either shut off or enter into a trickle charge to keep the battery topped off. Once the charger indicates that the battery is fully charged you can be assured that you will not get a runaway due to a low battery. When using an overnight charger, you have no easy way of knowing if your battery is fully charged.

There are many different peak detection chargers available in many different price ranges. Choose a charger that fits your budget and has the bells and whistles you would like. Here is a small list of things you will want to think about before buying a charger.

• Is it a peak detect charger.
• AC or DC. Will you be using this charger only at home or out in the field.
• Amp settings. The higher the amp setting the faster the charge. 1amp, 2amp, 3amp are the most common.
• Will you be using this charger for other RCs. Look to see the requirements of your other batteries.
• Does the charger specify Nickel Metal Hydride. This is the most common battery that is used in the Baja
• Will it charge a 5 cell Sub C battery pack. This is the most common battery that is used in the Baja

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.

www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

HPI Baja Manuals

Manuals Courtesy of HPI Racing

Manuals are in .pdf format.
You must have Adobe Acrobat reader installed to view.
If you do not currently have it installed its free and available for download.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

• HPI Baja 5B RTR Manual (Click here to Download)
• HPI Baja 5B SS Manual (Click here to Download)
• HPI Baja 5T Manual (Click here to Download)

HPI Baja 5B (RTR)

HPI’s new giant 2WD Baja 5B buggy will take RC Cars to a new dimension!

The Baja 5B is a rear wheel drive 1/5th scale off-road buggy that is nearly 32″ in length! Its design is revolutionary for large scale RC Cars, following the style of classic Baja buggies with long suspension arms for great ground clearance and large suspension travel. The big size allows the Baja 5B to go where smaller buggies can’t and makes the Baja 5B’s driving experience as close as you can get to the real thing.

The Baja 5B is big, but coming as a “Ready To Run” car and powered by standard gasoline it can’t be easier to get ready for action. Everything is included in the kit – 1. Preassembled Baja 5B chassis, 2. Prepainted Baja body shell, 3. Preinstalled high quality FM radio gear with built in fail safe, 6V receiver pack and charger. 4. Pre installed massive 23cc gasoline engine providing plenty of power. All you need to do is fill up with standard gasoline and some oil, and off you go!

The innovative design of the Baja 5B has been developed and tested by HPI’s designers over the last 18 months.

HPI Baja 5B SS

HPI’s Baja 5B SS has won RC Car Action’s 2008 Editor’s Choice Car of the Year! Look for the article in the upcoming Car Action magazine as well as hpiracing.com!

The 1/5th scale Baja 5B RWD desert racing buggy has been a huge success with RC fans, racers and journalists, and Baja owners have been extremely happy with the racing prowess, durability and qualities of the Baja 5B buggy. Now, HPI is proud to announce the Baja SS, a full-option Baja kit that you assemble yourself, loaded with tons of hop-ups that enhance the speed and power of the Baja 5B buggy, improve its durability even further, and provide totally sweet custom looks!

The Baja SS follows the HPI innovation of upgraded ‘Super Sport’ models that feature kit versions of popular HPI RTR models, with additional option parts added to enhance the enjoyment of your kit. A long list of option parts is included with the SS version of the Baja 5B. As you build the kit, you add in the options that come in the box, and add your own radio gear (receiver, throttle servo, and receiver battery).

.

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Kit Version	#15403 Fuelie 26S 26cc Engine	#15448 8000 RPM Clutch	#86690 Aluminum Tuned Pipe
Build your own Baja racing buggy from parts that come in the box. Add in your own radio gear for a fully customized Baja experience! Steering servo with metal gears is included.	You’ll get more power, increased torque and more speed than 23cc engine. Extra horsepower gives you the grunt to get over and through anything in your way!	Launches the Baja 5B at higher RPM for more punch off the line and out of low-speed corners.	Tuned for increased power and quicker acceleration. The kit also includes the stock muffler for quieter operation.
#80584 Metal Gear Steering	#3272 Heavy Duty Beadlocks	#86618 Front & Rear Sway Bars	#87551 New Rear Shock Tower Brace
Tough metal gears for extra durability and reliable steering in all conditions and at all speeds	Reinforced design increases durability of the wheels and tires. Protects the sidewalls of your tires in hard cornering maneuvers.	Improves handling and gives quicker steering response.	Relocates shocks for increased rear suspension travel for better traction and braking on rough ground.
#87561 & #87562 VVC/HD Pro Shock Set	#86610 Heavy Duty Rear Dogbones	#87568 Aluminum Alloy Diff Case	#7560 & #7562 Clear Pre-Cut Bodyshell
New design VVC/HD shocks for improved handling over rough terrain. Large diameter shock shafts for increased durability.	Metal construction for extra durability with high horsepower engines like the Fuelie 26S. Features rubber boots at both ends to keep dirt and rocks out of the joints	For increased drivetrain durability and extended time between maintenance and rebuilds. Perfect for the high output 26S Engine!	Crystal clear tough polycarbonate is ready for custom paint. Pre-cut to make painting and installation quick and easy. Also comes with pre-cut vinyl decals and protective overspray film.
	#87477 Gunmetal Main Chassis	Orange Anodized SS Parts
	Unique customized looks with a gunmetal-anodized 6061 T6 aluminum monocoque chassis. Super-rigid for supreme performance, it also looks amazing under the bodyshell!	From the shock caps to the engine plate and chassis braces, you can see lightweight anodized aircraft aluminum 6061 T6 parts that highlight the incomparable looks of the Baja SS chassis.

HPI Baja 5T (Truck RTR)

HPI Racing is proud to present the Baja 5T, a ready-to-run (RTR) 1/5th scale off-road truck that expands on the award-winning Baja 5B family. With the Baja 5T you get aggressive desert truck looks, high performance new features, and compatibility with many of the existing Baja 5B spare parts and option parts, wrapped up in a RTR package that gets you running in just a few minutes.

Team FastEddy “Clip-N-Carry” Baja Carrying Strap

Team FastEddy “Clip-N-Carry” Baja Carrying Strap

Click Here For Pics

This is one of those products that you bong yourself on the head thinking “why didn’t I think of that”.

All of us that own a Baja know how cumbersome it can be to carry along with your other gear to your bashing spot of choice. Not always are you able to park right next to where you want to be. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some sort of method of comfortably carrying your Baja with one hand so you can use your other hand to carry something else?

Team FastEddy has the answer, the Clip-N-Carry Baja carrying strap.

Simply clip one end it to the front suspension, clip it to other end to the rear suspension, adjust it tight and you’re done. It is best to attach the clips on the fuel tank side if your tank is filled with fuel. This way fuel doesn’t drip out of the vent hole in the cap.

Now just pick your Baja up by the handle and carry it like a suitcase. I found it to be quite comfortable and easy to carry.

This is one product that every Baja owner should have. Once you try it, you will wonder how you ever got a long without it.

Features
-Heavy duty nylon strap
-High quality rubber handle
-Annodized aluminum caribiners

The Ups
-Simple to install and remove
-Handle is comfortable

The downs
-Only comes in black

Where to get it
-The Team FastEddy “Clip-N-Carry” Baja Strap can be purchased from www.davesmotors.com, www.teamgonads.com and other retailers that sell Team FastEddy products

DarkSoul Racing Dogbone Boots.

You Tube

KRD Baja Stand.

Knight Research & Development Baja Stand.

YouTube – HPI Baja Stand Review (Knight Research…

Protecta-Baja Rear skid plate.

We recently received a rear skid plate from Protecta-Baja. It a great replacement for your stock plate and offers a large amount of protection for those that are out there truly using their Bajas. Its not in any way a show part nor is it designed to be, it pure functionality and protection for your Baja.

Available at DDM
http://www.davesmotors.com/store/product2925.html

YouTube – Video Riview Protecta-Baja Rear Skid…

Turtle Racing HD Clutch System

This week Turtle Racing will release their Heavy Duty Clutch System for the Baja 5B ss,RTR and 5T.

As out engines get more powerful and people drive their Bajas to the limit one of the weak points in the Baja becomes the Clutch holder subsystem. The subsystem includes the clutch carrier, clutch bell, gear plate, pinion, pinion bolt and all the associated bearings.

Turtle racing has addressed these issues all in one package that significantly beefs up every component mentioned.

This Video Review will introduce you to the HD system and show you all the improvements over the stock system.

Here are the Video Installation instructions.
http://www.hpibajatutorials.com/show…=3164#post3164

YouTube – Turtle Racing HD Clutch system Review…

DarkSoul Charger Adapter

It’s just one of those items that every RC owner should have.
I can’t tell you how many times I have had to stop and make an adapter for the battery I want to charge, or to dig through my snake pit of the ones I have already made to find the right end. This little gem puts them all in one place at one time.

All the popular plug ends are included with the exception of the new Traxxas Plugs. With this in mind, DarkSoul added an additional set of bare wires so you could add an additional plug end of your choice. On the charger end its supplied with a set of male banana plugs that will fit into your charger. The length of the entire unit is an incredible 18 inches. This is one of my favorite features of the design. No need to add an extension to it for most tasks.

Overall quality of the harness is very good. Im always wanting to see thicker wires but thats just me. The material is more then adequate for the task. The harness is well built and should last a good long time.

Street price $15.99

DDM
http://www.teamgonads.com/Merchant2/…duct_Count=185

The included ends are:

• -male banana plug main terminal
• -male deans connector
• -male Tamiya
• -1 set of bare leads for you custom needs
• -female JST
• -female j-plug

Modified RC Roof Scoop for LED Lighting

If your looking for a great roof scoop and want to have some additional LED Lighting on your Baja, look no farther then Modified RCs Roof scoop with LED holes.

Check it out, its cool and heck.

YouTube – Modified RC Roof Scoop for LED Lighting…

Craftworks R/C Tire holder

I love this product.
It keeps my tires in one place and also has a built in lug wrench.

YouTube – Craftworks R/C Tire Holder for the HPI…

HPI OEM HD Clutch Holder Upgrade

HPI has recently released an upgraded HD clutch holder. Its a great improvement over the stock plastic unit. Made of aluminum and sporting a much larger bearing it should eliminate several of the problems associated with the stock units. They also combine the spacer and the bevel inserts into this unit so it eliminates several parts. This can help eliminate melted spur gears, blown bearings, and broken pinion bolts.

YouTube – HPI Upgraded clutch holder for the Baja…

DarkSoul Dyable Roof Scoop.

Darksoul has released its popular roof scoop loved by so many in a white dyeable nylon version.
Same great scoop, same great shape but made of nylon that can be died in any color to match your ride.

You Tube

Protectaparts Baja 5T CF Wing and Rear Body Brace

Protectaparts has just released their Carbon Fiber Wing and Rear Body Brace for the Baja5T. They look GREAT. They chose a 10K weave on the CF that truly makes their parts look scale to the 5T body. The parts are well made and are strong.

YouTube – CF Wing and Brace for HPI Baja 5T By…

Installing Bad Horsie shock covers the easy way,

Installing Bad Horsie shock covers can be a pain.

One solution is to take a plastic canister that 35mm film comes in and cut off the closed end. Make sure you have no burrs on your cut end and slip the shock cover over the canister bunching it up as required. You then put the canister over the shock spring and pull one end of the cover the over one end of the shock. Hold it there with one hand and gently pull the canister the other direction up the shock spring releasing the shock cover as you go.

That’s it. A quick and simple way to install a Bad Horsie shock cover that only takes seconds.

Photos by: Baja Storm.

Readers Rides

Readers Rides

Factory needle settings for the CY 23cc & 26cc Engine

You have 2 carburetor adjustment needles on your HPI Baja Stock engine.

Your (HSN) High Speed Needle Factory setting is 1.5 turns out from closed. The HSN is the longer of the two needles and is the left of the two. Its marked on the housing of the carburetor housing with an (H)

Your (LSN) Low Speed Needle Factory setting is 1.25 turns out from closed. The LSN is the shorter of the two needles and is the right of the two. Its marked on the housing of the carburetor housing with an (L)

Gently screw in the needle intil it JUST closes all the way. Do not try to tighten it up or snug it down. Screw it in JUST until you feel some resistance. Look at the slot in the screw or find a mark on your screwdriver handle and back the screw out to the EXACT amout of turns listed for that needle.

• HSN: 1.5 Turns Out
• LSN: 1.25 Turns Out

If you would like more information or to ask question about this topic, please visit our forum.
www.HPIBajaTurorials.com

Craftworks RC Quick Disconnect fo the HBZ Roll Cage

This product is a huge time saver. The HBZ cage is a bear to get on and off having to undo 4 bolts every time. This setup takes a CHORE and makes child’s play of it.

YouTube – Craftworks RC Quick Disconnect fo the…

Skid plates and roof plate by Baja 5B Custom Build

Baja 5B Custom Build offers several parts for the Baja 5B and the 5T.
This video reviews 2 of his skid plates and a roof plate.

YouTube – 5B Custom Build Skid Plates

Threshold Shock Pre-Load tool

JR at Threshold has done it again with a simple yet effective tool.
If your serious about your setup this pre-load gauge is a simple way to make sure your getting your pre-load exactly where you want it.

YouTube – Threshold Shock Pe-load Tool

ATX Skid Plate Review and Install.

PB Kill Switch Review and install.

PB Kill Switch is a great product to have that will insure that you will not get a runaway due to low battery or loss of signal. It will also allow you to shut off your engine remotely using the 3rd Chanel on your radio. There are several variations of this product so we recommend that you visit his website before ordering one from a reputable Baja Retailer.
http://www.rckillswitch.com/

VCC Shock Rezzi’s by Threshold

Thresholds VCC shock reservoirs for the HPI Baja 5B are a volume compensating reservoir for your shock absorbers. Your shocks work well but are prone to getting a lot of frothing of the oil and they tend to flatten out over time.  The volume compensator’s by Threshold attach to the top of the shocks and allows the fluid to be air free as your shock compresses. It drives the fluid into the volume compensator and allows for smooth operation.

 

Hostile Hobbies Choke Lever. WOW!

Such a small part can make a big difference.
The choke leaver is not something you think about that much that is until you mount a side pipe or get a 5T. I’m not sure about you, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burnt my fingers, while reaching down to ship set my choke. It doesn’t matter how you’re standing or how you to try to twist your hands around. It never fails that damn choke lever is a pain in the butt. Hostile hobbies has addressed this issue with their new choke lever. You simply slide it on and you done with it. Never have to worry about burning your fingers were trying to find the choke lever ever again. It’s amazing on how much difference, a small product like this can make.

The Hostile choke lever is a god send. No more burnt fingers!!

Lightened Baja Chassis from Scorpion Unlimited.

It a welcome site to see a company like Scorpion with a great reputation for quality giving some attention to the racing community by developing a lightened chassis for the Baja 5B and 5T. Not only will the light weight benefit the racer but it will allow the bashers and backyard runners to lighten their rides up as well.

The quality of this chassis is excellent along with a beautiful finish. A large amount of thought was put into this design to ensure that the structural integrity of the chassis wasn’t compromised by the cutouts.

Zenoah G270RC engine (First look)

Here are some specks on the engine.
25.4cc (34mm bore, 28mm stroke) performance machine.
Zenoah took their powerful, reliable G260RC engine and made it even better. Major changes include a 4-bolt cylinder design for improved sealing and reduced gasket blowout (an improvement from the 2-bolt cylinder design of the G260RC)

• Stronger and lighter crankcase.
• an additional crankshaft bearing.
• redesigned cylinder fins for better cooling.
• larger ports.
• the high-performance WT-813 carburetor with accelerator pump as standard equipment.
• a metal-impregnated insulator gasket for a better seal.
• nd modified cylinder hardware to better resist vibration.

This engine offers serious performance.

• 4 transfer port 34mm cylinder,
• Walbro WT-813 carburetor with accelerator pump (15.88mm bore, 12.7mm venturi, independent high and low jets),
• lighter flywheel,
• “hemi”-style combustion chamber,
• full-circle crankshaft.

After opening up the package sent from DDM I took off the shroud and began the once over before starting it up. I made sure all the screws were tight and that all the gaskets were installed. It doesnt hurt to be sure.

From there I mounted it on my engine stand, filled the tank up with fuel and took it outside. I haven’t used a choakles carb before so I was having visions of flooding it out as stock settings due to them being a bit rich. Much to my surprise, after pumping the carb ball that it started up in the 2nd pull and went right to a nice medium idle.

I have decided to heat cycle this engine. This is another first for me. Usually I just mount them up and drive mild for the first tank or two. I was told by a trusted source that this is how they did it , so what the heck Ill try. richen it 1/16th from factory and let it slow idle for 10 minutes and rest for 20. Im now on the 3rd cycle. I was told to do 5 or 6 cycles with it.

Two things that I have noticed as its running is that it has a “Lope” to it at idle that is much more pronounced then the CYs that I have been running as well as the DarkSoul marine conversion. The 2nd thing is that when I start it up its races ar a fairly hefty clip for 2-3 seconds before it settles into an idle. Im guessing this is from the injector pump in the choakless carb. Ill have to do a little research on that.

Its going to a week or so till I have a chance to mount it up in my rig. Once I do and get it up and running for a few tanks Ill report back with more info.

Read more

Fullforce RC Servo Clamps.

When installing aftermarket throttle servos most of the time there is a little modification needed to the servo tabs to get everything to align properly. This can weaken the mounting tabs on the servos. Fullforce RC has had their servo clamps on the market for quite a while and they have been widely accepted by the 10th and 8th scale community. Its time for the HPI Baja community to take a closer look at this product.

Easy to make Power Bits 3mm, 4mm 5mm

One of the most common questions I get from users that view my tutorials is:
“Where do you get the power bits you use in your tutorials?”
Well, Here you go.
This video will show you the bits, whee to get them and explain how to modify them properly.

Steering Post Shim Kit. (Team FastEddy)

The slop in the steering posts has always bothered me. There were no shims of the proper size to use that I could find so I had some made up for my new shim kit. Eliminating this play will make your steering more responsive. I had the shims cut so they will also help shield the bearing from contamination.

Here is a tutorial on how to install them.

I just recieved my Team Fast Eddy Steering Post Shim Kit.

The steering on the Baja has never been as responsive and precise as I would have wanted it to be. The issue is that there is a lot of up/down play in the steering wiper assembly. To make things worse, the extra play causes a gap that allows dirt to enter and contaminate the bearings, thereby causing binding issues. In addition, the whole steering assembly rides right on the lower steering cross brace and the lower bearings are not used effectively, this adds even more friction to the steering system.

To remedy these issues, Team Fast Eddy has developed a Steering Post Shim Kit. The shims have been specifically sized for this particular application. The thickness of the shims allows you to make fine adjustments to zero out the play. The specific diameter of the shims allows for full coverage of the bearings to protect them against contamination, while at the same time the shims never touch the outer races and therefore does not hinder smooth bearing operation.

I installed 1 shim at the bottom and 2 shims at the top of each steering post. How many shims you use will all depend on how much play is in your steering assembly. I would first try 1 shim at the tops and if you can use more, then add 1 to the bottom. Its more important to use them on top as this shields the bearings from contamination. As far as the bottom ones. if you can use ones at the bottom, you need to be able to use one on each post, you can’t just add to one post and not the other, that will make the assembly uneven. The tops you can use any combination of shims.

Here are some pictures showing what I did.

This pic shows the amount of play at the top of the wiper assembly, notice how much of the steering post is visible.

This pic shows how much contaminated the bearings get

Here I installed 1 shim at the bottom of each post, this will raise the wiper assembly off the lower brace, allowing for full use of the lower bearings.

Here you can see how the shims fit perfectly over the bearings, yet they do not touch the outer race.

Here is the whole assembly back together with the shims, as you can see the shims have filled the gap and the steering posts are no longer visible.

A quick recap:

Without the shims:
Excessive up/down play in the stering assembly
Bearings are covered in dirt and completely contaminated
Entire lower wiper assembly and lower bearings ride on the lower cross brace and are a source of unnecessary friction

With the shims installed:
No more up/down play
Bearings are protected from contamination
The entire wiper assembly is raised off of the lower cross brace and now makes full use of the lower bearings.

The upgrade is extremely simple to perform and took less than 15 minutes to complete and most of that time I spent cleaning the wiper assembly and bearings. The steering wiper assembly now has zero up/down play and moves as smooth as butter.

Lastly, these shims are stainless, so you should not have to worry about rust and corrosion once installed.

Once again Team Fast Eddy has hit the mark with this upgrade.

Annual DuneToberFest Information (So-Cal / Az)

DuneToberFest is the longest running annual Baja bash
2009 marks its 3rd Year. It offers 3 or more days of running wide open in the sand. Due to the unlimited space and the huge dunes, its the premier event of the year for the Baja builders, manufacturers, and distributors to show off the absolute fastest and strongest Bajas on the planet. This is a must go to event for the Baja owner. People come from around he world to attend. Its getting larger and crazier each year.
Sponsored by HPI BajaForum.com
More info Here

Located in Glamis CA at Buttercup Sand Dunes

October 23, 24 and 25th of 2009

Find more information on DuneToberFest at the Baja Planet Offical Forum HPIBajaTutorials.com

It is located at Exit 156 of US8 (Greys Wells Road).

For detailed information on the Event, to ask questions or make comments please visit:
www.HPIBajaForum.com

From Los Angeles, CA

* Take I-10 EAST torward SAN BERNARDINO(127 mi.)
* Take RIGHT fork onto CA-86-SPUR SOUTH toward BRAWLEY/EL CENTRO (20 mi.)
* Continue on CA-86 SOUTH (49.4 mi.)
* Continue on MAIN ST[CA-78] (3 mi.)
* Turn RIGHT onto CA-111 SOUTH (15 mi.)
* Take I-8 EAST toward YUMA, AZ (35 mi.)
* Dunebuggy Flats: Take the Gordons Well Exit North
* Buttercup: Take the Greys Well Exit South

From San Diego, CA

* Take I-8 EAST toward YUMA, AZ (160 mi.)
* Dunebuggy Flats: Take the Gordons Well Exit North
* Buttercup: Take the Greys Well Exit South.

From Phoenix/Yuma, AZ

* Take I-10 WEST toward LOS ANGELES, CA (31 mi.)
* Merge onto AZ-85 SOUTH toward I-8/YUMA, AZ (37 mi.)
* Continue on I-8 BL WEST (1 mi.)
* Continue on PIMA ST (1 mi.)
* Take I-8 WEST toward SAN DIEGO, CA (128 mi.)
* Buttercup: Take Greys Well Rd. Exit South
* Dunebuggy Flats: Take Gordons Well Exit North

Biannual BajaFest – Spring & Fall Information (Upstate NY)

BajaFest is a biannual event hosted by HostileHobbies.
It takes place 2 times each year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

Location:
At Hostile Hobby in Beautiful Upstate NY.
8456 Harpers Ferry Rd
Springwater, NY 14560

Map to this location.

For More information on this track and schedules, Please check out the Official BajaPlanet Forum: HPIBajaTutorials.com

2009 Schedule:
Spring Bajafest – 2nd weekend of June (12th-14th for 2009)
Fall Bajafest – 2nd weekend of September (11th-13th for 2009)

This makes it simple and easy to plan for every year. 2nd weekend of June and September.
Official events:

1. Off-road races (separate buggy and truck classes)
2. Oval races
3. Night racing
4. Drag races
5. Jumping contest
6. Hill climb
7. Sled pulling competition
8. Tug-o-war
9. 20 vehicle dash-for-cash (this is a true crowd pleaser)
10. Second track for unlimited open track time all weekend

Possible events:

1. Baja woods enduro (with Yamaha Rhino)
2. Hotwheels style loop-de-loop

Bajafest set the record by being the largest gathering of Bajas in the USA to date. Our event philosophy, helpful staff and great baja community helped make our events unlike any other. Our focus is to keep growing Bajafest bigger and better with every event. Just wait until 2009. We are

Milestone MX park (So-Cal) Track Info

Milestone MX park

For More information on this track and schedules, Please check out the Official BajaPlanet Forum: HPIBajaTutorials.com

Directions to the Park
Milestone Ranch MX Park, Inc. is located in the Riverside area of Southern California between the 10 and 60 freeways.

Address:
12685 Holly Street
Riverside, California 92509

Map to Milestone MX Park
Gates open at 8:00.
Drivers Meeting at 10:30.
Racing to follow.

$10 park admission for each driver.
Race Entry fee is $25. Spectators are free.

There will be a separate class for 4 wheel drive.

*Must be a ROAR Member.
*Must run a personal Transponder. If you do not own one they will be available to buy or rent.

Power is limited so please bring your generators.

Thunder Valley RC Park (Nor-Cal) Track Info

The RC park is located in Lakeport CA.

Address:
3851 Hill Rd.
Lakeport, Ca., 95453

Map to Thunder Valley RC Park

For More information on this track and schedules, Please check out the Official BajaPlanet Forum: HPIBajaTutorials.com

Once on Hill road, you will look for the Thunder Valley RC Park sign on the West side of the road. you will then turn West onto a small access road. Head down the access road a half mile or so and look to your left for another Thunder Vally RC Park sign. There is a gate. It may be necessary to open the gate to enter. If its open leave it open, if its closed, please close it after entering. (Dont want the cows to get out if they are on that part of the property.)

Upon entering the Park Complex, Take the road the goes in between the House and the 8th scale track and veer to the left after the house. There is a parking lot / pitting area down and to your left in front of the track.

Rules are still being revised for the classes.
Please feel free to comment on any of the rules. They are still being developed to make the race experience accomodating for everyone.

RULES:
What we are going to start with,

BAJA 5B

Stock Class —

• TIRES: Stock HPI Tires front & Rear. Stock Tires that originally came with the HPI Baja 5B RTR or SS
• MOTOR: 23cc or 26cc Stock HPI Engines. No Motor upgrades such as cranks or cylinders.
• SUSPENSION: Open
• Exhaust: HPI RTR Can or HPI High Flow Can ONLY. No HPI Tuned pipes.

Expert Class:

• TIRES: Stock HPI 5T or 5B tire, Proline Badlands or Hostile Mini MXs..
• MOTOR: 30cc MAX.No other restrictions.
• SUSPENSION: Open.
• Exhaust: HPI RTR Can or HPI High Flow Can ONLY

BAJA 5T

Sportsman Class

• TIRES: Stock HPI Tires front & Rear. Run what came on the vehicle.
• MOTOR: 26cc Stock motor only, no modifications.
• SUSPENSION: Open
• Exhaust: HPI RTR Can or HPI High Flow Can ONLY

Expert Class:

• TIRES: Stock HPI 5T tire, Proline Excavators. Must be 5T TRUCK tires and wheels. No buggy wheels or tires.
• MOTOR: 30cc MAX.
• SUSPENSION: Open.
• Exhaust: HPI RTR Can or HPI High Flow Can ONLY

Remember, this is just a base line set of rules for THUNDER VALLEY. Rules are subject to change.

Thanks for everyone’s support !!!!!

2008 HPI Baja Nationals (Race coverage and results)

Information courtesy of HPI Racing.
www.hpiracing.com

A big thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting the First HPI Baja Nationals. It was a weekend of fast Bajas and fast drivers.

Congratulations to Tony Phalen, The First Baja Unlimited National Champion and Mike Kazz, The First Baja Stock National Champion.

Complete Results!

BAJA STOCK 23cc A Main
1 7 117 60:10.63 MIKE KAZZ
2 2 113 60:11.35 DAVID GROON
3 8 110 60:07.29 BRIAN SHERMAN
4 3 110 60:27.11 MOTO ISHIBASHI
5 4 109 60:24.77 BROCK PATTERSON
6 5 103 60:14.22 BILL IRWIN
7 6 101 59:59.26 JOHN ATWOOD
8 1 92 60:09.09 CHRIS HIGA
9 9 48 35:33.25 TOM STRONG
10 11 6 21:43.31 BILL #*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*EY

Best Heat Lap/Time for BAJA STOCK 23cc:
DAVID GROON with 16/7:10.20

BAJA 5B UNLIMITED A Main
1. 118 60:30.00 TONY PHALEN
2. 115 60:18.97 JOHN SCHULTZ
3. 114 60:02.84 RODNEY KETCHAM
4. 113 60:24.80 SPENCER PERDUE
5. 112 60:27.57 FRANK MARCOS
6. 111 60:18.79 TROY PALUCHNIAK
7. 99 60:25.95 ANGEL COLON
8. 97 50:31.42 GEROGE SCOTT
9. 93 60:01.08 CHRIS HIGA
10. 81 49:38.60 JOSH ALTON
11. 52 33:39.56 JASON ASHTON
12. 13 17:50.29 BRIAN SULLIVAN

Best Heat Lap/Time for BAJA 5B UNLIMITED:
JOSH ALTON with 16/7:13.46

BAJA 5B UNLIMITED B Main
1. 42 20:26.54 TONY PHALEN
2. 40 20:18.33 CHRIS HIGA
3. 40 20:20.88 DANIEL AST
4. 39 20:01.14 SHAW TAKAHASHI
5. 39 20:09.06 AARON HUETRA
6. 38 19:57.98 RICK LINN
7. 36 20:05.69 COLLIN COCORES
8. 35 20:02.33 RAY TAKAHASHI
9. 32 16:41.52 ANDY PICENO
10. 21 11:19.79 JOHN CARY
11. 2 4:45.40 DERECK BUTTERFIELD
– 8 — DNS — FRANK BRUER

BAJA 5B UNLIMITED C Main
1. 21 10:12.96 COLLIN COCORES
2. 20 10:03.16 RAY TAKAHASHI
3. 20 10:12.31 ANDREW HILMAN
4. 20 10:21.57 JASON BOWEN
5. 20 10:22.88 BILL IRWIN
6. 19 10:06.83 GABE BROWN
7. 18 10:00.54 SANTORU TERADA
8. 18 10:39.11 DINO MOWREADER
9. 17 8:51.13 SCOTT PALUCHNIAK
10. 17 10:11.66 BOB REYNOLDS
11. 10 5:47.99 BILL MASSEY
12. 4 2:18.10 TOBY ROBINSON

BAJA 5B UNLIMITED D Main
1. 21 10:48.34 JASON BOWEN
2. 20 10:14.07 DINO MOWREADER
3. 19 10:01.98 MIKE BLAIR
4. 19 10:06.53 JOE O’NEILL
5. 19 10:18.59 AKIA KOGAWA
6 . 16 10:19.64 BRISTOL KEELE
7. 16 10:24.30 MATT ROGERS
8. 16 10:27.70 TRAVIS BROK
9. 15 8:39.41 JEFF NEES
10. 14 6:58.45 DANIEL ADAMS
11. 3 1:53.40 RON PERRY
– 1 — DNS — JOHN FERGUSON

BAJA 5B UNLIMITED E Main
1. 22 10:20.66 DANIEL ADAMS
2. 18 10:17.45 BRISTOL KEELE
3. 17 10:27.54 DALE FRISCHKNECHT
4. 13 9:55.13 LAWRENCE KLOSE
5. 10 9:45.01 ERIC CUSANOVICH
– 3 — DNS — LYN CLARKE
– 7 — DNS — KEVIN IRWIN
– 4 — DNS — THAD GARNER

Best Heat Lap/Time for BAJA 5T:
JOHN SCHULTZ with 15/7:26.17

BAJA 5T A Main
1. 20 10:30.57 DEREK BUONO
2. 19 10:04.67 DAVID GROON
3. 19 10:11.27 TED SIMPSON
4. 19 10:20.22 Dino
5. 17 10:06.74 BILL IRWIN
6. 8 3:59.30 JOHN SCHULTZ
7. 8 10:24.04 Alex Gutierrez
8. 6 4:45.62 TROY PALUCHNIAK
– 3 — DNS — GEORGE SCOTT
– 8 — DNS — THAD GARNER

Qualifying

A-Main Unlimited Class (qualifying order)
1. Josh Alton (16/7:13.46)
2. Jason Ashton (16/7:15.18)
3. Troy Paluchniak (16/7:20.79)
4. Spencer Perdue (16/7:24.17)
5. John Schultz (15/7:01.91)
6. Angel Colon (15/7:01.05)
7. Rodney Ketcham (15/7:02.08)
8. Brian Sullivan (15/7:02.76)
9. George Scott (15/7:05.37)
10. Frank Marcos (15/7:09.80)

A-Main Stock Class (qualifying order)
1. David Groon (16/7:10.20)
2. Chris Higa (16/7:12.93)
3. Brock Patterson (16/7:27.26)
4. Mike Kazz (15/7:08.72)
5. Moto Ishibashi (15/7:09.33)
6. Bill Irwin (15/7:09.82)
7. John Atwood (14/7:01.26)
8. Brian Sherman (14/7:06.53)
9. Tom Strong (14/7:09.39)
10. Bill Dickey (12/7:14.67)
11. Lawrence Klose (6/7:15.89)

For more Baja Nationals Pics and coverage at hpibajaforum.com:
http://www.hpibajaforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=134

Sponsored by:

Nitro2Go

Mechanix Wear

Motul

Gabe Brown Engineering

TeamPhatDadRC

QuarterScaleMotorsports

Team Orion

Proline Racing

Tulare Hobbies

Turtle Racing

Team GoNads

O’Neill Brothers Racing

HPI Baja Forum

Team Fast Eddy

Scorpion Unlimited

Zenoah America

DarkSoul Racing

Hostile Hobby

When
Saturday/Sunday, November 8/9, 2008

Where
The RC Tracks at Milestone Ranch MX Park, 12685 Holly Street, Riverside, California 92509 http://www.milestonemx.com/

Baja Nationals 2008 Rules

Classes:

HPI 23CC Stock Class
-HPI Baja 5B
-Stock 23CC HPI Fuelie Engine, #15401 Fuelie 23 Engine, no mods, no CY or Zenoah subs.
-Any HPI option parts (except #15403 Fuelie 26S Engine)
-Top 5 in class will be subject to post race tech by HPI staff (complete engine tear down)
-Allowable non HPI options are Outerwears shock, pullstart and air filter covers.
-HPI Tires/wheels/rims/foams only.
-Open RX/TX, batteries, servos (Note on servos, servos must be mounted on HPI mounting hardware only).

RE: Engine teardown.
The HPI Tech will be instructed to compare the engine/internals to a stock #15401 Fuelie 23CC Engine. If the parts do not match then the engine will not pass tech.

HPI Baja Unlimited
-HPI Baja 5B
-Stock HPI fuel tank (#85446). Option/after market fuel caps allowed.
-Rear wheel drive only
-Any available Baja 5B option parts allowed!

Practice Sessions
-The track will be open for practice on Thursday and Friday, with limited practice on Wednesday.
-Please visit http://www.hpibajaforum.com or contact Larry Cross at (909) 887-9700, (800) 266-7745 for more info.
-Practice runs are limited to 12 cars at the track at one time, please be curteous to you’re fellow drivers.
-Saturday will be 1 round of controlled practice determined by you’re qualifying heat/order (10 car/10 minute runs)
-Depending on the number of entries and the schedule on Saturday we may run 2 or 3 controlled practice sessions.

Qualifying Format
-2 sessions on Saturday, 1 session on Sunday.
-Best session time will determine order for the Main Events.
-10 car/10 minute qulifiers.
-Heads up start.
-Heats will be re-sorted before the last qualifier.
-Drivers must turn marshall the race following they’re race, failure to do so will result in a one lap deduction of they’re best qualifier.
-Immediately after the finish of each race, drivers must place they’re cars on the impound table, to be picked up after you have finished turn marshalling.

Mains/Race Format
-10 car/10 minute mains (except A-Main which will have 12), top 2 in each main bumps up to the next higher main.
-10 minute mains thru the C-Mains in both classes.
-20 minute B-Mains in both classes.
-12 car/1 hour A-Mains for both classes.
-Mandatory 1 pitstop in each A-Main (we will tag the car to indicate that you have made you’re one stop).
-Immediately after the finish of each race, drivers must place they’re cars on the impound table, to be picked up after you have finished turn marshalling.

Prizes
Trophies, hpi kits and manufacturer prizes to the top three in each class!

Submit your photos

Find An HPI Dealer Near You

HPI has a full dealer listing available from their website.
Just plug in your Zip Code and find the closest Hobby Shop.

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