Champion Genes – Hot Bodies D8T

Track test
The track test took place on a hard but dusty track. Therefore we opted to use LRP’s new VTEC Harakiri in Super Soft compound. According to LRP’s tyre suggestion sheet the soft compound should generate even better grip in these conditions but we stuck with the super soft tyres. As the Team Orion engine was already run-in we were able to let the Hot Bodies D8T fly from the first minute. After around 2 minutes we stopped to check all of the important screws on the engine mount, the steering and throttle/brake linkages etc. to make sure we would not lose any of them. After restarting the truggy after the first tank of fuel we noticed a strange sound when rotating the transmission. Some sort of clicking, rubbing noise. We instantly stopped and checked the clutch as it seemed to be the source of the erratic sound. When turning the flywheel by hand the clutch engaged taking the clutch bell with them. Conclusion was simple, as the large nut that counters the flywheel came loose. The springs of the clutch shoes came loose also and that was the reason why the clutch engaged even at low RPM’s. Lessen learned: only use high quality thread-lock in high stress areas.

After the clutch was reassembled we took the D8T for another go. This time everything went well and we were able to put the truggy through its paces. Our tyre choice seemed to be okay as the Hot Bodies truggy had loads of traction even on the very dusty parts of the track. We noticed a slight amount of push so we mounted the upper turnbuckle in the inner upper position giving less camber change in corners resulting in less understeer. We also mounted the front and rear shocks one hole further in on the shock tower as this gave a more progressive suspension feeling on the relatively smooth track.

We also adjusted the ride height a bit so the wishbones stood level with the track surface as the suspension settled a bit after the first couple of tanks. Our setting gave a nice and low stance without having to fear that the chassis bottoms out after the jumps. The truggy felt perfect now, it flew level and the hard #7000 oil in the front and middle differential gave loads of traction. Maybe its an idea to go down to #5000 oil in the front diff on very low traction surfaces as the harder set-up seems to create some sort of push in the apex of a turn. But we think this mainly applies to very sharp turns on tight and twitchy tracks. In all the stock set-up seems a good all-round solution for most track surfaces and conditions. As with every racing car you of course need to sit down and work on your personal setting to accommodate driving style and personal needs.

Conclusion
Hot Bodies’ D8T truggy is a welcome addition to the ever expanding range of competition truggies. With its World Champion genes you can be sure to have a winner on your hands that stands out from the crowd with its nice looking low slung body.

Specifications
Scale: 1/8
Chassis: 4 mm aluminium
Drivetrain: 4WD
Differentials: sealed geared differentials
Suspension – front: independent wishbones
Suspension – rear: independent wishbones
Shocks – front: alloy/oil filled/coil over spring
Shocks – rear: alloy/oil filled/coil over spring

Dimensions
Length: 530 mm
Width: 405 mm
Wheelbase: 380.5-383.5 mm
Weight: 4100 grams

Equipment
Car: Hot Bodies D8T [hbeurope.com]
Engine: Team Orion CRF 21 US Spec [teamorion.com]
Pipe: Team Orion EFRA 3030 [teamorion.com]
Tyres: LRP VTEC LP Harakiri [lrp.cc]
Fuel: RB Concept Fuel 25% [rmv-deutschland.de]

Performance Tips

– There are some nyloc nuts that need to be held in place by CA glue or silicone. This especially applies to the two nuts in the receiver radio box. Also make sure you secure the four nuts on the wing mount.
– You should add a fuel filter to give extra protection for the engine.

– Use good quality thread lock on the nut that secures the flywheel on the crankshaft.
– Take your time when setting up the linkages for throttle and brake to make sure the brake bias suits your driving style and track conditions. It also may need some time until full lock can be reached as the glassfibre brake disks and metal brake pads need to ‘bed in’.

-Due to a too short air cleaner brace (the wire thingy on the centre bulkhead) the throttle/brake linkage collars rubbed on the air cleaner housing. We adjusted the brace with some shims to raise the housing a bit. You may find the need for a longer screw but make sure it does not get contact with the brake pads!
– The suspension has some axial play here and there. This seems ok as often a too tight fit can lead into problems (locking components) on dusty or wet tracks. Leave those shims away and let the touring car guys be the sissy boys.