Xray XT8 2009 Spec – 8 for 09
Track test
The track test of the XT8 2009 Spec took place on our usual purpose built track consisting of mostly tight corners, a medium length straight and some jumps. Although Team Orion’s CRF21 US Spec engine was run-in as we used it before it took us a fair amount of time to get it up and running as we had to change fuel since the last time we used it. The low ambient temperatures didn’t helped either but once we got it up and running it pleased with a low fuel consumption and very good drivability. The new harder clutch springs matched perfect with the engine’s characteristics and LRP’s super soft compound tyres made for stunning traction in the wet but non-sticky conditions. The changed brake set-up with PSM Racing epoxy brake discs needed some laps to bed in but after the initial run-in process they excelled with very precise and non-fading stopping power.
Due to the rutted track conditions we raised the ground clearance by five millimetres compared to the suggested set-up given by Xray but other than that we left the XT8 unchanged the whole day. Front and rear traction proved to be near perfect, turning into corner was sharp and precise. The only thing we would of liked to change was a the fact that the truggy tended to hang with the back over the large jump. Sometimes even slamming the brakes mid-air couldn’t make for a proper position of the truck making it landing back end first more than once. Raising the back end of the truck a couple of millimetres should of cured the problem we guess.
Conclusion
Xray’s XT8 2009 Spec is a great truggy although its construction dates some years back. With the updates it received this year it is still up to date with ‘younger’ truggies. Parts availability is perfect thanks to the proven XB8/XT8 platform making it the ideal truggy for racers and backyard bashers alike. Set-ups and a vast amount of knowledge is available through Xray’s own forum on www.teamxray.com.
Specifications
Scale: 1/8
Chassis: 3 mm aluminium
Drive train: 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: 574 mm
Width: 428 mm
Wheelbase: 380 – 384 mm
Weight: 3760 g
Equipment
Car: Xray XT8 2009 Spec [teamxray.com]
Engine: Team Orion CRF21 [teamorion.com]
Pipe: Team Orion EFRA 3030 [teamorion.com]
Tyres: LRP LP Kamikaze [lrp.cc]
Fuel: RB Concept Fuel 25% [rmv-deutschland.de]
Performance Tips
Carbon Fibre
Sanding and sealing the edges of the carbon fibre parts are not necessary as the shock towers and radio plate are hidden by the body shell. Therefore we just sanded them over with some fine wet and dry sandpaper
Body shell
Mark and drill the body shell before painting as the drill marks are for the old (read shorter) chassis set-up. The front positions are ok but the rear most positions do not match with the body posts on the rear shock tower!
Electronics
When running the truggy in wet conditions make sure to protect the electronics against water and mud. Wrap the servos with electric tape to seal the case joints, protect the part below the servo horns with slightly oiled foam rings, seal the RC box with silicone where the servo cables route into the boxes and use a rubber protector for the on/off switch.
