5T/LT franken-build Help me out please...

[Tripp]

Hey all, new to the forum here, I recently bought a new Rovan 360LT 4wh (don't pound on me please). Obviously this is a clone of the 5T but I couldn't find a 5T and have started working on some upgrades. A little back story on my RC experience so those of you that have a similar history can give real constructive support if you choose.
-35 plus years of RC aircraft and vehicles. Large scale warbirds and 3D Air, 3D Heli, RC touring, buggy, on road, carpet cars, and off road as well as the early 1:5 HARM gas touring cars...as well as a lot of Kart racing and MX for my kids.
So I'm just looking for some technical info from those of you that have vast experience in the 1:5 gas
It obviously came with a Rovan 36cc which fires right up and runs well as of now. However, I'm at altitude in CO (6K ft) and we loose about 15% power due to the alt always. I've completed a full tank of break-in with Klotz however will be running Amsoil Dom here on out. So, I just purchased a TaylorRC 35 reed engine (tonight ) to just get it over with haha and I'm trying to make sure everything I order works with the Rovan LT stock diff and install for now or???. I will make changes if needed. Additionally, I'm looking for info on the different clutch bell housings/pinion gears/spur gears, options and compatibility. I don't have a 5th scale track to run/race on (in this entire state full of land) so I just want a powerful truck to rip around on some MX tracks and vacant lots.
Sorry for the long intro but really want some solid input for set up and compatability. All opinions welcome. Thanks!

Here's were I'm at.... The front toe looks extreme in the cell phone pics. Its not at all as bad as it looks....

 

[Dunc2504]

Looks good to me , I am not one of the "all things Chinese are crap " brigade , as most stuff is made in China now .
What is the engine ? as if it is the 30 Degrees north 38 , or Rovan 36 , it will not lack power as is.
What Taylor did you get ? reed case or standard ?.
Should fly with that in , but you will probably be better off with Taylor clutch and changing gearing .
I expect a Taylor pipe will be needed maximise the motor.

 

[Dunc2504]

Just re read your post and see you have the Rovan 36 in there .
I run them on single piston ring. I just remove the lower piston ring , Not a bad engine at all.
I would run that till you get bored with it and then chuck the Taylor in for more go.

 

[Tripp]

Just re read your post and see you have the Rovan 36 in there .
I run them on single piston ring. I just remove the lower piston ring , Not a bad engine at all.
I would run that till you get bored with it and then chuck the Taylor in for more go.

So I ordered the Taylor 35 Reed case motor w/ WT1257 extreme carb also got their billet clutch bell carrier. Just trying to determine which clutch bell and pinions to go with. Seems to be a shortage of pinions and spur options with several of the different mfg’s of proprietary gears. Any suggestions would be helpful. I’d be fine running Losi stuff if the gears I want were more available.

 

[Dunc2504]

I run Vertigo with mine , but Taylor do loads of options , Blackbone may do some as well.

 

[Flh003]

I would think you just have to pay attention to what version clone is it. I have a rovan slt360. Its the buggy version. It is a v1 clone of the 5t/5b. The clutch carrier and fan shroud are for a v1 5t. I'm running a 34esp. I use the Vertigo vented clutch bell, vertigo pinion gears and fs clutch.
I cleaned out the grease in the diffs and switched to oil. It seemed to make the diffs a little smoother.

 

[Tripp]

Thanks for the info. I did order a vertigo vented clutch bell and some pinions from DDM last night. As for the clone version chassis... I bought a current new Rovan 360LT short course truck from Rovan RC (same as Fearless rc). I'm still trying to figure out all of the differences between the Losi 5T versions and compatibility of parts . If anyone can assist me on the differences between the 5T's it would be much appreciated.

 

[Tripp]

I would think you just have to pay attention to what version clone is it. I have a rovan slt360. Its the buggy version. It is a v1 clone of the 5t/5b. The clutch carrier and fan shroud are for a v1 5t. I'm running a 34esp. I use the Vertigo vented clutch bell, vertigo pinion gears and fs clutch.
I cleaned out the grease in the diffs and switched to oil. It seemed to make the diffs a little smoother.

Very nice build! is that a Taylor center diff holder?

 

[Tripp]

Regarding Spur gears... I was hoping to run the Vertigo stuff as well however everything seems to be sold out. My current gear on my stock truck is 19/58
when I switch to the Taylor 35 I want a completely new diff/diff holder and a set a spur gears, I like to Vertigo concept however if anyone has a good source for a full range of gears please advise...Thanks!

 

[Flh003]

They are MOD center diff carriers.
5tv1.0 the spur is towards rear
V2 the spur is towards the front

 

[Flh003]

I am no expert by any means but looking at your pics, yours is based off v1 like my rovan buggy.

 

[evssv]

The 5t will have better diffs

 

[Tripp]

Thanks! I def have a V1 diff with spur toward the rear....

 

[Tripp]

Does anyone have a good vendor stocking spur gears? Having trouble locating a 56t state side other than the Vitavon I ordered from China.

 

[Tripp]

The Taylor 35cc Reed case showed up today! Pics below:
Hey just a shout out to Detroit Performance RC, I've ordered quite a bit of parts from them lately and I have to say they have always shipped my orders out very quickly. This order was placed Feb 4 and got it this morning the 8th. Super happy with their service. Thanks!

 

[Flh003]

They are pretty!!

 

[kenkamm]

For that engine, with stock tires, you're going to want 22/58 or 23/58 ratio.

You can get the Vertigo clutch bell and Vertigo 23T. Granted the clutch bell is out of stock but they are usually pretty good about restocking.

 

[Tripp]

Thanks, I have the vertigo clutch bell and a 21t and 22t coming with it. i'll prob start with 22/58.

 

[Tripp]

Quick question, is the shortage of available gear sizes for the 5t's and similar due to the lack of demand? Just curious. It seems like hunting for gold for the 1:5 scale platform truck gearing

 

[kenkamm]

Quick question, is the shortage of available gear sizes for the 5t's and similar due to the lack of demand? Just curious. It seems like hunting for gold for the 1:5 scale platform truck gearing

Seems like only the retailers themselves would really know the answer to that question. We don't know if they aren't stocking because they don't think stuff will sell, or if they are out of stock due to sales.

Where did you find the clutch bell? It was out of stock at Detroit Performance and I couldn't even find it on DDM's site.