After several conversations with Dan and Mike Taylor regarding the 50 GT in the Grave Digger I pulled the proverbial trigger. My initial reluctance was the exhaust. I don’t like having to remove the driver, and cutting the roll cage. I also like how the factory exhaust exits. In any case, I discussed the exhaust concern with both Dan and Mike but at the moment there is no simple answer. For now I have a complete second Grave Digger body and roll cage that I will install when it is on static display. To do this is painless, I will have to remove the 2 muffler springs and one nut so the muffler can be removed after which the spare Grave Digger body complete with driver will set in place.
Onward…
The engine arrived and looks very fitting of the Grave Digger, in fact, it looks better in person. The Grave Digger/Raminator’s are IMO, mechanical artwork and Mike’s GD engine is too. I did remove Mike’s machined aluminum plate that he mounts the red momentary kill switch on as it was not going to be used. Per Mike’s recommendation I simply removed the plate and inserted a 3mm shim in the resulting slot and then retorqued the pull start cover bolt. Once the engine is installed I’ll create a proper length ground wire that will go between the coil and the factory toggle switch.
So the transformation, upgrades, and preemptive maintenance is under way.
All of this after less than 1/2 tank of fuel having been run through the stock engine.
I am not looking for high speed runs but rather more spirited low to moderate speed activities such as jumps, wheelies, donuts. etc. Just a more lively Grave Digger.
During the swap I opted not to cut the chassis side panel. Removing a few bolts and loosening a few others was a straightforward process and did not take very long.
While engine is being swapped the differentials are being serviced and upgraded per John Parks suggestions and am very glad I did. I also swapped the transmission gearing back to 25/25 during which I found the 2 set screws on the transmission gear hex nut on F/R synchronizer shaft were loose. I did not check them when I initially swapped the gearing and added grease. I have already inspected and greased the drive chain and gears.
The Primal RC’s whether it be a Grave Digger, Raminator, or Mega Monster Truck, all have the hallmarks of a very cool never-ending process. They are as enjoyable to look at and tinker with as it is to see them operate under their own power. We have other RC’s including other 4 wheeled rigs such as the Baja 5B and the Baja 5T that are also cool but fill a different niche for us. The Primal RC is a very unique piece surrounded by an endless array of something else.
I read many great comments intermixed with some that share disappointment, frustration, and unfulfilled expectations. I do understand and can relate but I never stop smiling. It’s a hobby as such it’s the processes that keep most going and not the highs or lows of a simple moment in time.
Takes care
Onward…
The engine arrived and looks very fitting of the Grave Digger, in fact, it looks better in person. The Grave Digger/Raminator’s are IMO, mechanical artwork and Mike’s GD engine is too. I did remove Mike’s machined aluminum plate that he mounts the red momentary kill switch on as it was not going to be used. Per Mike’s recommendation I simply removed the plate and inserted a 3mm shim in the resulting slot and then retorqued the pull start cover bolt. Once the engine is installed I’ll create a proper length ground wire that will go between the coil and the factory toggle switch.
So the transformation, upgrades, and preemptive maintenance is under way.
All of this after less than 1/2 tank of fuel having been run through the stock engine.
I am not looking for high speed runs but rather more spirited low to moderate speed activities such as jumps, wheelies, donuts. etc. Just a more lively Grave Digger.
During the swap I opted not to cut the chassis side panel. Removing a few bolts and loosening a few others was a straightforward process and did not take very long.
While engine is being swapped the differentials are being serviced and upgraded per John Parks suggestions and am very glad I did. I also swapped the transmission gearing back to 25/25 during which I found the 2 set screws on the transmission gear hex nut on F/R synchronizer shaft were loose. I did not check them when I initially swapped the gearing and added grease. I have already inspected and greased the drive chain and gears.
The Primal RC’s whether it be a Grave Digger, Raminator, or Mega Monster Truck, all have the hallmarks of a very cool never-ending process. They are as enjoyable to look at and tinker with as it is to see them operate under their own power. We have other RC’s including other 4 wheeled rigs such as the Baja 5B and the Baja 5T that are also cool but fill a different niche for us. The Primal RC is a very unique piece surrounded by an endless array of something else.
I read many great comments intermixed with some that share disappointment, frustration, and unfulfilled expectations. I do understand and can relate but I never stop smiling. It’s a hobby as such it’s the processes that keep most going and not the highs or lows of a simple moment in time.
Takes care
