From what I have heard here, I think the Chimera has the same platform of XB/XT and not MT.
I have discussed with Dan (owner of KM and Rovan) about 5b and t1000gt and its brothers from the Rovan family (note that their parts are all interchangeable).
It all comes down on whether you are searching for a 2wd or a 4wd truck. If it's a 4wd, then get Chimera or
losi dbxl.
Chimera is interchangeable with XB/XT products, so you have a lot of aftermarket parts that are compatible. From 7075rc diff house, chassis, arms, shock towers to hubs to dgi links and arms, to 2speed and wheel adaptors(The whole nine yards)
If you get a KM or a Rovan, you are getting a 2wd (faster than 4wd), note that it is 600$ cheaper than the original HPI. since all the parts are interchengeable between all platforms of km/rovan/hpi, almost all users prefer getting the knock off and then install Turtle Racing products to upgrade their truck. (Ull be doing that anyways)
After A LOT of research, you need to upgrade the below following on your km/rovan/HPI to make it bulletproof, with these upgrades you can run the car 100mph without fear of failure.
(And Whatever you do, do not get the All Aluminum km/rovan truck)
-install TR quick diff: 135$
-install TR Racing clutch: 160$
-install TR servo Savor: 90$
-upgrade pinion and gear: 60$
-upgrade servos: 150$ ( you might do this for Chimera as well)
-install Vertigo front axle extenders:40$
-add a new DOM pipe (best pipe): 160$ (you might do this for Chimera as well)
So original truck 530$ (ask for a discount he will give it for 510$) + above parts 800$= 1310$ Overall.
but 310$ is common with chimera servos and pipe. so 500$
Ofcourse, other users have installed other TR products for more bullet proofness like the front/rear upper plate and front/rear shock towers and even FLM hardened extended racing arms for more stability. (you don't need to do this unless you are bashing REALLY REALLY HARD) which is another 500$ overall
Note that every part whether it's hpi/km /rovan will break eventually. Thats why people always tend to upgrade their bajas.
As for availability, 5b/5t/5sc trucks have the widest aftermarket parts available. Yes widest. Forums are full of topics and crazy ideas.
As far as im concerned, if you want to get a 2wd, get the knock off (since you will be changing most of the parts eventually) and you'll be benefitting the 30.5cc 4 bolt engine instead of the 26cc from HPI.
As a final note, i picked a used 5b this week that im enjoying it. See thread: (
http://www.redcatrampageforum.com/showthread.php?t=13479)
2wd platform is something different, requires skills to drive and a lot more fun than 4wd to be honest.
Kraken RC (a known company in cali) have been fabricating a TSK class 1 kit for the 5b/5t/5sc platforms. They have one ready and is widely used by many. See below utube vid
Couple of months later, they plan releasing other conversion cages like the sidewinder sandrail sx5 (blue) and another class B version (orange), all with chassis, cage and other upgrades. (all interchangeable with 5b/5t/5sc)
Ofcourse, my original plan is to do a kraken conversion and put in a big bore in it.
See the below youtube video on the old kraken's cage:
And here are some pics on the future releases ( I hope next month):
