Asuga Horatio's Sworkz S35 T2E Pro Build + Random Baja 5B Posts!

[Nelson.81]

The latest shocks are supposed to be super smooth.

These are already the plushest shocks to begin with. Easily as good (dare I say better?!) than Xray shocks.

Sworkz actual finished rig are the absolute best. Manuals and QA are some way behind Xray and Tekno, but this is not a deal breaker for most of us.

Yes quality looks top drawer, I’ve been smitten by them ever since I saw one that came up for grabs on a local competition, needless to say I didn’t win it but will have one some day. Might end up a shelve queen though to nice for bashing. But inspired my Kronos build. Sworkz has qualified p1 I believe in the ifmar worlds on atm.

 

[Horatio]

Shout out to Sworkz that put in a really good showing at the IFMAR 1/8th Nitro Buggy Worlds 2024!

TQ by Canas, as stated by Nelson
2nd & 3rd place finishes with Boots and Canas

Ongaro took the win with his Associated and drove a spotless race. Canas grip rolled during the early stages of the race, which allowed Ongaro to capitalise with an unassailable lead.

Boot's performance was awesome - what a result!

 

[Nelson.81]

Kinda feel for canas was leading pack nearly all wk until final race, flameout didn’t help either in end. Ongaro back 2 back 2 back champ. Hats off.

 

[Horatio]

Kinda feel for canas was leading pack nearly all wk until final race, flameout didn’t help either in end. Ongaro back 2 back 2 back champ. Hats off.

His car looked awesome to be fair. I haven't had a chance to check the fastest laps yet, but Canas looked like he was outright quickest to me. Gutted for him - but chuffed to bits for Elliot Boots.

 

[samo975]

Let me start with thank you for starting this thread. I had a “marathon” read through once I found it. The Sworkz looks amazing! The quality seems to be unmatched!

I had a couple of questions (when you find the time). This isn’t the first thread I have seen the m3 Avid titanium droop screws mentioned. I have searched for them in the past but only find them on UK eBay. I am in France and can’t find any locally here. I don’t mind ordering and waiting for an Aliexpress order, but after poking around for a while I can’t find them. What would you search for to find them in one of the china shops?

Second question. As all of us were drooling over your build and wishing we had one, I saw that several people commented something like, “when Sworkz releases their new one, then maybe the S35 T2E will be cheaper.” Has Sworkz released this legendary “new one” yet? I saw the Sworkz Zeus II on their website. Is that the new one?

 

[Nelson.81]

Let me start with thank you for starting this thread. I had a “marathon” read through once I found it. The Sworkz looks amazing! The quality seems to be unmatched!

I had a couple of questions (when you find the time). This isn’t the first thread I have seen the m3 Avid titanium droop screws mentioned. I have searched for them in the past but only find them on UK eBay. I am in France and can’t find any locally here. I don’t mind ordering and waiting for an Aliexpress order, but after poking around for a while I can’t find them. What would you search for to find them in one of the china shops?

Second question. As all of us were drooling over your build and wishing we had one, I saw that several people commented something like, “when Sworkz releases their new one, then maybe the S35 T2E will be cheaper.” Has Sworkz released this legendary “new one” yet? I saw the Sworkz Zeus II on their website. Is that the new one?

Sworkz Zeus is not a new model, I’ve heard nothing about a new model to replace the S35 T2E. But titanium droop screws can be got here( where I should have bought them from )

https://www.dms-racing.com/optional...m-domed-droop-screws-4-all-1-8th-scale-detail

 

[Horatio]

Let me start with thank you for starting this thread. I had a “marathon” read through once I found it. The Sworkz looks amazing! The quality seems to be unmatched!

I had a couple of questions (when you find the time). This isn’t the first thread I have seen the m3 Avid titanium droop screws mentioned. I have searched for them in the past but only find them on UK eBay. I am in France and can’t find any locally here. I don’t mind ordering and waiting for an Aliexpress order, but after poking around for a while I can’t find them. What would you search for to find them in one of the china shops?

Second question. As all of us were drooling over your build and wishing we had one, I saw that several people commented something like, “when Sworkz releases their new one, then maybe the S35 T2E will be cheaper.” Has Sworkz released this legendary “new one” yet? I saw the Sworkz Zeus II on their website. Is that the new one?

Thank you - glad you like the build thread! I have read many about many builds on forums and love seeing them, so couldn't wait to contribute with one or two of my own.

I get my Avid titanium droop screws from DMS and my Sworkz parts from Answer RC.

They are larger dome heads, softer than typical steel grub screws and won't chew up your chassis.

There are these special Sworkz ones in steel:

Sworkz Droop Screws

And

The titanium ones Nelson links to on DMS racing site.

The Zues II is a MT based on the T2E. The S35 T2E is the current racing Truggy and yes, when the new ones are released, generally the last of the old stock are sold off on discount.

With the T2E, you generally have to place a back order and wait for it to come in - there are never any surplus stock here in the UK - because the electric Truggy class is no longer supported in the UK.

Back order prices are now £671.

But - it's an excellent rig and Black Friday is just around the corner.....

 

[samo975]

All of this is good information. The real bummer is I would order these droop screws today, but the tariffs from the UK to France are so high. I ordered a pen a couple weeks ago for $15. When it arrived the post said I owed $10 on import fees...for a pen...
So, that is why I am a little more inclined to try and find them within the EU or strangely enough if I order from China somehow those companies pre-pay the tariff. Either way, I will order them, I just need to swallow my pride and accept that I will be paying close to $30 for 4 droop screws .
But, now you guys have me thinking how much I could sell my XTR for to try and offset the cost of picking up the S35 T2E. There are a few dirt tracks that run 1/8 electric trucks around here, and when I take the XTR, it bashes around just fine. I have fun, but I am getting lapped every time I get to a corner that is too sharp from my rig (Edit: I know the reason I am getting lapped is because of my skill . But it’s a good excuse to look for another rig) . Either way the point is to have fun and share in an awesome hobby with others.

 

[Nelson.81]

Titanium droop screws aren’t necessary they just a nice touch, I wouldn’t spend $30 on them not worth it you could spend your money better elsewhere. Similar but not as big a dome head are some titanium grub screws & a fraction of the price I’ve seen them on AliExpress but can’t find any with the dome head in stock atm. These maybe but they might be a flat head hard to tell in the pictures.
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡1.46 | TAIMEILI-Titanium Alloy Screw, M4 Headless Machine, Top Wire, Bicycle Transmission, H/L Adjustment Screw, 1Pcs
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ey7Xu4z

A rtr basher never going to keep pace an rc that been purpose built for racing on track. The sworkz wouldn’t be a cheap build by time you buy the kit electronics paint etc, selling the xtr you’ll get a fraction back of its cost/value. I would keep it just save a little longer if the sworkz your goal.

 

[Horatio]

The XTR in stock form is a nice rig to drive and compares favourably with other MT bashers.

Whilst perfectly raceable, it's got a significant weight disadvantage over a race Truggy. Race truggies will also have better weight distribution and more efficient drivetrains.

That being said, with appropriate gearing and tyres, the XTR's short comings wouldn't prevent it doing alright so long as it was driven well.

 

[samo975]

The XTR in stock form is a nice rig to drive and compares favourably with other MT bashers.

Whilst perfectly raceable, it's got a significant weight disadvantage over a race Truggy. Race truggies will also have better weight distribution and more efficient drivetrains.

That being said, with appropriate gearing and tyres, the XTR's short comings wouldn't prevent it doing alright so long as it was driven well.

And there in lies the rub. I have only picked up RC cars about a year ago and make it to the track once a month. I have a blast.
When I moved to France I actually picked up RC because it sounded fun and would force me more into community life for practicing my French. So what I did is look up the track rules and saw they race 1/8 buggies. So I bought the XTR, the first time I showed up at the track everyone noticed how much bigger my 1/8 car was compared to their 1/8 rigs . They were still nice and let me race around. Recently I have been thinking about a more dedicated racing rig and this Sworkz has caught my eye.

 

[Nelson.81]

And there in lies the rub. I have only picked up RC cars about a year ago and make it to the track once a month. I have a blast.
When I moved to France I actually picked up RC because it sounded fun and would force me more into community life for practicing my French. So what I did is look up the track rules and saw they race 1/8 buggies. So I bought the XTR, the first time I showed up at the track everyone noticed how much bigger my 1/8 car was compared to their 1/8 rigs . They were still nice and let me race around. Recently I have been thinking about a more dedicated racing rig and this Sworkz has caught my eye.

Maybe add a buggy to your collection for racing, truggy handling being wider & longer a little more forgiving but on track buggy more agile nimble & quick, buggies tend be a bit cheaper also, Kit or rtr there’s plenty to choose from.

 

[Horatio]

And there in lies the rub. I have only picked up RC cars about a year ago and make it to the track once a month. I have a blast.
When I moved to France I actually picked up RC because it sounded fun and would force me more into community life for practicing my French. So what I did is look up the track rules and saw they race 1/8 buggies. So I bought the XTR, the first time I showed up at the track everyone noticed how much bigger my 1/8 car was compared to their 1/8 rigs . They were still nice and let me race around. Recently I have been thinking about a more dedicated racing rig and this Sworkz has caught my eye.

If they race Truggies - get a Truggy. They're typically quicker around any track, given the extra stability and traction they afford.

That being said, buggies feel nimbler. They require greater driver discipline but are lighter and require less power.

 

[Nelson.81]

View attachment 4976
Let's start by saying that these seal packs are excellent. 16 o-rings, 4 bladders and 12 Delrin guides. Sworkz aren't messing about with these large volume shocks.

View attachment 4977
1.4mm x 6 pistons (rear) and 1.3mm x 6 (front) pistons are held on by a lock nut. The piston is supported by a washer.
View attachment 4978
Working the air out of the shocks took just a few minutes. A bleed hole on the threaded part of the shock cap, as well as a bleed screw at the top of the shock, allows perfect air free shocks.

The cap design also allows for emulsion shock setup for those that prefer it (I personally don't) - the bladders can be replaced with rubber seals instead.
View attachment 4979
The finish is really quite stunning. Credit where it's due, these are 100% on point - the form factor is outstanding.
View attachment 4980
Rubber boots protect the shock shafts and nifty little nylon clip-in bushes support the top. At the bottom, the locking spring supports are keyed such that they are unlikely to be displaced.

My sub optimal lighting makes it very difficult to do these components justice, but suffice to say - these shocks take the crown of best shocks ever. Nice job Sworkz!

Back in the 80's, 1/8th buggies were dominated by Kyosho. Part of the dominance stemmed from a great shock design. So much so, that even team drivers of other manufacturers used the Kyosho shocks to be competitive. They were simply stronger, smoother and more consistent than the other shock designs at that time.

I've built PB, Mugen, Kyosho, Xray, Losi, Associated, HPI shocks over the years. Kyosho, Mugen and Xray shocks stood out as excellent designs.

These Sworkz shocks are the best I've experienced yet - and by quite some margin. The sturdy delrin guides, the clever seal design and the finish of every component is exemplary.

View attachment 4981
I should imagine these shocks are going to be very durable. Might we see these on Arrma and Corally rigs as a luxury upgrade?

What length are the shock bodies think I need a set for the Kronos lol , could you measure them for me please, considering getting 2 sets rears to use on the front & rear.

 

[Horatio]

What length are the shock bodies think I need a set for the Kronos lol , could you measure them for me please, considering getting 2 sets rears to use on the front & rear.

Quickly measured on the car (where total length is set by droop screws):

Total length:
Fronts: 105mm
Rears: 130mm

Shock Body Length:
Fronts: 50mm
Rears: 65mm

Stroke:
Front: 37mm
Rear: 48mm

 

[Nelson.81]

Quickly measured on the car (where total length is set by droop screws):

Total length:
Fronts: 105mm
Rears: 130mm

Shock Body Length:
Fronts: 50mm
Rears: 65mm

Stroke:
Front: 37mm
Rear: 48mm

£200+ for set of shocks as nice as they are can’t justify to myself for a basher, could do it cheaper get std bbs shocks for @£150 but wanted the new bbs smc bodies & rc project caps bladders. Whether you piece it together or buy shock kit works out silly money even if wait until Black Friday sale(1 time year answer rc do discount) but can’t bring myself to do it especially this time year, It’s 3rd price of a sworkz kit & rumours about sworkz testing new truck kit atm maybe hold out for it. So I think Im gonna go for set exb shocks instead they’ll match my colour scheme Im going for better, no real need to change them more of a want than a need too but way I’m looking at is I’m upgrading this rig & collecting stock parts build to build something else down line, think I’m a chassis, motor mount, diff gears, shocks maybe few other bits away from having enough spares build something else.

 

[Horatio]

£200+ for set of shocks as nice as they are can’t justify to myself for a basher, could do it cheaper get std bbs shocks for @£150 but wanted the new bbs smc bodies & rc project caps bladders. Whether you piece it together or buy shock kit works out silly money even if wait until Black Friday sale(1 time year answer rc do discount) but can’t bring myself to do it especially this time year, It’s 3rd price of a sworkz kit & rumours about sworkz testing new truck kit atm maybe hold out for it. So I think Im gonna go for set exb shocks instead they’ll match my colour scheme Im going for better, no real need to change them more of a want than a need too but way I’m looking at is I’m upgrading this rig & collecting stock parts build to build something else down line, think I’m a chassis, motor mount, diff gears, shocks maybe few other bits away from having enough spares build something else.

View attachment 7407

View attachment 7408

That's serious coin! Black Friday mega deals might find you a whole Sworkz rig!

 

[Horatio]

So, the Baja 5B has had a fairly interesting Symmetrical Steering upgrade.

For anyone that doesn't know, the Baja's standard arrangement is with a large Servo sat sideways at the front of the car, suspended from a plastic radio box, with a link that runs from the plastic horn to a bellcrank at a slightly weird angle.

Steering on the Baja is fairly taxing on the driver as it, given the rear engined chassis wants to bite you at every opportunity, coupled with the fact that the front wheels are rarely on the ground anyway! Steering is mostly achieved with the throttle.

However, over the past several years, numerous companies have produced symmetrical Steering for the Baja. This is a very tricky thing to do as space is at a premium.

Bonehead takes this approach:

Using a 3rd servo. It's really, really nice. £200 upgrade.

Rovan have a really nice, CNC alloy radio plate and symmetrical steering upgrade, with the smaller radio box. Could I make it work with my larger FASST R603FS receiver? Let's find out...

My old, spacious radio box had everything packed in foam.

So, time to clear the decks....

I fitted the new steering and track rods.

The fixed length linkages I removed from the crank and then fitted them to the servo horn.

Holy moly! Look at this horn!!! Matron.... It's on a mission to destroy flex.

Down sizing your radio box is a bad idea. At this point I was shaking my head thinking - there is no way.....

With a little persuasion, lube, shoe horn and the air blue, I managed to pack it all in - along with the Killer Bee kill switch.

It's a very purposefully built bit of kit this - Rovan sure can produce some nice parts.

So, now the sub trim, end points and trim are all sorted, I make a start on the new split steel roll cage.

I incorporated 'heritage' parts from the SS that I feel must remain on the rig.

When it's all finished, I'll post some more pictures.

 

[KnowAir]

Nice work brother! I look forward to hearing how it works!
I have an Arrma 8s, which has a half thoughtful steering setup too. I keep trying to visualize it with a more traditional steering setup. Maybe something like a DBXL..hmm. Needs a longer top plate at the very least, and complete rework of the servo/steering rack.

 

[Horatio]

Nice work brother! I look forward to hearing how it works!
I have an Arrma 8s, which has a half thoughtful steering setup too. I keep trying to visualize it with a more traditional steering setup. Maybe something like a DBXL..hmm. Needs a longer top plate at the very least, and complete rework of the servo/steering rack.

Cheers bro!

I've got a feeling you're about to modify your 8S Kraton.

I'll be sure to get some video of this rig running. I have plans on getting this to put in it later this year: