Is the aftermarket body really that much heavier?

[duvinclunk]

Ok I'm in the market for an aftermarket shell right now. I work for a truck company and we are designing a shell (the graphics) for my slash. I was going to go with a Proline shell but have read they are heavy and not as good for racing. I don't race yet but am getting into it. Is a Proline shell really going to be that big a disadvantage when on the track? Should I just get a stock body and paint it?

[arvint]

Really...I don't think you'll notice the extra weight...BUT, they are heavier, and its the highest most part of the car which adds a higher center of gravity.. If you think every bit counts, then yes, the stock body is an advantage. But they are by no means bad for racing..IMO, Most people wont notice the difference..

[Telnets]

they are a heavier lexan but your only talking a gew grams more then normal.. if your SERIOUS into racing, then keep to the stock and put a LIGHT coat of paint on it..

if you arnt to the point where a few grams is going to matter, get a better aftermarket shell and put your graphics on it

a lot of serious racers wont even put graphics on their truck, or paint protective coatings because it "add weight".. im guessing since your planning to plaster it with decals your not in that type of racing yet so grab whatever body you think looks cool

[Emaxx2.0]

The aftermarket bodies might be heavier but they offer better aerodynamics so you can get better traction and control. Same with a Touring cars or even real cars lol.

[arvint]

Good point^^

Sorry for the hijak..but which bodies would you say are the most aerodynamic?

[Telnets]

probably the 14rs from proline or whatever its called.. what are you doing with this body? street/speed runs? if ground clearance isnt an issue, then pick up a Kyosho Inferno GT body, such as the subaru, Aston Martin or Audi.. thoes fit the wheel base of the slash, and are low to the ground with good airflow.. it will keep your truck from turning into a sail

if you are looking for aerodynamics ON the track... it wont matter.. your not going fast enough to even worry about it

[arvint]

Just for track running..My track is crazy about aerodyamics..they have some crazy theories..

[Telnets]

well to be honest, at 30km an hour on a straight away, and like 15-20 on a jump... i doubt aerodynamics has much at all to do with anything ;P

[duvinclunk]

Ok guys. Sounds good. I'm by no means a serious SC driver and am just getting into this. Nor will I be 'plastering' the shell with decals. Just my company's logo on the doors and hood. I went to the hobby shop and felt a Proline shell and a stock shell and the stock was noticeably lighter. Choices, choices.

[Arakon]

The 14rs has a rather high COG and sits rather high, so it's actually more likely to catch a lot of air and slow down the car.

[duvinclunk]

The 14rs has a rather high COG and sits rather high, so it's actually more likely to catch a lot of air and slow down the car.

Not considering the 14rs. Going Silverado.

[Federally]

another thing to consider is the heavier aftermarket shells tend to be more durable since they are a thicker lexan. But weight wise I don't really see much difference going from a .04 shell to a .06 shell. And if your gonna be hitting the track your probably gonna want to drill some holes in the back so you don't get the parachute affect from the body when your airbourne which will help cut weight!

[duvinclunk]

Decisions, decisions.

[john01374]

If you're racing then stick with the stock 2wd body and give it a very light coat of paint. My race body has a single very light coat of black with clear windows. If you hold it up to a light you can see through it. Swapping from my race body to my Proline Hardcore body I can see the difference in handling immediately.

The Proline bodies look nice and are great if you are just playing around but they are heavier than stock. The RS14 and Bug are the heaviest I've seen and also sit up the highest so avoid them. If you want an aftermarket body the Desert rat is the lightest i've found. At the speeds these trucks run at aero does not come into play unless the truck is in the air and that only matters because the truck body acts like a parachute and catches air.

[Out of Sight]

The heavier aftermarket bodies actually help to give the truck some added traction due to the weight. But for racing the you don't want the weight to be on top, but low to reduce CoG. I run the Silverado lid occasionally..not much difference in lap times, but the truck flies funny sometimes..probably due to the squared frontal area.