RPM v. Aluminum upgrade parts

[Bohican]

i was wondering what everyone else prefers when it comes to upgraded parts for the E-Maxx (or any RC in general). i have always been a firm believer on upgrading with RPM parts. i have considered doing Aluminum upgrades but have decided not to due to my "skill" level when it comes to driving my RC cars. I have heard that Aluminum upgrade parts, although durable, can bend at points that you wont even notice its bent causing unwanted driving effects. i have also heard that with upgrading to Aluminum that you end up breaking the plastic part it connects too. RPM on the other hand has alot of "flex" to them. also RPM has a nice warranty program that if i do break a RPM part i can send it in to get it replaced. i was wondering what everyone else thought about RPM v. Aluminum upgraded parts.......pros and cons.

[Bloody_Wheels]

You can use aluminum in some areas. My bulkheads, and differential cases are aluminum. For the A-arms, steering knuckles, shock towers, etc. I would go RPM. RPM is tough as nails and isnt heavy like aluminum.

[johnny5c]

I personally like RPM A-arms and skid plates but wouldn't use their shock towers or axle carriers again. Using RPM towers I was bending shock shafts plus cracking bodies around the post holes and the pillow balls had a tendency to pull through the carriers. I'm now using aluminum bulks and towers and haven't had any major damage and the truck has a much stiffer feel as far as handling goes.

[bentrocker]

The best thing to do is read some builds other members have put together to learn which combination of parts is going to work with your build.

[Redsawacs]

"Number Johnny-5" makes a good point about the "Flexibility" of non-aluminum shock towers. they will lead to bent shock rods unless you spend more money on shock shafts...I admit, I didnt think about this.

+1 for bentrocker - I dont think there is any 2 identical builds on this forum...everyone tailors their build for their driving habits

then again, flexible parts break/bend less until you find their limits...usually above your head

[Captain_Rusty]

I've always gone with RPM parts over AL on my other RCs but I think my EMBE will end up with some AL. I find the plastic bulks to be a major weak point and I don't believe RPM makes bulks so they will most likely end up AL eventually. There is a mod you can do to stop the pillow balls from pulling through the carriers as well, just can't remember what it is, hopefully someone chimes in on this.

[bentrocker]

The mod for the rpm knuckles that Captain_Rusty is talking about is removing the steel retaining rings from the revo knuckles and installing them on the back of the rpm knuckles. They are a perfect fit.

[Captain_Rusty]

Ya, that's the one! Couldn't remember where the retaining rings were from. Thanks bent!

[bentrocker]

That's why I first recommended the revo knuckles. When they ware out or break you could buy rpm knuckled and then use the rings. I don't think you can buy the rings on their own.

[DiggerPede]

I love my nearly all aluminum EMBE. The frame and A-arms are FLM, the bulks are GH, and the Towers are the not so famous Integy ( will get changed out one of these days ). The knuckles are Tekno, very very good products there. Tons of other upgrades but to show what was aluminum. I use RPM skids to protect most of the under belly. I bash it and has held up really well.

[bazookamaxx]

strong thick skid plates with rpm plastic ones over them for base strength and so they dont wear, aluminum bulks with a good bulk brace (GE), aluminum towers (UE) is having a sale). plastic body posts, plastic bumper mounts, rpm arms front, truetrak rear, unless you can afford some flextek Ti or UE racerx. RD Racing axel carriers with aluminum pillow ball retainers and if your not going to get an aluminum chassis at least get an aluminum bulk brace to locktite into the bulks. A set of tony screws to piece it together and a ceramic bearing kit to finish it off. Proline body to protect it all. Thinks thats it for my xmas list

[DiggerPede]

flextek Ti

Flextek Titanium

If anyone is interested please get on the inquiry so they will make a run. I so have been wanting a set of those since i first seen them.

[bentrocker]

Wow had to go back and read that again. $300 a set ,I can buy a lot of rpm arms for that. They are sweet though.

[Captain_Rusty]

300 for a set of arms?! Digger you're crazy! Haha.

[DiggerPede]

300 for a set of arms?! Digger you're crazy! Haha.

LOLOLOL Crazy is my middle name. I like how clean and tough they are. I run FLM arms and they run mighty close to my shocks or shocks to arms. There is something about the design that i like.

Also for some odd reason I like my EMBE to be a beast. Guess like baldy likes his P2de to be.

[Captain_Rusty]

You could probably find a fab shop close to you and get them to custom make you a set for cheaper. Cases of beer and cash are very persuasive you know haha.

[schatts]

rpm all the way. i have throw away of 100$ in al parts. they bend and twist. rpm has a warrnty. if you find al parts make sure they are harden. and dont put al to al parts there should be some thing that can give a little

[Wildman4910]

RPM on the corners & aluminum down the middle.

[bazookamaxx]

flm has warranty also, you break it get a new one, thats cnc aluminum not integy/gh pot metal, thats why flm offer the warranty