Rebuilding a vintage javelin to be a runner

[playerOne]

Hey guys, I have an original 80s javelin that I'm rebuilding to be a runner. I got this in the late 80s and I don't think I was able to drive it that much until the MSC shorted out. Went into storage after that. I've read that the original gears are made of cheese so I'm looking for advice on what to do to make it more reliable. Don't want it to blow up on the first run. I'm trying not to spend too much money on this

The plan is to run it with a silver can at first maybe move to a 17T brushed motor if it's too slow. I have a Tekin FX ESC and 2s lipo. Depending on how it does, maybe move to a BL system 13.5 or lower in the future. Which option would be enough for the motors listed above? Thanks!

Option 1:
Hard Final Pinion (OT-76)

Option 2:
Hard Final Pinion (OT-76)
Limiter Gear Set (OT-74)

Option 3:
Upgrade to rere drivetrain
Also, is the rere ultima slipper the same as the rere optima? https://www.ebay.com/itm/143468100575

And a picture of what I'm working on

[Dadio]

If you want a runner and can afford the RE RE trans then that's the way to go and just keep the original trans to keep its value in future.
And one picture is not acceptable , we need many more pictures

[XLR8]

I agree with Dadio.

Also, rere Ultima and rere Optima share transmission parts including the slipper assembly.
I should also note that due to updates Kyosho made to the rere, it's extremely difficult to fit rere transmission parts in a vintage Optima (different FDR, gear pitch, etc). And this even includes the cases - Kyosho has changed diff bearing size.
So unfortunately, it's nearly all or nothing with it comes to upgrading the trans.

Also, when it comes to these old buggies, you really can't expect modern buggy performance when upgrading to modern motors and batteries. I speak from experience; adding power only serves to amplify their handling faults.

By the way, welcome aboard.

[playerOne]

If you want a runner and can afford the RE RE trans then that's the way to go and just keep the original trans to keep its value in future.
And one picture is not acceptable , we need many more pictures

Here's the most recent picture of my Javelin. Just threw it together to see if the parts all fit. As you can see, there are rere parts on it already

[playerOne]

I really didn't want to go the rere route but it seems to make the most sense. And I think I have to do it soon because some parts are already out of stock and I'm not sure if it will ever be restocked.

I agree with Dadio.

Also, rere Ultima and rere Optima share transmission parts including the slipper assembly.
I should also note that due to updates Kyosho made to the rere, it's extremely difficult to fit rere transmission parts in a vintage Optima (different FDR, gear pitch, etc). And this even includes the cases - Kyosho has changed diff bearing size.
So unfortunately, it's nearly all or nothing with it comes to upgrading the trans.

Also, when it comes to these old buggies, you really can't expect modern buggy performance when upgrading to modern motors and batteries. I speak from experience; adding power only serves to amplify their handling faults.

By the way, welcome aboard.

Thanks!

I saw that you've already done this conversion your Javelin runner post. Car looks great by the way. Was there anything you reused from the original drivetrain, like the front diff?

Here's a list that I've compiled. Does it look right? I think it's just missing some bearings and the slipper discs/pads.
https://www.kyoshoamerica.com/Gear-Shaft-Set-OPTIMA-2016_p_24410.html
Gear Shaft Set (OPTIMA 2016)
Part Number OT225
Your Price: $16.99

https://www.kyoshoamerica.com/Gear-Set-OPTIMA-2016_p_24406.html
Gear Set (OPTIMA 2016)
Part Number OT221
Your Price: $11.99

https://www.kyoshoamerica.com/Diff-Gear-Case-Pulley-OPTIM_p_24394.html
Diff Gear Case & Pulley (OPTIM
Part Number OT208
Your Price: $17.99

https://www.kyoshoamerica.com/Gear-Box-OPTIMA-2016_p_24388.html
Gear Box (OPTIMA 2016)
Part Number OT202
Your Price: $7.99

https://www.kyoshoamerica.com/Diff-Inner-Parts-Set-OPTIMA-2_p_24407.html
Diff Inner Parts Set (OPTIMA 2
Part Number OT222
Your Price: $13.99 x2

https://www.kyoshoamerica.com/Diff-Shaft-2pcsOPTIMA-2016_p_24409.html
Diff Shaft (2pcs/OPTIMA 2016)
Part Number OT224
Your Price: $12.99 x2

[XLR8]

It's been a long while since I've had my car apart so I really don't recall many of the details.

For the front diff, if you run the chain, then you can continue to run the car's original front diff assembly - the specs for the chain is the same. If you switch to belt drive however, the front diff assembly and cases must be changed. I seem to recall that the rere's belt pulley won't fit the vintage diff case because the screw locations were changed. Anyway, I just looked at my car (belt drive) and it definitely has modern drive cups so that means the entire front drive assembly is modern.

For the rear assembly, every part inside the transmission and the trans cases have been changed and those parts won't interface with vintage parts.
The motor plate, spur gear spindle and gear cover are essentially unchanged so you won't need those.

That's about as much as I can recall.

Your parts list is missing a belt -- if you intend to go that direction.

[playerOne]

Got all the parts needed for the rere drivetrain upgrade and a few pieces that I don't need . Started building the front and rear diffs.

[Benders]

This is the second javelin I’ve seen and man I’m digging them!!! I believe I’d of stuck with spike tires myself but just for the fact there’s not enough pavement where I’m at to have fun with a street car…

[playerOne]

This is the second javelin I’ve seen and man I’m digging them!!! I believe I’d of stuck with spike tires myself but just for the fact there’s not enough pavement where I’m at to have fun with a street car…

The Javelin does look awesome, a little different than the rest. I also love the spike tires but it's all pavement around here. The original tires were gone in no time. I wish there was an off road tire that would work on pavement too.

[Benders]

Terrain dictates what tires you run or how often you buy them, and if you buy them every week you're gonna change what you buy. That’s just a simple fact.

[playerOne]

Making some progress. Was able to install the drivetrain and the wing over the weekend. Not much original parts left on this build.

[playerOne]

Finally finished the car late last year. Not much is left from the original car, could probably build another one at this point . Just wanted to update this thread to show the finished product.

[LoCoCNC]

What did you do with the Bridgestones? They looked like they would clean up nicely.

[playerOne]

What did you do with the Bridgestones? They looked like they would clean up nicely.

I stuck them in an ultrasonic cleaner and it looked better and became softer. They're now just sitting in a box since I won't be using them for a this runner.

[Toaster]

Finally finished the car late last year. Not much is left from the original car, could probably build another one at this point . Just wanted to update this thread to show the finished product.
before&afterJav.jpg

Why build just one when you can build two for twice the price