Losi XXX BK2 Build

[Lavigna]

I know this model is right on the edge of vintage, but it's Kinwald so it automatically gets a pass. I have been saving up cool and rare XXX parts for several years because I knew I would eventually build some sort of XXX car. I finally decided on a BK2. I thought it was fitting since I already have a XXXT MF2.

This car will be a bit of a mash up between the BK2, and blue bits from the BK1 and lots of Trinity parts. I have a beautiful Trinity milled motor plate (plus pivot mount) I was excited to finally use, but it's not compatible with the unique transmission of the BK2/MF2. That was the trade off I had to make when building the BK2 over all the other XXX series.

Since this transmission is unique to just this one particular model, I wanted to show some details of it. The Losi history for this series goes XXX > XXXBK >XXXBK2 >XXXCR. I have always thought this was one of the coolest stock transmissions offered. The stock motor plate is beautifully milled, and I love the contrast of the tightly molded grey gear housing. The outdrives extend further from the transmission cases, and therefore the drive bones are shorter. Losi did this to reduce (almost eliminate) pin plunge in the outdrives. This means it can be difficult to find or get aftermarket parts to fit with it.

[Lonestar]

Man oh man... you're killing it again

Thanks for sharing all this!

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks buddy!

Moving to the back end I installed lovely Trinity hubs. The aluminum cvd drives are a little too long for the extended outdrives of the BK2 transmission. However I am going to make a few adjustments and hopefully they will work. I'm sure they are not optimal for performance, but should handle shelf duty just fine.

The shocks were built with Trinity collars and Kinwald blue springs all around. I am using Lunsford titanium shock mounts front and rear.

[jb7778]

Ive got to know... Have you got these projects going on simultaneously and currently or stuff you've documented and finding time to share now? Also, others have mentioned but your photos and quality are superb. Photography another hobby?

Ive been building 2- 22X-4s while mixing in the vintage restore stuff, almost afraid to complete my shelf queens in fear of the project being over... Your banging out museum pieces in multiples on the daily!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks. Currently I am working on this and the JRX Proformance build. I typically update my build threads as I go.

I used to hate taking pictures of my RC builds because I could never get the right lighting and couldn't properly show the colors and details. I got myself a photo light box and that has made all the difference. It makes it so easy and I no longer need to have just the right amount of sunlight.

The different shades of blue bugs me, but for this build I just need to accept it. The difference in shades from one Trinity BK2 part to another is disappointing. The blue plastics are getting brittle and a bit chalky. When I began threading on the rod ends, they began to crack. I then heated them up before threading them, and WOW! Not only did they not crack, but they went on so easy. Good trick to know if you ever have trouble installing tight rod ends.

[Lavigna]

Slider status. Mostly done. I am still waiting on a blue rear hinge pin block to replace the stock grey piece. I may have gone overboard on the blue bits, but I don't care.

I still need to find a set of blue BK1 wheels. Please let me know if you have some available. I have a set of new BK2 yellows to trade as well if anyone happens to be looking for a set.

The Dragon center chassis plate is such a cool piece. I only wish the blue finish was a little deeper to match better, but it's close.

I have a wing and body. It should only take me about 10 years to get it painted at my current pace, lol. However I am really hoping to find a Jconcepts BK2 Illuzion body. Please let me know if you have one.

[Potter]

Wow that looks fantastic! Top notch. What did you use to heat the rod ends before installing?

[mikea96]

All your builds are amazing. Keep them coming.

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks all! I used my heat gun. I threaded the end on just a little, then turned it in front of the heat so all sides got warmed and it didn't melt. It's very easy to overheat them.

I swapped out the gold nuts (orange really) for blue. It's a small detail, but it looks much better imho. I should have used the blue ones to begin with.

I am still looking for
- Jconcepts Illuzion BK2 body
- blue wheels

[Coelacanth]

That's a right beautiful build there.

[mytimac]

Needs the XXX Spec Tires for sure now.

[Lavigna]

I installed some front and rear swaybars. I also mounted the wing and body.

[keyesgood]

Very

Nice build .

[Lavigna]

I fitted the Trinity transponder mount and dummy weight.

Rear Trinity pin block is coming.

[mikea96]

There is a set on ebay now.