Kyosho Turbo Inferno - New Rebuild

[Lavigna]

^ It's a Duratrax rear chassis stiffened. They also made a front stiffened, but I don't think I will be using that, nor have I found one yet.

[unixphreak]

Very nice, was wondering if i would find someone with a graphite chassis turbo inferno. I bought a turbo inferno in 1995 and added all graphite chassis, towers radio plate and front support, along with the duratrax fiber four disc brake system. The parts were dirt cheap since it was a discontinued item at that time. I sold it in 2004 when i got back from Iraq and eBay was not that big with replacement parts.

Great job can't wait to see it finished.

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks! I am keeping my eyes out for that 4 disc kit.

Progress continues into slider status. The BSW38 rear carbon tower and tires have arrived. I decided to use the BSW47 tires as their lower profile fits well with this build.

I purchased a nice KNK stainless hardware set for this build, however I have used very few. I want to keep the look close to original, and I think the black hardware on the black chassis bottom looks nice and Stealth.

[Coelacanth]

That's looking beautiful...so clean!

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks buddy!

Getting close now. The mounting and spacing of the engine flywheel is not right, and I need to spend more to get it fitted correctly for this setup. It is mounted loosely for now. I got the vented flywheel from a previous OS RX engine. It was used, and had rust which had eaten into the metal and left it pitted. I spent a couple of hours trying to grind, sand, and refinish it. It's not perfect, but looks nice. I hope I can find a way to get it spaced correctly.

I also sanded and polished the two engine plates. It adds a bit of bling and detail.

[coxbros1]

Artwork!

[Lavigna]

^ Thanks!

I was very fortunate to find this original Inferno body. Still covered in the clear film.

Question - There are 4 template lines in the sides of the body, outside of the body lines. They are meant to be cut out, but I cannot figure out what they are supposed to make, or where they go? I have taken a photo of both front and rear. There is no mention of them in the manual. Any help on what these do would be greatly appreciated. The red circles indicate where on the body they are, if that helps.

[DennisM]

Could they be "mudflaps" meant to be mounted on the lower suspension arms, protecting the shocks and driveshafts?

[mtbkym01]

The 2 smaller ones could be scrapers that attach to the rear hubs to stop mud buildup inside the rear wheels?

[Lavigna]

^ You both are totally right! After reading your comments, I took a look and it was obvious. The smaller ones are mud scrapers for the rear wheels, and the larger ones mount on the leading edge of the rear a-arms, and help protect the shock. There are 2 small screw holes in both locations with the correct spacing.

It seems obvious now, but I was stumped before your help. Thanks!

[Lavigna]

I don't have much to update on this build as I am waiting on some funds to order my last big bundle of parts. However, I did happen across this rare BSW82 front one way. I don't think I will bother to tear down the front end just to install it, but I am happy to have it. You never know when you may need rare trade bait, lol.

I am currently mounting servos and setting up linkages. I always try to setup the linkage in the cleanest way, and this build is proving to make that difficult. I am tempted to order a set of the Kyosho blue linkage stoppers, to replace the standard plain aluminum units. I think the blue bits may look nice on this build, but could also maybe look tacky? Please let me know if you have any opinions on this. Thanks.

[Lavigna]

The servos and linkage have been installed. I really hate setting up linkage. I may try working on it further, but it looks pretty clean, and should be able to handle the rigors of shelf duty.

[Lavigna]

I added the rear mud scrapers and shock guards. I have never seen these installed on another Inferno of this generation. That is why I didn't even realize what the pieces were without some help. I also cleaned up/straightened the linkage a little.

Big surprise - The motor that came with the original donor car was a new but dirty OS RX. Since I already had a pristine OS RX engine waiting to go in this build, I set the other motor aside. I hadn't really looked at it much until today when I tore it down to clean and inspect. I was very happy to find the engine is a Ron Paris modified. The late Ron is famous for his engine work. His traditional signature is on the left side of the engine case, and the word "comp" is shown on the other.

I am honored to own one of his engines.

[DennisM]

Looking sharp

[coxbros1]

Is that NIB vintage Ron Paris prepped engine?