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For the mono-shock Thunder Dragon or Thundershot, what are the best adjustments and modifications when building and running the car? I just got one (and want to keep the mono-shock design). I would like to get the best handling out of this buggy if possible!

Thanks.

Benji "theytookmythumb" raced one in the late 80's and is your go to guy on this info...hopefully he responds or u could message him

Theytookmythumb (benji) is an encyclopedia on the Thundershot. Hopefully he responds.

1. Thickest oil as possible in front. I run on high grip.
2. Cvd in front. Tamiya / Yeah racing df-02/df-03 fit
3. Front suspension arm bracket. You can find 3D printed versions. I have a few alloy ones from Full Option (looks for David Beeby on FB). Parma also did a version back in the day.
4. Replace plastic triangle wheel adapters with alloy ones if you can. The plastics ones have a tendency to crack, more so if the wheels are overtightened.
5. Ball bearings everywhere.

Well, let's see if I can remember what it was like racing the Thundershot against Yokes, Optimas and other 4wd Tamaiyas...

First of all, get ball bearings. I could never afford 'em and it wobbled around the track like an elephant looking for a place to die.
Second, buy a decent modified motor. The ones I ran were ragged out pieces of $#!+ handed down to me by superior, more well-funded racers.
C: Get a battery that doesn't dump after 3 minutes from lugging that heavy P.O.S. around the track; leaving you to be pulled off into the infield while you cry from the driver's stand watching everyone else finish the race.

Sorry, that's about all I can remember, but my Therapist is confident that after a few more sessions I'll be able to remember a little more...

THEYTOOKMYTHUMB wrote: ↑Fri Mar 25, 2022 12:30 am
C: Get a battery that doesn't dump after 3 minutes from lugging that heavy P.O.S. around the track; leaving you to be pulled off into the infield while you cry from the driver's stand watching everyone else finish the race.

Sorry, that's about all I can remember, but my Therapist is confident that after a few more sessions I'll be able to remember a little more...

One of my enduring memories of racing my Hotshot was when visiting a nearby School club race day and getting to the final , leading the whole race , driving totally clean (not normal for me ) and ..... Battery dumped on the last lap and I came second to a Hornet

Sorry, that's about all I can remember, but my Therapist is confident that after a few more sessions I'll be able to remember a little more...
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I look forward to your super deep PhD level analysis and review of the car in the future lol...no rush.
I was in middle school and went to the 1990 ROAR race at Livermore raceway, and met this semi-sponsored guy who was running a thundershot / terra scorcher and I remember thinking to myself .... no way is that possible... but he was in the thick of the race (stock motor class). It was a clay indoor track (very rare for the 1990s).