Well, took the XT8 to the track to day and ran him hard for about 4 hours. Couple of observations so far:
1) Stock setup with 10/20/7 diffs and 800frt and 700 rear oil with 1.5 pistons all the way around - The 7k rear diff oil realyl locks the rear end in. No issues nailing it 1/2 way through a tight 180 degree turn and getting back on the pipe...the back end stayed back there (as opposed to swinging around). I thought the shocks would be too stiff, but I was wrong - they seemed to soak up most everything - I am thinking I could use a little quicker rebound, but not sure?
2) Jumping - jumps like a kangaroo...actually, it was jumping flatter and farther then the 8T's I was racing against..I am impressed!
3) Turning -at first, I had a NASTY push (both on and off power) - the first culprit was way too much front brake..I like about 70% rear and 30% front (so I can drive hard into the corners and swing the back end around and then gun it). THat helped, but not enough...I increased the droop and that helped, but I ended up blowing a rear shock..I am guessing I increased the droop too much and the shock over extended itself..I still ran it for 2 hours with it 1/2 way working and I was still faster then all the other truggies out there! I then lowered the front ride height by 2mm...that helped...finally, I put on some Bowtie MTR - BIG, BIG difference - the stock tires , for the track I was on, were worthless - Finally, would the 20k center weight diff oil make for the on power push? I mean, I got a lot of it out, but it was still there a little bit.
4) Acceleration - this truck is fast for sure, but I was left wanting a little more off the line - The M5 was deadly in my 8ight buggy, but I need more off the line in the XT8 - I am running the stock clutch and springs (any other recommendations..I am thinking heavier springs). Pipe was 9886 with long smooth header. I have a MSR 1005 pipe on the way, which I am pretty sure will help me out - I also have my doubts about the collet I had to use - the flywheel may be slipping on it a bit..regardless, I need more low end...anyone else run the M5 in the XT8? If so, what is your clutch/spring, pipe setup? It felt like I had a lean bog off the line - temps were around 230 (250 end of tank), pinch test actually still seemed a bit rich, so I doubt I was actually lean bogging, but that is what it felt like (which I am contributing to the above mentioned possible fixes with springs, shoes, and or pipe, etc)????
5) Body posts - I see what you mean..they are not good...are people drilling a hole all the way through the plastic piece and then using a screw and a lock nut or something?
6) Braking - I do not like the stock brakes too much..either on or off..not much feel in them. I am putting some springs in between the calipers and installing some Avid brake discs
Overall, I am very impressed with it. I am already as fast as I ever was with my 8ight buggy - the XT8 fits my driving style a lot better...you can push it hard and it will not get squirrely on you and I like that. I need to get my droop settings corrected, ride height fixed up (it appears my shocks broke in a bit and have sagged some)..most of you are running the dogbones level front and rear, right? (not arms level), and get some more run time...I have no doubt this truck will make me a better, more consistant driver...very good job XRAY!
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