FMS FCX24 K5 BLAZER BUILD! New Upgrades, Oil Shock Conversion, & More!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Timestamps Blazer current state: 1:28 Baseline performance tests: 2:36 Baseline course runs: 4:08 Upgrades: 8:31 Oil shock conversion: 14:03 First impressions after upgrades: 19:44 Upgraded performance tests: 21:48 Upgraded course runs: 24:11 Final thoughts: 31:14

[@2acRC]

Maybe add the small o-rings to the shaft first? Just slide them all the way down.. You wouldn’t have to pry the cap off either. Those little needle bottles are easy to come by, Amazon, hobby store.. Also, those tires might like some Slymeballz. Keep it up, love your channel! I’ve learned a lot and have been inspired.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Great idea!

[@RSchwara1]

I purchased the FairRC K5 FCX24 Way Cool McCue Mod w/Batrazz mods on it. (high clearance links, brass rings/wheels, oil filled shocks) I added Injora 63mm swamp stomps in S5 compound. Honestly I haven't been too happy with it, even with the mods, the short wheel base combined with the top heavy scale body really hurt the performance. I was messing around with it this weekend and removed the interior/seats (you can't really tell with the tinted windows on this one anyway) I also removed the camper shell. This saved 50 grams of high CG top heavy weight. Taking it back out on the rocks it was a complete transformation! Now I'm extremely happy with it. I may add just a bit of brass (Portal covers or knuckles) to see if I can get a little more forward weight which I think will make it even better. Hope this helps, remove the camper shell and seats/interior part and see what you think. The looks of the model without the camper shell grows on you, however I did manage to get another complete McCue Mod body so on display I can put the unscratched body on with the camper shell and if I want to hit the rocks go with the shell less, interior less body. (I also used black monokote plane decal material to make a faux back window after removing the camper shell.

[@adamskirc]

Nice upgrades. You need to find a middle ground between performance and look. This truck looks so good right now.

[@scottmorgan2467]

Thanks Adam for doing this video. I just got that same K5 and after playing around with it, have decided to do some light upgrades to it for now. What you did was along my lines of thinking for first upgrades. Now I know what to look for. Thanks again! Your vids are very informative and entertaining.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@jordanharris3749]

I’ve done all of these mods along with brass steering and brass links, i feel like those make a big difference. I also run with the roll bar instead of the hard top and it can climb pretty much anywhere the bumpers let me go

[@andrewrichey7374]

The best way put the shock shaft back in lubricate the shaft and the O-rings, are use green slime then slide the rings onto the shaft then down into the body then once you slide the cap Back on set to go

[@Tox1c_k1lla55]

Where can I get oil from

[@OutSpoken5280]

Becoming one of my favorite channels fast thanks for all the tips and tricks 🤙🏼🔥

[@gibsonlife573]

I got to say man every time I see one of your videos I'm more impressed about how big your subscriber count is getting and how big your views are getting you're doing such a good job Adam God bless you and your family man 1.6 thousand I think it said in 6 hours that's decent really really really good

[@jamesrcgarage6733]

Me personally id like to see you do more of a trail truck build with this k5 Blazer. More scale looks and a tad bit more performance! Just my two cents worth lol. Nice job on the build so far! Cheers

[@therealcletusrc]

I also have 2 sets of these exact same di crawler tires, I first got them because the tread looks like the real BFGs all terrain tires, then I ordered another set, I have one set on my brown k5 now everything else is still stock. Great video man! 👍🏻

[@KrispysRC]

This truck is incredible. I love it so much more than the trx4m I gave that to my son. Working on putting a furitek in. Just waiting for the pinion gear to come in. The speed motor is also a great upgrade if you wanna keep stock electronics.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yes I converted mine over to the oil a few days ago, big difference

[@benniullrich2237]

What a amazing review again. Could you give some upgrade hints for the 1/18 FMS LC80? I'm looking for upgrades which make this rig a real crawler but want to keep the scale look...cheers

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! The LC80 is a tricky one. There aren't a lot of upgrades available for it. I would suggest a good set of wheels and tires. You can add brass rings to the wheels to get more weight down low and various tire combos should really help performance. A ~58mm tire would be a good fit I think.

[@benniullrich2237]

@@CapeCrawlers thanks a lot I will try it. Maybe the RCAWD portal axles for the hobby plus rock van could fit to this rig...

[@isaac.1991]

I absolutely Dig your videos, I have been watching them for awhile now, Just got my first crawler. A 1/24 Deadbolt and me and my sons are having a blast! I love how you cover each vehicle!(One of these k5's is on order next, Lots of sentiment in that one)

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Back watching again, and used your link for the brass portal covers. It’ll be my second set now impressed with the first set . I did get a set of those tires also haven’t mounted up yet

[@DarkDanegan]

Awesome video! I’d really like to see you do a build where you really aim to keep the scale look, and see how much performance can be gained with that constraint. I’d really like to see it on a C10 build, but given your Son’s attachment to this one, this could be it! You’ve proved pure performance time and time again - the scale constraint would be really interesting to see how you tackle it!

[@RCRookie805]

This is the video I needed!!! Another A++ video!!! 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@bloodangelphil]

Good video and good suggestions. So far, my Blazer's still box stock, just with oiled shocks and the screws by the steering links re-positioned.

[@outcastrc8052]

Nice build up Adam! Interesting that I ended up with the same wheels as you from Amazon for my orange K5 Blazer rig and they do look great! I wrapped them with Boomracing All Terrain MT/R tires and I love the performance with that mix. I also added a set of RCAWD friction shocks to reduce body roll and bounce. I'm keeping mine more as a trail rider to keep the stock scale look and feel of the rig. Crawling is great but with the look and style of this rig, I vote for keeping it looking stock with modest improvements. IMO.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’m surprised the boom tires fit these wheels! I’m going with the scale approach I think.

[@outcastrc8052]

@@CapeCrawlers The tires fit like a glove!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah I got that set of brass portal covers Ausel haven’t installed yet this will be good to see how good it goes together super cool

[@andrewrichey7374]

Awesome just ordered a set of those tires. Yep we’re watching

[@sundayrest22]

Love the Chevy. Stay with the blazer look and optimize for next video. Then all out modified build on the following vid. 👍

[@johnconnell1424]

I had those same style rims on my mustang and my Ford van .😊looks awesome 😎

[@badgermanderthal6905]

Exactly what I was looking for.

[@robertkenney7122]

Always lube all of your o-rings and gaskets during assembly! If you want your work to last do it right the first time!

[@manuelpiston]

Lol okay

[@mikev221]

Cool videos, you're very good at manipulating the tiny srcews and tiny shocks and tiny screwdriver btw! Most people don't show that... I would give it a desert rally racing stockish prerunner sort of look and ultra4 like capabilities. Add a two speed transmission and *remote dis-connectable sway bars. You could cut the long bit out of a long 4mm hex socket and make it travel on allen keys (supported by a set of bearings each) with powered magnets, put a soft bit somewhere maybe two 3 bolt flange cut like fingers with screws in sleeves in a rubber bit and keep the links attached permanetly.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you, and great ideas!

[@wyatt4868]

For the weight just hot glue some fishing weights under the front where u cant see em

[@unloveableandre]

The bag comes with 4 metal washers, what are they for?

[@animalpix13]

Good stuff... I used McCue RC high clearance rear bumper. Mofo 1 up wheels Flubs up front. Fixed the WB with Injora C10 front links with M2 link ends front and rear.3flow9RC aluminum rear link riser. Injora brass steering link, painted black .Injora D driveshafts. Treal inner and outer brass portal covers. Mofo BAM 1900KV Motor with lizard pro and GT5. 15T overdrive 12T underdrive gears.12T was the OG mistake gears running with no issues. Injora 59mm trx4m shocks with shock hoops and Losi mini T shock standoffs pen mod up front full droop. It could handle your course with ease....💯

[@CapeCrawlers]

Sounds like a beast!

[@animalpix13]

you have most if not all the parts lol

[@andrewrichey7374]

On the flex 16 1/2 Side hill is 53° and the uphill 55° not too shabby I only did the front with the brass kit from RCAWD

[@rcjoe406]

Some lgrp limit straps in the front and wrap some plumbers soilder around the rings of the beadlocks for weight i have the same rims on my trx4m bronco is scale look is unbeatable for the prive 💯🤟

[@monstermaxsrcs5893]

Very nice can't wait to see more on this nice truck

[@greggrube2948]

Love them wheels, awesome video Adam 👍😁

[@Griller1977]

I feel like the main thing you missed is front OD gears. It apparently needs metal driveshafts as well. I just snapped my rear drive line today getting slightly bound up. Good video though.

[@andrewrichey7374]

I love the scale of our K5 also, but I have two of them waiting on the third one fair RC their first modded silver one, I did get the backseat for my orange and white one Waiting on two interiors they are super cool. Orange and white one and the silver one is going to be for performance. My black one scale looks. Appreciate your sharing catch you on the next run

[@CapeCrawlers]

That silver looks great.

[@andrewrichey7374]

@@CapeCrawlers I should be getting any day it’s been shipped, just got done putting my Brass C Hub and inner outer brass portal covers on didn’t do the back and this thing is performing awesome I don’t think I’ll put them on the back for now

[@JamesDirtRC]

Love that Look.... This might be the Second RC i get. WPL c24-1 was first. i want more nnow hahahaha

[@samintrepid]

I buy all the Injora brass for my K5 Blazer but unfortunately they don't have the C-Hub brass but they made the center drive shaft with D shape with allen bolt :)

[@kylermays4476]

They should come out with a trx4m K5 blazer that would be awesome!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Totally agree!

[@Griller1977]

Just plop this K5 body on a trx4m. They're really close in size from what I've seen.

[@brianl426]

Just an FYI. Injora brass wheel weights fit right on the RC lions wheels with no tire mounting problems. I have a set going on My K5.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ll try that! I have some of those weights hanging around

[@troydorame890]

Keep it scale, let's see what you can come up with. I'm sure you can do it❤

[@fernsolo]

I got the same wheels on my K5 Blazer, just FYI, I have some injora wheels with the brass inner ring and that brass ring fits this wheels, just another option to add weight to the bottom of the truck.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ve got some of those rings lying around. I’ll give them a shot!

[@juniorwest5706]

So far I'm loving mine, I've already changed out the front bumper for the bullbar and oiled the shocks , I love those tires and wheels, not really interested in the brass portal cover tho , I don't have any terrain with huge climbing angles, mostly just trail truck type terrain. I'm really looking for a rear scrub bar to replace the rear bumper , this beautiful body is the blazers down fall , to much top weight ! , I really think it would fix the problematic tippin over with a lighter lexan body , I'm curious how it would look and preform with a 1/24th scale body ? The best part of this hobby is we can tweak these machines to do what ever we want them to do !

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agreed!

[@andrewrichey7374]

I will be surprised if those don’t leak, you’ve might’ve tore those little O rings pushing the Shaft through with the O-rings being dry

[@brianbiro9094]

Got mine 2 Days ago😃 just doing the O-rings that came with it soon 👊👍✌️🦅🦼🇺🇸

[@samintrepid]

I install the Injora 42 gram brass wheel on my and injora 45mm shock :)

[@raulferreira8273]

if you try to take the roof of it helps a loot the diference is night and day!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Definitely going to convert it

[@2strokeboys191]

Finally!!!!!

[@docholiday9786]

Awesome video do you know what the truck weights after upgrades

[@jonmandelbaum5395]

Just wondering will that body work on the FCX24 chassis that came with the power wagon

[@SpaRiieeSiLvA]

Should try some grip tape on that wooden table thing you got

[@CapeCrawlers]

I do. Or make taller wheel stops.

[@julianweeks326]

mickey Thomson baja tires make the difference from what i saw earlier.

[@rampagepr3524]

I have those rims on my Gladiator scx2, they look good…

[@CapeCrawlers]

Great tires!

[@BillG-i6m]

Since brass weighs 3+ times as much as aluminum, in a perfect world, we could buy matching (painted or anodized) wheel sets with brass front wheels and aluminum rear. Seems like that would be the ideal solution to the crawler weight bias problem. I think most of these hobby grade, low-speed crawler designed drivetrains would handle the difference in unsprung weight without a problem.

[@CapeCrawlers]

That would be ideal. They seem to handle the rotational mass just fine also.

[@johnnyhotshoe1292]

I have the injora black brass wheels and found an almost identical black aluminum rear set and that's what I'm running that gives me 2 different rigs with the brass up front set up. It does work great

[@SabretoothCreations]

What controller settings did you have for throttle, steering and drag brake?

[@andrewrichey7374]

Did you see the shop mini RC got the back window stickers from show room hobbies. Got mine yesterday they are awesome won’t have to cut the back window out, I got one red and white American flag to black and white American flag the one with mini RC Logo on it they are super cool. Soon as I finish eating my lunch I’m going to put my brass Portos covers on looking good dude

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ll check those stickers out!

[@3DudesRC]

I just got a FCX24 Blazer and am trying to decide on a tire upgrade. I really like the look of the DJ Crawler "KO2s" shown here, but I also don't mind the look of the new 57mm trench kings. Which tire to you feel performs better in your experience? Thanks for the great videos!

[@johnmyers8]

Do you know if the portal cover kit will fit the chevy pickup

[@fishngame959]

Can you tell me what size Allan fits the wheels I don’t have the right size in any of my RC tools

[@unloveableandre]

Put the link for the oil as well. Anything you used in the video, put a link and we will buy with your link, even if it is easy to find, we like to help

[@mzondi1970]

What's the dimensions on your crawling cable the length and the width

[@arturoa922]

HI I have a question: the basic engine is too noisy , can I install a quieter engine? Does the injora have such an engine?

[@LuisA1Million]

Awesome video and Mods with the new fms fcx24 K5 blazer!! Did you vent the wheels? or tires? Or a sealed tire mod?

[@johnniechang0906]

Go scale trail truck all the way~

[@CHINGONOMETRICOTE]

Try it without the topper and run the lines again just to see how much difference even that will make.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ll swap it out this evening

[@seancook4317]

i just got my fms k5 blazer and managed to ruin it already, i was running it near a sandy area, but it wasnt even a ton of sand, just sand in the grass, but the sand found its way onto the little servo that shifts gears and the o-ring on the shaft of the linkage bits got sand on it and popped its o ring off or whatevewr, so now it doesnt shift from high to low, it only has high gear :(

[@Elisplushies360woodierc]

I think the big hard body and short wheelbase of this rig is what hinders it’s ability to do those steep climbs.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agreed. Definitely a tradeoff between style and performance with this one.

[@captainzaku1198]

Way bigger than 1:24 I have a GMC jimmy body I was going to try and get to fit on it but ends up looking too wonky i say it’s about 2 inches two long to be 1/24

[@jbsir1]

I wanted to ask you something, I love your show you do for us. It's great! Anyways, I have a trx4m all modded up! To the max but when I look at your scx24s...they are just so much better looking and stance wise is really cool! And performance is just great! I feel like in need to get an scx24 now! Much wider stance and the gearing all around is cool! I'm kind of regretting putting hundreds $ into my trx4m off the bat instead of the 24! But what are your thoughts on all this?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I like them both but I do think the scx24 responds better to modifications and can look/perform better in the end.

[@acrccrawlers9548]

Hey Adam I have a question unrelated to this video. I built a SCX24 with a Toyota Land Cruiser hard body I just purchased two LGRP motors the Predator and the reaper, my questions is are these motors good? This SCX24 is heavy so which of the two do you think I should use on the rig? Thanks in advance

[@derekhaumesser2594]

Adam have you tried it with blazer top off. Curious of weight difference and performance.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ll try swapping it around this evening

[@michaeltusai883]

What did you use to make the wheels fit? You drill them out if so what size?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I did drill them out. I can’t remember exactly what size

[@TariqKhan-kf1nf]

Do you have an excel sheet with all of these stats organized by scale of the truck? just want to see what you've been able to get the most out of for the least amount of money

[@CapeCrawlers]

I do not. I haven't been compiling that data but I should! That would be a good project next time I'm stuck on an airplane or something.

[@gkrismaeagon2361]

Do you need hex extenders for the wheel n tire set up?

[@CapeCrawlers]

No, it's not necessary.

[@CaseyD406]

Go the scale path. It’s a Blazer not a truck. Those wheels are out of sight I will need a set for mine. Thanks for another great video.

[@mikefortune1263]

Scale 👍

[@mikefortune1263]

I have the black and the brown. I put the pretty black one back in the box and am building the brown.

[@RETR0_V0ID]

Have you built a scx24 6x6?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I have not

[@Gertylert]

Im doing my first rc build with the fcx blazer and I have watched a lot of your video looking for the video where you do the axils, I'm looking to get the treal portal axil housing and I know I need the outer/inner covers did you have to buy the differential and pinion gear sets? also what kind of lubrication also went inside the axils?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I used stock internals, no need to upgrade the ring and pinion or shafts. I recommend Cow RC udder butter for lubrication

[@Gertylert]

Awesome thank you! @@CapeCrawlers

[@keelzebub2173]

Make it a sleeper!

[@bradshumate783]

Is that the fms front bumper ?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes it is

[@RaptorRacing25]

How long does it run?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Around 30 mins I think

[@RaptorRacing25]

@@CapeCrawlers ok thanks. Can you get any batteries that last longer for it

[@urcrimeiamlaw]

What size hex are holding the shocks on?

[@CapeCrawlers]

1.5mm I believe

[@dayzplayer8539]

Hopefully u see this take the foams out of the tires

[@vincentcronin3361]

do you have any recommendations for shocks if i dont wanna do that conversion process or maybe i lost the o rings haha ?? id rather just buy a set of oil shocks for mine and call it a day lol even if i gotta fill them, ill buy oil

[@CapeCrawlers]

Injora has some oil shocks: www.injora.com/products/injora-45mm-aluminum-threaded-oil-shock-absorbers-for-1-24-fms-fcx24

[@vincentcronin3361]

Hell ya! Thanks! I ordered a set of the tires for my blazer too!

[@daledavis8093]

go down both paths

[@RCCrawlerz209]

Talk about an obsessive kid, OMG!! 😅😂🤣

[@themidwestconnect]

💪💯

[@JoeOvercoat]

Your son is wise to want to keep things stock. 🤔

[@marcosarguelles5005]

Feels like the body really hurts the performance, too top heavy.

[@CapeCrawlers]

For sure. I am going to try removing the rear shell to see how much of an impact that makes.

[@davidtwa6265]

Scale with a little performance

[@americandeadhead5025]

I'm the only one that can see the wheelbase doesn't match the body? The wheel isn't in center on the front. Look how far back the wheel is when the front end unloads. That's not normal. I noticed the day it came out. One reason it was a beloved truck is to take the canopy off and have it all open in the back. Nobody I recall had a windowless panel on the back.

[@stefan-norge]

Fully agree. I did change the front by using longer lower front links. That shiftet the front axle app. 2.5mm to the front.

[@americandeadhead5025]

@@stefan-norge And I was going to say it looks like just a couple millimeters. Glad I'm not crazy then. Thanks

[@760superstar]

Can you adopt me please

[@cherandissanayake9530]

It is a 1/ 24 scale rc because in the real world American trucks are really bigger than the Asian trucks...

[@TheBigFuddge]

He’s super nice, but I would go performance. I want to see what he can do !

[@georgiahertzler9403]

Save your money, you don't need upgrades,that's just a waste of money and time, remember it's a little toy,not like a real hobby grade,do better with 1/10scaleand bigger

[@georgiahertzler9403]

I did one full up grades,cost more then the rc took 8 hours, never again, I'll work on 1/10 scale