SC5M Build Review - Team Associated Short Course Truck

[@TheRCNetwork]

Lots of info! I had the same bag/manual labeling issue after bag C. Also the two sets of capture screws that were optional parts blew my mind! I mentioned both of those issues in my video. Otherwise, every other thing was good. I always do a quick caliper measure, but like you said having a 1:1 diagram of the screws on the step page would be nice. I didn't have the rear toe block issue, but do remember the B5M being a different design.

[@BBowenRC]

+The RCNetwork Ok, good to hear you had similar issues... well not good, but you know what i mean. The manual issues aren't that big of deal during the build, but it's frustrating to deal with.

[@BBowenRC]

I messed up guys: at the end of the video I talk about the gearing not fitting with the included small stock spur gear, but I had the larger spur gear for modified motors installed. Once I put the 78T spur on, no issues.

[@evolution5773]

Dude I just seen your plug for amain on Facebook. I was like where have I seen this guy. Finally realized I could go through my history and found the video. Just bought an sc5m wish me luck.

[@BBowenRC]

HA! That's funny Corey. Thanks for the comment and enjoy that SC5M!

[@gbevanb]

I'm a bit confused about the detail in this video. I just built my SC5m. I didn't notice the 3x26mm issue. The only screws in the bag that obviously fit were the 3x24mm. The parts list is correct but I guess the picture is labelled wrong. The instructions are labelled incorrectly for bag D as well in my kit. Everything else went very smooth. No striped threads...no issues with fit. I am very happy with how the truck went together. The build took me about 6 hours to complete over 2 days. The great thing about this kit is that all the hardware needed for each step is in its own bag included with the parts bag for that step. As each step is completed, you can have your sorted screws..etc..laid out and everything is used with no extra or shorted parts. Really looking forward to getting the rest of the electronics for this truck and seeing how it runs. I originally looked at the B5m and almost..ALMOST..bought the RC8B3e, but the SC5m is virtually the same size and has the B5m layout I like.

[@papocordova717]

I agree with you on optional set screws. The B5m too had optional parts that were not included either.

[@mr.ropellihattu5279]

Just starting to assemble this, thanks for this info. I would remember, that AE manuals have had some weird stuff in them in the past also.

[@Gavs_rc_hobbies]

When i built my B5M i thought it was kind of lame that they didn't include the set screws for the front and rear hub hinge pins.

[@DmitriTechMech]

I had similar probs with my build, but the truck is fast, consistent and easy to drive.

[@BBowenRC]

+DmitriTechMech Agreed. It's like a kid that was a pain in the ass to raise, but once it's grown and able, you're a proud parent... until it costs me more money.

[@kevincaldwell3144]

My Tekno NT 48.3 manual was wrong on the rear diff. Shows the same as electric. I had to tear it out and turn the diff around. I have 4 Tekno buggy’s and I had two soft spots in the plastic were the screw just ate the plastic and would not tighten completely. My only complaints because they have all been great!

[@fil1480]

I had the same bag issue as well! I agree that the shock set up is not very good for hi bite clay. Can I ask what weight and changes you made to the shocks? Thanks and good videos! Very informative

[@BBowenRC]

+Philip Cunningham 37.5 front and 30 in the rear. Also put on harder front springs and softer rear springs. Running the battery all the way in the back. The setup is pretty much a direct rip from one of Cavalieri from the AE website; roar nats i think? The truck works really well with tons of steering, but not as quite as aggressive. The box setup was ridiculous to drive.

[@p1zuzu]

as i can see, team associated is having a lot of issues,i have an tc 6.1 worlds car and i had the same problems with the servo horn and the stripped screws, also the manual is not that great and if you are not an experienced builder you are going to have a lot of frustrating moments with this brand, love your videos, keep the good work.

[@BBowenRC]

Agreed +Cesar Gac. But although the build was less than ideal, the truck performs excellent and it's a blast to drive! How is your tc 6.1 treating you now.

[@robbieracer3294]

My buddy was missing the entire diff bag Lol. I think a lot of these little issues reflects their low prices. On one hand..the kits are priced well, but on the other hand, the kits are priced maybe cheap for a reason

[@BBowenRC]

+Chester Copperpot The ENTIRE bag! HAHA. That's wins the cake.

[@jammindesigns7135]

I had the same problem with my b5m lite kit! But I did the exact thing you did haha

[@jammindesigns7135]

Oh and those set screws really bent me out of shape when building the kit....COME ON AE THE COST PROBABLY $0.03 to make

[@BBowenRC]

+JAMMIN RC Yep! There are so many things wrong with this kit, really the 5 series in general, that it makes it hard to buy AE even if their cars perform well. There are so many vehicles on the market that are awesome, like the 22 2.0 (one of my favorites), RB6, YZ-2 and SRX2, that my conscious has a hard time spending money (and supporting) AE. Part of me wants to boycott them altogether, and another part wants to run their vehicles because thats what 99% of the racers at my local track run; making setups and spare parts plentiful. But IDK, this situation just sucks.

[@jammindesigns7135]

I built a losi kit and the ae kit in the same month. Loved how the losi is presented and packaged. And they don't have that crapoy "pro tip" option part screws. They need to step it up. I don't think I would ever buy a b44... Series kit those are the worst

[@triathlonSDhsp]

entertaining video. my SC5m is dialed! you don't build with calipers? really nice to have... a must for building shocks. running a 8.5 with 21/84T - 3 gear. you gotta admit, props to AE on their "5m" cars - heck going to all metric alone is worthwhile.

[@BBowenRC]

+hsp-sandiego i do use calipers when building but rely on the 1:1 hardware diagram typically as i find it faster. you're right about the metric hardware, it's so nice to have now.

[@jasonshawaga3413]

Should I be a sc5m 4 gear buyer for a hard packed slightly loamy outdoor track? Or stick with my winning sc10?

[@BBowenRC]

If it ain't broke don't fix it +Jeff Shawaga. I run on an indoor med-high bite clay track and the SC5M outperforms the SC10 in corner speed. But for your conditions, the performance gains might not be there. If you just want to try out the truck, go for it! The engineering is much better than the SC10 especially how the tranny case/motor plate are assembled, making easy diff access, so I'm sure you will like the truck in that respect. If i were you I'd try a SC that is mid- or rear-motor compatible, just in-case mid-motor doesn't suit your track. Let me know how it goes!

[@jasonshawaga3413]

Thanks! Very helpful response

[@MrCheeseyguy]

I am getting into 2wd stock racing I have raced scte and a rc8be a bit and a 2wd sct. B6D or SC5M?

[@shaneburns3533]

Will you be doing a B3 review

[@BBowenRC]

+Shane Burns No. It's basically a MBX7, but less durable. I have a friend who owns one and hates it. It breaks easily, the tank keeps cracking and the tolerances with the plastic is poor. I don't recommend it until AE works out the issues.

[@papocordova717]

So did the kit have the 3x26mm screws or did you have to use different screws.

[@BBowenRC]

Hey +Papo Cordova. The 3x26mm screws were included in the kit, they were only left off the hardware diagram.

[@papocordova717]

Thanks for the update. By the way, I like your videos.

[@BBowenRC]

Thanks man. Subscribe for more.

[@ehunter2010ed]

Team associated grib video lol...got rotostart I see make some more savage bash vids

[@BBowenRC]

+Eric Dunlap Dang it. Thanks for reminding me. The truck is just sitting, waiting to be bashed.

[@fc3sboy1]

whats so funny is you are not the first to say things like this nor will you be the last. AE dropped the ball.

[@BBowenRC]

+Randy Slagle Haha, yep. After reading the comments people are posting here, I feel like my build went good.