Is the Savage what it's all hyped up to be?

[Gee]

I am going to be ordering the Savage XL 5.9 GT next week.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXUHD0**&P=K

I've read the XL5.9 has been beefed up compared to the other versions. No experience with the the Savage trucks but heard the drive line/transmissions/diff were a weak point. Reading about this truck they have addressed that with the XL. I tried to do some research through threads in other forums a while back. Some people mentioned the 5.9 isn't a real powerful engine (compared to more expensive engines), but haven't found anyone complaining about tuning problems. So it might last long enough to decide on which brushless setup to use.

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by Gee

I am going to be ordering the Savage XL 5.9 GT next week.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXUHD0**&P=K

I've read the XL5.9 has been beefed up compared to the other versions. No experience with the the Savage trucks but heard the drive line/transmissions/diff were a weak point. Reading about this truck they have addressed that with the XL. I tried to do some research through threads in other forums a while back. Some people mentioned the 5.9 isn't a real powerful engine (compared to more expensive engines), but haven't found anyone complaining about tuning problems. So it might last long enough to decide on which brushless setup to use.

I have an original savage and an X.

The original is a pain to work on, but the 2 speed tranny has never given me any issues. I am not really that impressed with the slipper design, but it works so whatever. Once you put al diff cups and shim the diffs correctly it is fine. I put the heavy duty center cvd shafts and the heavy duty wheel shafts on it (not the super heavy duty xl version, basically the X wheel shafts).

Not much time on the X but it is way easier to get to the diffs, and the tranny case can be split 2 ways to access the gears (not reallt sure if that is a needed feature). All savages use the same arms, and hubs. I do not like the rear tie rod setup, but you can get fixed rear hubs (the atomic look to be the next best to the HPI ones that come in the 150 dollar kit).

The flux appears to have the best diff setup with the machined gears (not sure if the xl comes with those). They are regular buggy ratio, in case anyone was wondering.

Not a bad truck, but the std shocks just look wimpy. I bought the flm towers and kit to use lst shocks. Still prefer the lst, std screws or not. It is a better design, and looks like it will take a beating better.

[Finnster]

I only have an XL, but all the upgrades and improvements over the years seem to have really paid off. The tranny is ez to open (nice if you need to service, or have a 3spd & to adj other cent clutch) the diffs are ez open (6 screws max) and the XL/flux driveline is really beefy. Nice the XL has a steel spur too.

From what I read about the XL is that it has a lot of TQ, lots of wheelies, but is a fuel hog and not so fast on the top end. I sold it off and bought a LRP.28 w/o very little net change in cost. Just got a dynamite 053 pipe as well. Its simple to tune (I'm a nitro noob and i have no probs) and powerful. Not too bad on gas.

I did get FLM towers and LST shocks. They are just kickass. I also upgraded the diffs to Cen diffs. Huge beefy diffs. Otherwise mostly stock other than radio and the adj arm set for savage (cheap too.) Kick ass truck and extremely tough. Last annoyance is the rear tie rod, but haven't broke it since new in Sept.

BTW: The XL has an alu diff case, but not the stronger gears. The cen gears are still the way to go regardless. :)

I'm sure the LST is also a great truck too, just I hated it. Lots of people have them and swear by them. I do love the shocks!