Photocycler's "Punisher" Wraith

[photocycler]

I do not usually do these type of posts but figured I would share my Wraith on the forums.

Purchased a Poison Spyder RTR with intent to only do minimal mods, a few durability upgrades and some exterior stuff to make it mine.

Here it is out of the box (didn't stay like this for long)

Took it all apart about 5 minutes after I opened the box

Threw on some new AMF body panels with a Dinky RC hood, mocked up a light bar using a leftover piece from my SCX10 Curry JK and mounted a set of Pit Bull Rock Beasts on one side.

I love the performance of the RB but they were just too big for my liking, I did not want this to be a monster truck. So was already thinking I would be looking for other tires.

In the meantime, started doing some quick easy/cheap mods. I moved the battery to the front and hinged the hood.

With moving the battery up front with the RX, I needed a place to put the ESC so I cut out a quick rear tray out of styrene. Here it is mocked up, I plan to paint it flat black.

While I wait for the paint to dry on the rear tray I went ahead and mounted a new set of tires, the VooDoo U4's with CI Double Deuce Foams. I also was able to mount the light bar to the front pillars (still not sure if I am keeping it). I also put on a set of VP steering links, VP SLW hubs and Hexes and added some decals

Once the paint dries on the ESC I will wire it up tomorrow and it should be ready to go. I am planning on ordering a lowering/droop kit and a pair of Gmade shocks next.

 

[Postclanker]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

I like the grey color....and those voodoo's look just right "thumbsup"

 

[Revoasian]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

Which Gmade shocks will you be going with the zero's or the Gtransitions? I myself went with the Gtransitions 107mm with a droop setup flipped upside down mounted on a level3 drop kit. My links are level with the skids, you will have 0 uptravel but a ton of down travel. That just fits my driving style, low speed rock crawling only. You can also set it up for sprung also, your choice. If you're wondering why I flip the shocks upside down its to lower the center of gravity, every bit helps on the wraith. You will have to pry the plastic shock mounts abit to get the shock to fit being that the upper body is wider than the rod end. Either way you cant go wrong, both Gmade shocks models are excellent.

 

[photocycler]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

I was going with the 103 XD's, also getting a Level 3 droop kit. I plan to do some crawling but also want to be able to give it some gas and open it up in a nice rock field.

 

[Revoasian]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

AAAHHH, nice choice. Do yourself a favor and save some headache, get better hardware when you get the level3 drop kit. I stripped out the hex head upon installation of the kit. Its soft material and by the looks of your quality tools, it will round out the hex. Keep us updated on your your mods. Looks great! "thumbsup"

 

[photocycler]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

Dropped the tranny for a gear change as I wanted something that would lean more towards crawling but still have some good speed. I went with a 84/16 combo

Its really easy to get to the motor and tranny, 12 bolts and its out

Now the paint has dried on the rear tray so I will begin mounting the ESC.

 

[Revoasian]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

Nice, looking good man. Now that you have the drive train separated, this would be a good time to switch the drive shaft around. Install the splined male end of the drive shaft up top towards the transmission. That way the splines don't get beat up and battered and will maintain a smooth transition under suspension load. Just my 2 cents.

 

[photocycler]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

Thx @revoasian, I went ahead and swapped while they were out.

Ran the cables down the center channel under the interior

I went ahead and moved the switch to the center console

Just need to mount the ESC and RX in front and it should be ready to go.

 

[photocycler]

Re: Photocycler's Wraith Build

The front electronics box is mounted

Its amazing what a paint pen and some nice bolts can do for a set of stock RTR plastic wheels

We will call her done for today

 

[Bada Bing]

Very Nice!

 

[Cmarcan167]

i like the light bar and mount. what brand is the light bar and where did you get the mount?

 

[photocycler]

Although I prefer the looks of the Gmade, I prefer the performance of The pro lines. Got a great deal so went with the power strokes. These shocks feel amazing!

Ordered a Level 3 Drop kit which will be my last mod for awhile.

 

[Revoasian]

Its looking really good, nice work. Trust me it wont stop there, one thing will lead to another. I thought I was going to stop with the final gearing after I got my suspension links and brushless system. Oh hell no, that lead to wheels, tires, o/d, u/d axle gears, lockers, aluminum axle housings, all metal transmission gears, aluminum transmission case, its crazy. Welcome to the addiction lol..

 

[photocycler]

Well my true passion is my Class 2 vehicle. I bought the Wraith to keep me busy why I work on my projects.

What brushless system.motor did you go with?

 

[Revoasian]

I ended up with the Novak goat 3s with 18.5 ballistic sensored motor. Im using Robinson 88/15 gearing for a total of 5.8 ratio. Its my dedicated rock crawler so speed is not a factor for me. She weights in at 11# now and that's including wheel weights all the way around, 8oz each up front 4 oz each out back. Shes my favorite rig out of my stable.

 

[photocycler]

Unless I want more speed I do not see much reason to upgrade to a different motor/esc. After I get it out a couple times I may decide I want to be more basher and would maybe get a mamba and tekin brushless system

 

[Revoasian]

Yes good choice in selection, being that you already have a class 2 rig this should cure your craving. Once you get your level 3 droop kit this will put your wraith at a much lower center of gravity. Try to get your lower links as level with the skid plate as possible. With the speeds you want to be at your rig will be much more stable, unlike mine the only down fall is the break over when Im crawling. The skids scrape everytime and if im not careful and pick crappy lines, she even high centers and gets hung up. Have fun with your rig, snap some outside pics when you get a chance.

 

[thirdeye]

Is that kid legal to drive???? looks like a 10 year old!

 

[photocycler]

Some new mods...

Installed the Level 3 Droop Kit

Before

After

Installed the Traxxas Hood Pins

 

[jakez]

how much bigger are rb from voodoo? they look pretty close in pics. but looking very nice awesome job