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I haven't been here in awhile. Work had me up north in isolation. So the new cars I purchased 2 summers ago never got used. I was finally able to test them out. When I purchased the Flyslot models they were my first. I have only owned Scalextric, Slot.it, NSR, and SCX up until now. So I knew that I was going to get into tuning with these models. I love a lot of the 1970's cars like the 3 I bought. No one seems to make these models so I thought if they were all Fly's at least they will be similar performance (I already have a NSR 917).

This isn't an extensive review, just more of an overview. I will start with best to worst.

The best. SRC Porsche 907



I purchased this little Porsche with the hopes I could run it in races against my slot.it GT40's. I have read reviews here on other variants that were mixed. I put it on the track and was pleasantly surprised. It would keep up with a straight out of the box no basic modes GT40 (which I happened to have, all my rest have the basic tune ups and PG tires). With some PG tires and a little tweaking I think it will be able to compete. In the hands of a more experienced driver it might even win a few races. Maybe I got a really good copy, but I'm happy.

Next is a Flyslot 917.



It ran relatively smoothly. Not Scalextric performance, but not terrible. It will get a full performance upgrade. Solid front axle, slot.it gears, etc.

Then the Ferrari 512.



The best thing I can say about this one is that it could make it around the track. The performance was pretty bad. Very tail happy on the corners and then on the straights if you gave it any power it would de-slot. It will get a full makeover

And finally the worst performing car. The Lola T70



The best thing I can say about this model is that it is pretty. Its also pretty awful. It vibrates and bounces and shakes. Its pretty much un-drivable in its stock form. This will be the first car that I will fix up. I have already ordered all the upgrade parts. Harrys guide on tuning the classic Lola is a big help. Unfortunately this model is different in that it is an inline drive system rather than a side winder. It also has the benefit of having a solid front axle, even if it is sloppiest I have ever seen.

This will be my first foray into really tuning slot cars. Luckily I am involved in lots of hobbies that involve doing just that. So I am confident that I can do it.

My local slot car club is starting a trans am series in two weeks and I am interested in entering, so I might get a crash course. Any one know how to totally trick out a Scalextric Camaro/Mustang to compete with 40,000 rpm motors?

Curtis

Hi, unfortunately I agree 100% about that inline Lola T70. As far as I'm concerned the body is the only salvageable component. Before it was released I had high hopes for the inline versions of the Fly classics. The biggest problem is that they misaligned the rear axle height to the motor shaft. I made it so I could adjust the position of the rear bushings so the centerline of the axle matched the centerline of the motor shaft and then switdhed to slot.it gears. Also I just posted a review of a new replacement 3D printed chassis by a company called Ghost Trax that takes a slot.it motor pod turning the car essentially into a slot.it car. It comes with the proper style wheel inserts. I also think that Shapeways makes a 3D printed replacement chassis that also takes a slot.it motor pod but has no wheel inserts. Either way you can transform that hopeless Lola into a great slot car.

I would say yes, the Piranha would be an ideal upgrade. Inexpensive, and it excellent power band.

By the way, I don't recommend a high rpm motor for that Trans Am project of yours. With any gearing, you will have to put so much weight in it to keep traction, it will ignore corners. Magnets are just foreign to me after all these years on wood tracks... maybe a high rpm motor could be used on plastic, but I still don't think its a good idea. You can increase rpm and torque without going past 30,000rpm, as Harry has recommended. Smooth gearing and well-fitted drive axle bushings are your best friend. Some well made urethane tires, trued on trued wheels complete the car.

Old timers will tell you (I started in 1962), the fastest car doesn't usually win the race. The better driver always does. I have a couple of dear friends who are so good, we have run races on my track when they visit, I with my best car, and him with an ordinary car, and I get whupped. Any controller, any car, the driver is what wins the race.

The Piranha motor is rated at 21.5K rpm, the same as the slot.it orange endbell motor. A good motor would be the 20K Pioneer motor if you can find one.

Also shapeways makes a chassis frame for the Ferrari 512 you pictured. I converted one of my 512s and it is awesome.

I'd try a 12T to start. I usually buy the 4 pack with the variety of teeth.