Hi Gavin, hope you are well. The drill bits supplied are only to open up some of the holes on motor plate and cover plates, nothing more. This allows the use of threaded engineering screws which is a lot better than the self tappers. Don't worry about the rebuild as it is a lot easier than you think. At least your shocks are already assembled. I bought all the upgrades and then decided to build a full new XLS. I spent, in full almost £1200, ouch. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask. I also have many pictures of my build to help you along your way. Take care.
Cool, I kitted out the Championship XLS, ProCat and the BossCat with the alloy centres, the Trinity Pro racer diff's, Trinity solid layshaft, the U770R slipper clutch and sometimes the wasp slipper clutch, the Schumacher Bosscat Works Alloy Roller Rear Driveshafts and lots of titanium bits back in the 80's / 90's. Cost an arm and a leg back then too. :-) They're sat across the room from me as I've been rebuilding them since Christmas. It's been a blast.
Looking forward to seeing the difference when you run it with those mods. Great that you're doing the upgrades for the viewers. Pretty sure it will be appreciated for years to come!
Wow! Lovely parts! Those look mint, they will really improve the cars performance and make it lighter. And maybe, they will make it strong too! That’s something new, seeing as it a Schumacher. Great vid Gav, keep up the awesome content.
It is funny but true Gavin. It is quite the task my friend. At least you don't have any shocks to build or the dreaded drive shafts. Lot's of money spent there. Looking forward to the rebuild. Take care.
Watched your vid and just receaved this car with all upgrades brand new in box was a brilliant find And seller sold it same price he paid months ago not at double people are asking for now
I had one of these when I was a kid. Definitely my favorite RC that I’ve owned. Kept my original bone stock and ran it with a Trinity “godzilla” brushed motor (12t...if I remember correctly ), 8.4 matched batt. pack, with a Novak t4. It was a screamer. Sadly I sold it when I started driving. Talk about sellers remorse 🙁. I started shopping for a re-re a while back after discovering they re-released them. Of course they were/are sold out everywhere. Now I was on a mission. I was in full stalker-mode for several weeks until I very recently scored a new re-re and also got all the pro upgrade accessories. The u7294 and u7294 is on back order unfortunately so I’ll have to wait until those arrive to start the build. Not sure what motor I’m going to run. Definitely open to suggestions. I cannot, for the life of me, find those alloy layshaft bearing holders. Anyone know where to buy those? Absolutely looking forward to this build! I always thought these cars assembled well (not great) but more than make up for it in character and driving characteristics. Wish me luck!
Really looking forward to see how this goes for you Gavin. Although given how the build went in the first place for you I don't think it will be smooth. Also, the cost is staggering. I think Schumacher should have offered two kit versions. The original and then the upgraded kit. Kyosho kits are expensive too but at least they made changes to the re-release of, for example the Optima.
Yeah, I totally agree with comment. It's a tough build to begin with, and not a recommended rebuild as Gavin stated! I'm also a massive Optima fan Mark. Take care buddy!
Come on Gavin, get it done buddy!! It is even better, faster and more efficient. OK, I may be fibbing, I'm simply trying to pop you along with the rebuild, if you still have it? All the best my friend!!
Gavin, my friend, please do the rebuild......I know it is going to be a Royal pain, but it needs doing. Also, I'm very interested in how these parts change the driving experience. I am quite worried that drill bit's are included in the parts kit, but that is typical of Schumacher. Great video mate!!
Gav the transmission upgrade is superb. I had lots of issues with slipping belts etc on the standard. The upgrade offers a proper slipper clutch and much better diffs and belts. Pretty.muchbchanges the whole drivetrain. I have the one for the top cat aswell
I am also having slippage issues with the 3-pulley side by side fenceless differential. How on Earth did this poor design win a world championship? I wanted to get the U7238 pro differential with fences to resolve the problem, but it is now only available in Britain or Australia. It looks like I’m going to go the whole 9 yards with the transmission upgrade.
Gavin, my upgrade was to replace Phillips head screws with hex socket head screws as much as possible. I dislike the fragile nature of Phillip head screws, which wear down easily from normal repeated use. I got the idea from my Associated B6, which only uses socket head screws. What do you think of that?
I rushed out and bought one 😭 it’s so beautiful. The pro transmission option number is U7236. I bought that and the alloy transmission housing as upgrades then my budget was gone. I still need a motor and yellow paint. I’m thinking of skimping on the yellow and using the white I already have. Don’t flame me plz I’m sure I will spring for the yellow but will hav e to order it from Amazon or someplace. Just need a budget brushless to go with my leftover Tamiya tble-02s esc. Any suggestion is appreciated.
I'm not sure if you already have this part Gavin. It is the U3850 moulded wing mount set. It is on the back page of the instruction manual. Hope that helps!
£7.90 - ish at Muzzoom models or ebay. I think it will look a lot better with a plastic moulded wing holder rather than the wire wing holder and with it being black will look cool with the black carbon fibre.
Very interested to see how this comes together, especially the transmission upgrade which I'm thinking of doing to mine. The CAT has quite a clever system of pins on the front and rear wishbones which can make working on certain jobs much easier as you can take off quite large assemblies pretty quickly with some long nose pliers.
I wanted to get the U7238 pro rear differential with fences to solve my belt sliding issue. But it looks like that part is backordered in all the American stores and available in only Britain or Australia. So now it looks like I will be going the whole 9 yards with the entire transmission upgrade just to get the fences on the major pulleys to prevent the belt engagement problem. It floors me that this poor stock design with the 3 fenceless pulleys side by side - actually managed to win a world championship.
Gavin, I was a little abrasive in the last comment, I'm just being impatient to watch your build. However, I have just finished watching your Kyosho Fantom Upgrade video. It is a great piece of kit I have to admit, and your enjoying driving it, obviously! A question my friend. You stated in the video the parts you have collected/upgraded/replaced and, if you ever decide to retire it up to the cool wall, it could be put restored be to original. Well why not do it the other way, use the originals and when you retire the car, add the bling. I say this as I have just spent a small fortune on my XLS, since they were discontinued. So the question is, do I use the original parts first and when retirement comes add the sprinkles. Great work!!
Mine is 100% stock and schumacher stock motor (but I do have a lipo battery in it) and that's the way its staying because totally stock it's still a superb buggy.......built my one a few years ago when it first appeared absolute nightmare to build putting the drive shafts together it says put them in warm water to soften! Yeah like that make a difference? 5 hours later still sitting in A&E because I'd put the screwdriver through my hand trying to build the bloody drive shafts!
Peace of cake those driveshafts with the tool for it once you have the hang of it. I had the XLS back in 1988. Was a great car. Was eventually upgraded to procat spec. But strangely enough it handled better indoors with the standard front end. Loved that car - Cant believe I sold it all around 1992 for £150.
Gavin, did you ever add the allow washer carriers, U7243? Im looking at these for my Pro Cat Classic and are wondering if they are worth it, or make any difference (maybe just a smoother more robust front and rear ball diff?
Yes, understood, that's why im trying to decide now. I reached out to Schumacher to see if any advantage in the standard trans. I guessing you might add some upgrades to your Pro Cat in time, can't help it, right? Or maybe your optioned out from the XLS and Top Cat, lol.
I managed to get a kit before they went out of stock, no real love for the CAT as I used to run a Yokomo 870c back in the day so it has gone up the attic as an investment.
Hi Gavin, hope you are well. The drill bits supplied are only to open up some of the holes on motor plate and cover plates, nothing more. This allows the use of threaded engineering screws which is a lot better than the self tappers. Don't worry about the rebuild as it is a lot easier than you think. At least your shocks are already assembled. I bought all the upgrades and then decided to build a full new XLS. I spent, in full almost £1200, ouch. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask. I also have many pictures of my build to help you along your way. Take care.
Cool, I kitted out the Championship XLS, ProCat and the BossCat with the alloy centres, the Trinity Pro racer diff's, Trinity solid layshaft, the U770R slipper clutch and sometimes the wasp slipper clutch, the Schumacher Bosscat Works Alloy Roller Rear Driveshafts and lots of titanium bits back in the 80's / 90's. Cost an arm and a leg back then too. :-) They're sat across the room from me as I've been rebuilding them since Christmas. It's been a blast.
Looking forward to seeing the difference when you run it with those mods. Great that you're doing the upgrades for the viewers. Pretty sure it will be appreciated for years to come!
Nice one, looking forward to seeing those on 👍🏻
Wow! Lovely parts! Those look mint, they will really improve the cars performance and make it lighter. And maybe, they will make it strong too! That’s something new, seeing as it a Schumacher. Great vid Gav, keep up the awesome content.
It is funny but true Gavin. It is quite the task my friend. At least you don't have any shocks to build or the dreaded drive shafts. Lot's of money spent there. Looking forward to the rebuild. Take care.
Your the man with R.C. Plan.
Watched your vid and just receaved this car with all upgrades brand new in box was a brilliant find
And seller sold it same price he paid months ago not at double people are asking for now
It looks like you got everything. It’s going to turn out awesome
Just ordered the Top Cat off eBay although had to pay over the odds for it 😒 Keep up the great work 👍
Thanks for the run down in the parts Gavin. More hunting required so I get the metal parts etc.
Well it was your comment that gave me the idea. 👍🏻
Pro transmission is very smooth 👍
I had one of these when I was a kid. Definitely my favorite RC that I’ve owned. Kept my original bone stock and ran it with a Trinity “godzilla” brushed motor (12t...if I remember correctly ), 8.4 matched batt. pack, with a Novak t4. It was a screamer. Sadly I sold it when I started driving. Talk about sellers remorse 🙁. I started shopping for a re-re a while back after discovering they re-released them. Of course they were/are sold out everywhere. Now I was on a mission. I was in full stalker-mode for several weeks until I very recently scored a new re-re and also got all the pro upgrade accessories. The u7294 and u7294 is on back order unfortunately so I’ll have to wait until those arrive to start the build. Not sure what motor I’m going to run. Definitely open to suggestions. I cannot, for the life of me, find those alloy layshaft bearing holders. Anyone know where to buy those? Absolutely looking forward to this build! I always thought these cars assembled well (not great) but more than make up for it in character and driving characteristics. Wish me luck!
Really looking forward to see how this goes for you Gavin. Although given how the build went in the first place for you I don't think it will be smooth. Also, the cost is staggering. I think Schumacher should have offered two kit versions. The original and then the upgraded kit. Kyosho kits are expensive too but at least they made changes to the re-release of, for example the Optima.
Yeah, I totally agree with comment. It's a tough build to begin with, and not a recommended rebuild as Gavin stated! I'm also a massive Optima fan Mark. Take care buddy!
Come on Gavin, get it done buddy!! It is even better, faster and more efficient. OK, I may be fibbing, I'm simply trying to pop you along with the rebuild, if you still have it? All the best my friend!!
100% still have it and all the upgrades. I know, I need to get this one done.
Gavin, my friend, please do the rebuild......I know it is going to be a Royal pain, but it needs doing. Also, I'm very interested in how these parts change the driving experience. I am quite worried that drill bit's are included in the parts kit, but that is typical of Schumacher. Great video mate!!
Can't wait to see the build, with all the left over bits you can build a second cat.
So true
I thought that too .......... another £400 later I’d built one using the leftovers and this was when full kits were freely available for £280 odd!
The alloy parts that sandwich the gear box sides also help with heat dispersion from the motor and stiffness.
Gav the transmission upgrade is superb. I had lots of issues with slipping belts etc on the standard. The upgrade offers a proper slipper clutch and much better diffs and belts. Pretty.muchbchanges the whole drivetrain. I have the one for the top cat aswell
I am also having slippage issues with the 3-pulley side by side fenceless differential. How on Earth did this poor design win a world championship?
I wanted to get the U7238 pro differential with fences to resolve the problem, but it is now only available in Britain or Australia. It looks like I’m going to go the whole 9 yards with the transmission upgrade.
Gavin, my upgrade was to replace Phillips head screws with hex socket head screws as much as possible. I dislike the fragile nature of Phillip head screws, which wear down easily from normal repeated use. I got the idea from my Associated B6, which only uses socket head screws.
What do you think of that?
Yep its a good plan.
The alloy washer carriers come in the pro transmission kit.
Cool I didn’t notice. 👍🏻
Awesome 👍👍
I rushed out and bought one 😭 it’s so beautiful. The pro transmission option number is U7236. I bought that and the alloy transmission housing as upgrades then my budget was gone. I still need a motor and yellow paint. I’m thinking of skimping on the yellow and using the white I already have. Don’t flame me plz I’m sure I will spring for the yellow but will hav e to order it from Amazon or someplace. Just need a budget brushless to go with my leftover Tamiya tble-02s esc. Any suggestion is appreciated.
The carbon rear shock mount, the extra holes let you use a different wing mount system, which is much netter than the bent bit of wire👍
I'm not sure if you already have this part Gavin. It is the U3850 moulded wing mount set. It is on the back page of the instruction manual. Hope that helps!
I’ll check and see 👍🏻
£7.90 - ish at Muzzoom models or ebay. I think it will look a lot better with a plastic moulded wing holder rather than the wire wing holder and with it being black will look cool with the black carbon fibre.
Very interested to see how this comes together, especially the transmission upgrade which I'm thinking of doing to mine. The CAT has quite a clever system of pins on the front and rear wishbones which can make working on certain jobs much easier as you can take off quite large assemblies pretty quickly with some long nose pliers.
I wanted to get the U7238 pro rear differential with fences to solve my belt sliding issue. But it looks like that part is backordered in all the American stores and available in only Britain or Australia. So now it looks like I will be going the whole 9 yards with the entire transmission upgrade just to get the fences on the major pulleys to prevent the belt engagement problem.
It floors me that this poor stock design with the 3 fenceless pulleys side by side - actually managed to win a world championship.
nice post
Gavin, I was a little abrasive in the last comment, I'm just being impatient to watch your build. However, I have just finished watching your Kyosho Fantom Upgrade video. It is a great piece of kit I have to admit, and your enjoying driving it, obviously! A question my friend. You stated in the video the parts you have collected/upgraded/replaced and, if you ever decide to retire it up to the cool wall, it could be put restored be to original. Well why not do it the other way, use the originals and when you retire the car, add the bling. I say this as I have just spent a small fortune on my XLS, since they were discontinued. So the question is, do I use the original parts first and when retirement comes add the sprinkles. Great work!!
I am obviously bankrupt now Gavin!
LOL
Mine is 100% stock and schumacher stock motor (but I do have a lipo battery in it) and that's the way its staying because totally stock it's still a superb buggy.......built my one a few years ago when it first appeared absolute nightmare to build putting the drive shafts together it says put them in warm water to soften! Yeah like that make a difference? 5 hours later still sitting in A&E because I'd put the screwdriver through my hand trying to build the bloody drive shafts!
Peace of cake those driveshafts with the tool for it once you have the hang of it. I had the XLS back in 1988. Was a great car. Was eventually upgraded to procat spec. But strangely enough it handled better indoors with the standard front end. Loved that car - Cant believe I sold it all around 1992 for £150.
Gavin, did you ever add the allow washer carriers, U7243? Im looking at these for my Pro Cat Classic and are wondering if they are worth it, or make any difference (maybe just a smoother more robust front and rear ball diff?
You really have to add them on the build as retro fitting them is a big job. I never bothered I’m the end.
Yes, understood, that's why im trying to decide now. I reached out to Schumacher to see if any advantage in the standard trans. I guessing you might add some upgrades to your Pro Cat in time, can't help it, right? Or maybe your optioned out from the XLS and Top Cat, lol.
Given the number of parts being replaced I would buy the rear gearbox sideplates and then move the suspension parts over.
what was the price of the kit before it got discontinued
Not sure now, £285?
Any progress on this project? “I gotsta-know “ 👀
Back working on this now
Quick Masami Hirosaka facts!
He preferred a twin stick transmitter.
And he drove better with his toes.
I remember him driving with stick transmitter. What was the name of his 2wd championship car
OMG, I didn't realise I'd spent that much on upgrades 🤣🤣🤣
you should do an AYK Pro Radiant review
Gav don't tell the miss's how much it all cost 🤣, aftermarket parts always rake up the cost and empty your pockets lol.
I managed to get a kit before they went out of stock, no real love for the CAT as I used to run a Yokomo 870c back in the day so it has gone up the attic as an investment.
I'd skip the upgrades and just buy a better rig. But the Schumacher is a good looking rig for sure.
$710 AUD 😱🤦🏼♂️ I only payed $400 AUD for the kit 2years ago 🤣🤦🏼♂️
Wow you could have bought a 2011 Avante rere for what you paid in hop ups. Yes I’ve been looking at the Avante 😂
Controversial! 😉
2011 Avante built coming soon to RCKicks. 👍🏻
Dude, you must be rich....
Nope, it’s my job
££££££££££ 😱 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
silver rims suck