Introduction
Max Speed Technology (MST) latest creation, the XXX-D VIP shaft driven RC Drift chassis. This car is designed and produced exclusively by MST in Taiwan. This is a shaft driven chassis designed for countersteer (CS) modified drifting in mind. This chassis is introduced to the market with several countersteer CS gear options. One of the most unique features of this chassis is the capability to configure it in mid-front or mid-rear motor position.
With a narrow chassis design that allows for mechanical traction. The upper brace design also adds rigidity and style to the chassis. MST has done a great job with the XXX-D chassis. Now onto the review….
The Review
Chassis Kit Impressions
The XXX-D VIP edition is very well designed and equipped chassis kit. This is the Red limited edition front motor edition kit. This DM version came fully assembled with 1.32CS, but we disassembled it to ensure the build was up to our preference. This is a kit so it does not include a pinion or body, MST includes wheels and tires as a standard. The dampers are not filled so be sure to do at least that before you go drifting.
Features:
- Full ball bearings
- front 60° universal driveshafts
- rear universal driveshafts
- Carbon fiber main and upper chassis plates
- Carbon fiber front and rear damper stay
- Carbon fiber battery holder
- Red brake calipers
- Hex screws
- Multiple CS options sold separately, this kit included 1:1.32 CS ratio
This kit comes 90% upgraded from MST. The only things missing are the remainder of CS options and steering knuckles. There are also a number of other things to upgrade if you so choose to, but most are not necessary. We did choose one optional upgrade we felt would better improve the chassis. The short front steering knuckle which gives better adjustability of the steering capabilities. MST also includes a full set of springs for you to test and tune your chassis.
Overall Chassis Build Process
As previously mentioned it comes assembled, but will require some work before you take it out drifting. At the very minimum, be sure to do the following.
- fill the dampers with the fluid included
- Use the grease provided to lubricate the driveshafts (absolutely necessary to prolong the life of those moving parts)
- Check all screws to ensure they are tight (Do NOT over torque)
- Highly recommend checking the gear mesh in both gear boxes to ensure they are meshing correctly
This chassis is very straight forward for any experienced builder. If you are a beginner trying to disassemble for the first time, then carefully and methodically take it apart so you remember how to reassemble it. To read more about the detailed build process – CLICK HERE.
The XXX-D chassis has some very unique characteristics to their design. Their suspension arm design is unlike any other Drift RC chassis on the market. The lower suspension arms have been designed to be narrow for greater potential steering angle. The upper suspension arms are designed such that the castor angle can be adjusted. Coupled with the steering knuckles they allow for greater steering angle. MST is still the only chassis manufacturer to release 55+ degrees of angle out of the box.
Overall Quality of Chassis Kit
Carbon Fiber Parts
The carbon fiber main chassis and upper deck is 2.5mm in thickness and the carbon damper stays are 3.5mm in thickness. The cut quality is very good and the extra aesthetic edge adds another dimension to the carbon fiber. It is our common practice to seal the edges of the carbon fiber and the nice clean edge made it easy to do. Overall this is of very good quality and a has a nice smooth edge.
Aluminum Parts
This kit includes a generous amount of aluminum alloy parts and carbon fiber decks for aesthetics and performance. The aluminum alloy is anodized a very nice red, contrast with the black carbon. Overall the aluminum is very clean and manufactured to high quality.
- Motor mount
- Front and rear bulkheads
- Adjustable dampers
- Front and rear upper brace
- Front and rear mid supports
- Turnbuckles
- Front bumper protector
- Brake disc hubs (cross drilled)
- Center drive shaft
- Steering rail
- Low profile servo mounts
- Rear solid axle
- Front one way
Plastic Parts
Not much plastic associated with this chassis. Some bulkhead covers, gears, bushings, turn-buckles, steering knuckles and suspension arms.
Overall Value
The MST XXX-D chassis is priced MSRP at $640USD. This chassis kit comes with a generous amount of aluminum alloy option parts that enhance both function and style. The kit also includes a front one-way and countersteer gears (1:1.32 CS drive ratio), which are rarely included with RC drift kits at this price range. This chassis is priced with other high end chassis in the market but the potential for performance is very evident. The chassis has several other more innovative designs that further enhance performance. This kit would be a very good platform intermediate and expert RC Drifters. This car is very configurable and has room for growth with any drifter. All the settings you need are adjustable for anyone that enjoys tuning their chassis. MST is always developing new option parts for this chassis so future upgrade will always be available if you so desire.
Test Drive and Feedback
It was a great first drive. The chassis handled very well and stable. The only exception was the slight torque steer, however this is due to the motor configuration in a shaft driven configuration. Comparing it to an older Yokomo MR4TC SSG the torque steer is significantly decreased. The 1.32 CS ratio does not give much overdrive, but helps to break rear traction quicker. All the movements in the chassis are very smooth, it drove very well, its easy to handle and fun to throw around corners. Overall we were very impressed with the chassis. Videos of the chassis at the DM test track can be found below 🙂
We did take it to the local track for a few drivers to try out. The generally consensus was that it lacked CS, but very easy and fun to drive. The local track is quite large and requires some speed, with a 13.5T sensored system, it was not quite quick enough to stay close on that track.
Conclusion
MST has done a great job with the design of the XXX-D chassis. This is by far one of the best shaft driven chassis on the market today. We have driven a few other shaft drive chassis and this one really feels better. The with the motor setup in the front position, it does reduce torque steer, but is still evident when driving. The variety of countersteer (CS) gears is a very good idea, especially for people seeking that perfect drive ratio.
One of the best front motor shaft driven chassis in 2013!
Videos of the MST XXX-D VIP in Action
