It’s the inevitable question we get asked whenever Schumacher bring out a new model or an upgrade, Sometimes, like the KF there is a simple answer – no, but at other times there are possibilities, like the SVR/KR or the K1/Aero, sometimes a full conversion or sometimes maybe just a few of the nicer bits.

Lets have a look at the SVR/KR conversion then.

Chassis
There are three chassis possibilities:

1. Keep the SVR standard chassis – same as the KR apart from some cosmetic changes and the groove cut to accomodate the ESC to Receiver wire under the battery.
2. Go to the new KR chassis $70.
3. Go to the Graphite chassis – same for both models $88 (this is a +6mm chassis and seems to have some benefits in lap times on our track).

Diff
The SVR comes with a ball diff the KR comes with a gear diff. Both diffs are interchangeable for both cars. SVR drivers were crying for a gear diff after the SVR was first released. Schumacher were planning on a Spec R diff for the car but eventually decided to build their own and it’s a good one. If using the ball diff then you have the choice of the standard ceramic balls or the T/C balls and also there is a pro thrust bearing which is highly recommended. The gear diff complete is $45.

Shocks
Both cars come with Big Bore shocks, the new shocks have a better surface treatment and the caps and spring adjusters are black as opposed to the earlier purple, if colour is not an obstacle stick with the purples, at some stage if you want to go vented shock caps thats the time to change to black.

Top Deck
The top deck arrangement and pivoting for the LIPO is quite different. If you go the graphite chassis which is 6mm longer you will need a +6mm top deck $35 plus the different fittings to go with it if coming from an SVR U4376 $9.00 and the pivot pins $9 each.

Hex drive wheels
A conversion kit is available if you want to convert to industry standard hex drive wheels front and rear – U4395 $45.

Go the new car
So there’s not a lot to save in the conversion, If you wanted to do the whole thing definitely cheaper to sell your SVR and go the KR, there is nothing quite like a new car, all fresh and nice with the new body, fresh ball joints and bearings etc without the wear of your old ones. I was fortunate enough to buy a brand new unused SVR from an old friend at an unbelievable price and even at that rate it would have been cheaper for me to have bought a KR, still the conversion was an interesting exercise.