By Eric Schutt
Team Associated labeled their latest ready-to-run package a ‘Race
Spec,’ or RS for short. Well, they weren't joking. The decision makers
at Associated really took their time and created a track-ready package.
With a mountain of trophies in the 1/10 Gas Truck class, the RC10GT has
been a popular and successful truck. Some might say it was a risky move
to redesign a winner, others might say it was time for a change. The
result is the brand new Team Associated GT2 RS. Read on to find out
what we think!
![](Pics_files/assgt2-3.jpg) Kit Features Suspension.
The GT2 RS touts race inspired, four-wheel independent suspension.
Associated has always made good shocks, and this kit does not
disappoint. Blue anodized aluminum shock bodies with coil over springs
are found on all four corners. Like any good race quality kit, there
are several shock mounting options to tune to the track conditions for
any given day.
Drivetrain. The two wheel drive truck comes pre-built with
metal shielded bearings in the transmission as well as in the hubs.
Power is transmitted through an adjustable, dual disk slipper clutch
and out to the rear wheels via steel dogbones. While the GT2 Factory
Team kit features quick release rear wheels, the normal mounting method
is used on the RS version.
Steering. Designers at Associated redesigned the GT2 RS
steering. The new truck features a dual crank design. All parts glide
smoothly on bushings and the kit also includes an adjustable servo
saver. Associated gets extra credit for spec’ing a metal gear steering
servo for extra durability. Typically, this would be one of the first
pieces that would need to be upgraded, but not with the Race Spec.
Chassis. The GT2 RS chassis has an all new and well thought
out layout. With a blue anodized 6061 aluminum chassis on bottom
and a composite upper deck, all the component locations have been
optimized. The new, narrow layout helps move all the weight to the
chassis centerline and maximize handling.
RTR Gear.
Associated’s own XP2 radio system has all the features you need to dial
in this gas truck. It features end point adjustment, dual rate steering
adjustment, a battery charging jack, and even a repositionable throttle
trigger. It was also a good sign to see the inclusion of a throttle
return spring. This is a good idea for any R/C gas vehicle, and
refreshing to see that it’s included right out of the box. Also in the
box, are a pre-painted body, .15 pullstart engine with tuned pipe,
D-size glow starter, mounted tires with foam inserts, fuel bottle,
instructions, decals, and quick-start guide.
Performance Testing When we first opening the box, we were
greeting by the stunning look of the painted and trimmed body. I felt
like I could be the stunt double for Jared Tebo, Associated’s factory
driver! With the clean chassis layout and aggressive stance, I was
anxious to find out for myself how Team Associated did on their latest
effort.
First, it’s rare to find an RTR with a full set of bearings.
You’ll find the GT2 RS rolls smoothly with metal shielded bearings in
the transmission, rear hubs, front hubs, and even the steering rack.
The older RC10GT required the use of several plastic zip ties to secure
the receiver battery pack. The new GT2 RS has an enclosed and secure
battery box and even includes some much needed tabs to help route the
wiring. The receiver is well protected inside its own compartment. The
switch is located in an easy to access spot alongside the throttle
servo.
For people looking to give gas trucks a try for the first
time, rest assured that Associated has you covered. They include a step
by step Quick Start guide. This will ease you through the break-in
process. Associated is one of the best in the business when it comes to
clear and detailed instructions. The GT2 RS comes with full assembly
instructions which will be helpful when a repair is needed. The .15
engine started easily and I was able to break it in without a problem.
It was a nice surprise to find the included tires already glued up. Not
only were they glued, but they were glued up right. Once in a while,
RTR kits will glue the supplied tires up, but rarely is it done very
well. Good job here, Associated! Looking over the kit, I quickly
noticed that the ball cups were beefier and stronger looking than I was
used to seeing. Not only was the receiver battery box fully enclosed,
but it was also connected to the rear shock tower. Looking tough!
Associated included a two-needle carburetor on the .15 pull start
engine. Having the additional low speed needle is a welcome addition,
not always found on preassembled kits.
After break-in, I ran several tanks through the truck in my
backyard. While the GT2 RS has full race potential, it’s also at home
bashing in the neighborhood. The supplied tires work great in grass and
on concrete, but the true test will be how well they perform on the
track. I did find the size of the opening for my trigger finger on the
transmitter to be quite large. It was big enough that I had to fully
extend my finger just to get the brakes to begin applying. I slid a
short section of fuel tubing onto the brake side of the throttle—this
helped for sure.
At the track, I was amazed how balanced this
truck felt on its very first run. Normally, the tires that come on many
RTR’s are fine for running on the street, but that’s about it. The
kit-supplied tires worked amazingly great. I brought several sets of
tires along expecting to make adjustments for the conditions, but the
kit tires worked extremely well. I did ‘vent’ the rear tires by cutting
two, small quarter-inch slits in each tire. This helped smooth out the
ride on rough sections. The truck had very good steering and tracked
through corners smoothly. The GT2 RS made very good power out of the
turns as well as great top speed down the back straight. The truck
jumped great and flew through the air flat and straight.
![](Pics_files/assgt2.jpg)
After the second tank, I pulled the truck to get a closer look.
After a detailed inspection, the ball diff needed to be tightened. This
is normal and should be checked on any new or just rebuilt
differential. The rest of the truck was perfect and ready for more
action. On the next tank out, a larger 1/8 buggy hit the GT2 RS head
on. I pulled the truck in to check out the damage. Turns out only one
ball cup was broken. This is especially surprising since it was quite
cold with temperatures in the mid 30’s. Temperatures this cold make
plastic parts brittle and they can break much easier. The GT2 RS held
up great. The track layout for this day was primarily made for larger
1/8 buggies and truggies, so there were several large jumps. I truly
tested the durability of the truck, crashing on many of these jumps,
hard. The GT2 RS shrugged off the hits and kept running strong.
When I replaced the ball cup, I was surprised to find Associated
included new ball studs that feature an Allen wrench interface. These
aren’t new in the RC scene, but this is the first time I’ve seen them
on an Associated. This will make it much easier to utilize the various
chassis tuning options. Brilliant!
Pulling the truck in for a splash of fuel turned out to be a bit of
a learning experience. It wasn’t until then did I realize the
windshield didn’t have a cutout. Cutting out a section of the
windshield not only provides the much needed cooling for the engine,
but it also allows access to the fuel tank for refills. Cutting out the
body was easy, but the new fuel flap design was still awkward. This
might just be because it’s different from the old design, and not what
I’m used to. Time will tell here.
Team Associated addressed the needs of the dedicated racer by
releasing the GT2 Factory Team first. Since the 1/10 truck classes have
been dominated by Associated for nearly the class’s entire history,
they wanted to make sure they continued to rule the roost. With the
pure racing heritage on its side, you can rest assured thatthe GT2 RS
is a performance truck.
The crew at Team Associated really did their homework on the new GT2
RS. Don’t be fooled by the fact it comes fully assembled. This truck
has the equipment and the performance to be the perfect club racer
right out of the box. There are very few kits that can go from the
hobby shop shelf right to the track. Associated continues to remain
dedicated to competition, and to racking up National championships with
this truck. They know ‘What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday!” Even if
you never plan to hit the track, running a solid performance truck is
fun even in your backyard.
What Did We Like? Super clean chassis layout with plenty
of attention to detail. It’s great to see a two-needle carburetor on an
RTR—helps make great power and make it club race worthy. The GT2 RS
sports some of the best tires seen on a RTR. I was stoked to find good
protection for the receiver as well as the receiver battery pack. Bonus
points for including full assembly instructions. It’s already built
with a full set of bearings and metal gear steering servo—are you
kidding me? Not only does this RTR come well spec’d straight out of the
box, it hustles around the track with grace.
What Would We Change? With all the improvements, I was
surprised to still find those small plastic wheel nuts up front. Also,
the new fuel tank lid is a bit awkward. Includes a stunning, precut and
painted body, but it would have been complete if they cut out the
engine cooling and fuel refill hole.
Conclusion Associated took a great truck and made it even
better. While the past RC10GT truck was extremely dominant at nearly
every race scene, it was due for an update. Associated clearly listened
to what pro racers and backyard bashers wanted, because this truck has
it all. For anyone looking to go from opening the box to pulling
trigger, the RC10 GT2 RS is a great package for the first timer or
experienced racer alike.
TEST EQUIPMENT Radio: Team Associated XP2 (included), Servos: Associated S1903MG for steering/Associated S1903 for throttle and brake (included), Engine: Associated .15x pullstart (included), Body:
Associated ‘Interceptor’ GT2 Prepainted (included), Tires: Associated
ribbed fronts/Associated bow-tie style rear (included), Fuel: O’Donnell
10-percent
Test Setup Setup We Used. Traction was high on the track,
so we pulled some of the shock preload spacers to lower the truck’s
ride height a touch. While the tires were hooking up and roosting,
cutting the two small vent holes in each of the rear tires helped
smooth out the ride. We also threw in a five cell NiMh receiver pack.
The rechargeable battery pack is easy to top off after long sessions.
For a bit more run time, we yanked out the fuel tank volume reducer. Test Track: Leisure Hours Raceway, Joliet, Illinois Track
Conditions: Indoor clay track, open layout with a few larger jumps and
plenty of traction. Mainly designed for larger 1/8 Buggy and Truggy
classes.
THE FINAL CALL Highs: The Associated .15x engine
starts and runs reliably. Great club racing engine! Very good
transmitter features and a solid, metal-gear servo up front. Kudos to
Associated for including a step by step Quick Start guide for helping
out the first timer. Truck is built extremely well, is durable, and is
ready for whatever you’re able to dish out. Lows: They could have cut out the windshield. Fuel lid somewhat awkward. The
Final Call: Associated definitely came up a winner with their new GT2
RS. Top-shelf quality and a design that has national race wins to back
it up. The GT2 RS is a steal, and as a racer myself, I’m proud to have
this RTR in my stable.
ON THE OHTER HAND...
Collin: AE wasted no time at all
following up their most recent truck nats victory with a package that
can put many in contention of picking up some trophies. Using the
design from the hot new Factory Team GT2, minus the pretty stuff, the
RS comes factory assembled complete with radio, and even a replica Tebo
scheme body. The ‘Race Spec’ is ready to hit the track right out of the
box, as it includes a very user-friendly setup. Don’t let the RS badge
fool you into thinking that it’s some non-upgradeable version, it
accepts every part that the FT version uses, including the trick quick
release rear wheel setup. ![](Pics_files/assgt2chart.jpg)
SPECS Vehicle: Team Associated RC10 GT2 RS #7092 Type: 1/10 2WD gas truck Street Price: $289.99 Class Rivals: Team Losi XXX-NT RTR DIMENSIONS Width 13 in (330mm) Wheelbase 11.2 in (285mm) adjustable Length 16.5 in (420mm) Weight 4.1 lb (1850g) with body Ground clearance 1.5 in (37mm) Chassis Hard-anodized 6061 aluminum with composite upper deck Thickness 3mm Suspension four-wheel, independent suspension Damping aluminum oil-filled shocks with coil over springs Swaybars N/A Drivetrain rear wheel drive / dogbones Pinion/Spur 20/54 Internal Ratio 4.09:1 Differentials Ball bearing differential Bearings full set/metal shielded
PERFORMANCE DATA Zero to 100 feet: 3.51 seconds Zero to top speed: 5.95 seconds Stalker ATS verified Top Speed: 34.1 mph
SOURCES • Team Associated, 3585 Cadillac Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • (714) 850-9342 • O’Donnell, P.O. Box 9021, Champaign, Il 61826-9021 • (217) 398-8970
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