First up remove the whole front end from the 201:

Then simply bolt this up as per removal onto the Vega Chassis:

Just one note on this you need to use 2 x M3 x 8 on the outer chassis posts as the kit M3 x 10 are a little too long.
Servo posts just bolt in as per normal.
You can see the carbon battery strips, these allow for different options for the cell layout.


Here are a few pics of the different cell layouts you can run on the car:

Rear end fitted now:

I'm using the XA front block and the 3.0 deg rear block (flipped upside down) as per Lee's set up on http://l-m-racing.co.uk , this gives 3.5 deg of toe. Link to set up sheet

.
I'v also added some 3m carbon to the battery tray as it looks good!


Rear end:

Servo and shocks added

New Gen 2 rear tower (std in kit) this has lots more camber locations
I'v used Tamiya 511 rear wing mounts but the Vega/Pred wing mounts fit this tower too.
I'v dremelled the rear of the arms and added a 2mm spacer as per Lee's set up, this give a bit more clearence for the rear arms from the chassis
Also added 2 x 1mm shims under the XA block to give a little anti squat

Next up is the gear box build:
The kit comes with the extra idlers and bearings so it's a case of pulling apart the 201 box and transferring it all into the Vega box, just need to add a couple of shims on the layshaft and fit it up.
I'm also going to fit new black reinforced diff and idler gears from Tamiya during the gear box build as best to start with all new fresh gears.
The pics do the talking for the quality of machining and the car drops together with out any issues what so ever, can't wait to get it on track!
forgot to mention the Gen 2 has a long wheel base (compared to 201/Gen1 Vega) Its 12mm longer but the space for the radio gear/esc is the same.
Junior Z's car has got a full size servo and fairly big esc/Rx so space isn't an issue

Juniors car:

Gearbox build time!

Here's how it comes out of the kit, a work of art !

Remove the gearbox from the 201 and remove the motor guard and split the gearbox.

You'll need the idler gear and bearings, diff and bearings and layshaft and bearings.

Inside the Vega box:

I bought an extra idler gear from Xtreme so the whole gearbox years are new (used uprated diff gear, black version) Now all you have to do it drop in the gears and bearings:

Next up is the layshaft install, all straight forward but you'll notice in the Vega kit you have a metal shim and plastic shims, these are for end float adjustment on the layshaft

On my gearbox I pushed the slipper side bearing into the gearbox/motor mount making sure its fully seated then pushed the layshaft through with the metal shim and one plastic shim as per picture below:

I then did up all the bolts on the gearbox and checked the end float on the layshaft, it had a tiny amount of free play which is what your after as you don't want to add too many shims as this will bind up you gearbox.

The gearbox assembly:

Note: If you want to run the gear cover and use the rear motor Proline Losi 22 shell (As per Lee Martin) mount the gear cover using a long m3 bolt and nyloc through one of the fins on the motor mount.

This simply drops straight in the chassis and bolt the rear tower to the gearbox and job done!

The finished car!

Next up are the electric's install the get the body trimmed and sent of for paint.

Many thanks to Lewis and Will @ Team Xtreme;
For all your Predator and Vega needs: http://www.teamxtreme.co.uk

Update July 4th 2012

First race meeting last night at Silverstone club, chucked the car down to race as we arrived late and it was awesome!

Very easy to drive and loads of steering, was easy to push hard and forgiving in the air, overall one very happy Vega owner!

I ran Lee Martins set up to the letter (see link in this thread) and was great!

Only slight change I would like to try on the high grip astro was a stiffer front spring (I used Tamiya blue all round) so maybe I'll try some X gear springs next time.

If your thinking of going for a Vega, go for it, you won't be dissapointed

Little update (August 20st, 2012) on the Vega, with advice from the Vega team drivers I'm going to give the Big bore springs a go! A quick guide to what you'll need:

To keep the spring central on the collar use Traxxas part number # 3768

You'll also need Losi 22 spring cups and shock ends, all in one handy pack:

Losi 22: Shock End Set with Spring Cups for 12mm Shock (TLR5095)

Your choice of Losi BB spring, I'm trying Blue Front and Red rear as a starting point.

As you'll see in the pics an easy conversion costing under £20 and the losi springs are ony £3.50 a pair for other lb ratings.