The earliest version of this car class had very limited rules, allowing only the super-light photo-paper body and aftermarket rear axles, tires, and rims. The new rules allow for much more performance enhancements, transforming this rig into a true “builder” class platform.
Because of the “can” motor construction, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to put together a competitive car. The basic, easiest mods are relatively cheap to procure and easy to install.
This guide will provide you with links for sourcing the parts and components needed to transform any MegaG+ 1.7 rolling chassis into a speedster racing platform.
The first thing to focus on is what type of body you want to run. Smart money says the photo-paper body will likely be the best choice for raw speed and handling. However, you can choose any snap-on plastic, resin, or 3D-printed hardbody to get started in this class. Right now, the rules call for a Whelen-style body similar to the above paper bodies. F1/Indy bodies are not allowed.
Here is a 3D-printed body we’ve used at Stewart Raceway on IROC sets.
Right now, the only sources for photo-paper bodies are through Stewart Raceway or Webster Motorsports (Kevin). Kevin’s body is probably a bit heavier than the Stewart Raceway design, but might be a bit more durable.
Stewart Raceway will provide a pre-designed body upon request for any regular participant at Stewart Raceway. If you’d like custom graphics, please email them to me, and I’ll see what I can do. I’m also thinking about creating a Lexan Whelen-style body. We’ll see where that goes.
The next important upgrade is an aftermarket rear axle assembly. You can do multiple options here. I suggest just purchasing one or two complete Viper rear ends. I think you can purchase without tires also.
This mod gives you a significant performance boost and lets you run any Viper Narrow PST Slip-On tire set.
Both 25-tooth and 23-tooth gearing are allowed. No metal gears! The lower tooth count provides higher speeds on larger tracks.
https://viperscaleracing.com/product/mega-g-g-pro-rear-end-setup/
The next upgrade would be an independent front-end assembly. This component provides for smoother corner entry and exits, which means better handling and faster lap times.
Brass, Delrin, or Alloy hubs are allowed.
The jury is out on which setup will work best and which courses, but my thinking is that the heavier (brass) material will allow a heavier pickup shoe spring tension. In theory, this will provide a bit more speed and keep the front end planted better.
This setup also allows a wide range of tire circumferences, giving you more tuning options to dial in your car for any track or course layout.
https://viperscaleracing.com/product/mega-g-brass-390-independent-front-end-setup/
Up next would be a motor upgrade. There are several options available here.
This is a motor and electronics board available from either Jag Hobbies or Viper. Viper also makes their own replacement motor assembly, which should be available on their site soon.
There are various motor options out there. The original MG+ motor had a green endbell. Newer cars have a red or orange endbell. The Jag and Viper assemblies appear to have black endbells as shown here. Some are faster than others, but any of these motors can outperform another at times.
https://viperscaleracing.com/product/jag-replacement-motor-assembly-mega-g/
https://jaghobbies.com/ho_slot_cars/parts_tomy.htm
In any case, aftermarket motor assemblies with stripped electrical boards are, at a minimum, lighter in weight. If you’re running a brass independent front, this can help the car come off the start line and through the corners a little faster.
I don’t want to get into the weeds with the details here. The above parts and components will get your MegaG+ 1.7 chassis in the ballpark and competitive at Stewart Raceway.
Of course, there are many other ways to improve this platform’s performance. From front and rear axle shimming to replacing or otherwise changing pickup shoe spring tensions, this class provides builders with a very flexible, highly tunable racing platform.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment below or email any Master division driver. We’re hoping to start racing these new cars as soon as we have enough drivers with race-ready cars.
Parts List:
