RCBasher.com - HPI Savage - Throttle Linkage Mod Method 1

Savage (sav-ij) -adjective: fierce, ferocious, cruel, untamed, barbarous, wild, rugged, bloodthirsty

HPI Savage Tips, Mods, and Fixes

The Savage Throttle Mod (aka the "OFNA Mod"), by Saxy

Saxy, from the RCBasher message board, was gracious enough to shoot some pics and throw together a write-up for his version of the OFNA throttle mod. Thanks Saxy!

I used the following parts for my mod:

- Golden Horizons aluminum throttle mix arm, #02604
- OFNA linkage kit, #10724
- OFNA linkage slider set, #10704
- OFNA alumuminum CNC servo arm, #10731

Here's the stock set-up. First, remove all the stock parts, such as the brake arm, servo arm, and throttle mix arm, as well as all the hardware you're changing out.

Next, install the Golden Horizons throttle mix arm on the TVP and install the pivot ball from the linkage kit onto the mix arm. Now install the stock throttle linkage rod to the carburetor and arm. You may have to adjust this linkage as it may be a bit too long, in which case you'll have to screw the ball end in about 1/8" or so.

Now attach the linkage sliders to the servo arm. I needed to lower the bottom slider for the brake about 1/8" to get better clearance for the brake rod. Small washers work well for this. Turn on your electronics and make ensure your servo and settings are centered and zeroed. Now attach the arm to the servo so it's sticking out perpendicularly from the truck's chassis.

Next, slide the linkage collar from the linkage kit onto the brake rod and slide on the spring (or a similar length of fuel line). Feed the rod through the servo arm's lower slider and attach the brake arm to the shaft sticking out of the transmission. Now slide another collar down the brake rod close to the slider, but don’t tighten the collars just yet.

Attach the plastic ball end to the throttle rod. You may have to bend the rod slightly to clear your roll bar. Slide a linkage collar onto the rod, then feed the rod through the upper servo arm slider. Attach the rod to the throttle mix arm, then slide the spring (or fuel line) down the rod followed by another locking collar.

For throttle rod adjustment, first turn on the electronics and make sure the carburetor is fully closed. Tighten the collar on the right of the slider. Now hold the rod against the slider put some tension on the spring (fuel line) using the locking collar and tighten the set screw. Double-check the movement of the rod and make sure there is full throttle travel available.

Now the hold the trigger in the full-brake position. Push the brake arm to the left to apply the brakes. Tighten the linkage collar to the left of the slider. Release the trigger. Now slide the last linkage collar to apply a little tension on the spring (fuel line) and tighten the set screw.

Test it out to make sure it's set the way you like it and many any adjustments necessary, then go back and apply a little blue threadlock on all the metal-to-metal fasteners, even the little set screws in the linkage collars. You definitely don't want those to come loose!

Feedback is always welcome, please click the "Contact Me!" link if you'd like to leave some.