IRS aluminum caster blocks

Radio Control Car Action, Sep 2002

ASSOCIATED'S DYNAMIC STRUT IS THE UNOFFICIAL FRONT END of nearly all pan cars (except for Trinity's, natch), thanks to its easy assembly and independently adjustable ride height, camber and caster. That's enough adjustability for most of us, but Irrgang Racing Service's (IRS) aluminum Dynamic Strut caster blocks increase the system's tunability with six new upper-arm hinge-pin positions that adjust the suspension's roll center. In addition, their stiff aluminum construction combined with a "wide mouth" design that reaches around the upper arm increases rigidity (but causes linkage clearance problems in 1/12-scale cars). The IRS blocks are nicely machined and directly replace the stock upper-arm standoffs. Extra-long, E-clipped hinge pins are provided and slide easily through the upper arm-no more supertight friction fit. Since style matters, IRS polishes the blocks to a bright shine, and no machine marks are to be found; this is first-class stuff all the way. Exactly how much the IRS parts will speed up your laps depends on your tuning skills, and the caster blocks aren't cheap-but they are very well made, look killer and offer a genuine advantage in the form of increased tuning flexibility.

Irrgang Racing Service (609) 476-2371; teamirsrc.com.

FINAL CALL

Top-shelf construction, a real tuning advantage and good looks, too. Pricey, but worth it.