I like to call this chapter "Reasons why I don't have a Vortex yet"
Subject: One lighly modified deadbolt, seems like most of the things I have changed about this thing have made the performance worse. The deadbolt is a entry-level crawler, I would recommend something with a wider wheel base. I go back and forth with this hobby... one minute I'm super interested, the next minute I'm asking myself wtf I'm doing.
Upgrades:
Tires - RC4WD Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC 1.9" Off-Road Tires Z-T0048
Softer rubber compound, changed everything about the experience. The harder rubber stock wheels almost made me want to return this thing to the store. It actually climbs now.
Servo - Powerhobby 633MCW
Stock servo died a few weeks after adding the stainless suspension pieces, the difference in performance from this mid-grade Powerhobby servo was night/day. I can't believe how much more snappier and responsive it is.
Potentially wasted money
Wheels - INJORA RC Wheel Rim 1.9 Inch Metal Beadlock Wheel Hub
Some random aluminum bead-locks from amazon. Better than the glue ons that came with it, but potentially stripped some of the bolts going on, would not use on a second set of tires.
Shocks - INJORA RC Shock Absorber Oil Adjustable RC Damper Set with Springs for 1/10 RC Truck Crawler Axial SCX10 TRX4 D90 (90mm)
I'm not sure if the shocks were an upgrade or not. It seems like some travel was removed from the suspension because the car isn't heavy enough to make use of the stiffer shocks.
Steel Steering/Rod Links - Not sure on brand, I thought the car would benefit from a weight on the bottom and a lower center of gravity. Turns out the people building these things probably know what they're doing.