Unleashing the Ultimate Cheater Rig – RC Car Action’s Associate Publisher Collaborates With Corrupt Carbon Works

In the electrifying world of radio-controlled vehicles, where innovation meets precision, a remarkable partnership has emerged to create a game-changing masterpiece. Enter Leigh Guarnieri, Associate Publisher of RC Car Action, and Austin Williams, the mastermind behind Corrupt Carbon Works, joining forces to craft a custom-built radio-controlled truck that defies conventions and takes the concept of comp crawling to unprecedented heights.

Revolutionizing the Comp Crawler Scene
The realm of comp crawling has witnessed remarkable growth, and with the recent release of the Axial SCX10 Pro it’s clear that the competition scene is booming. However, the birth of a production-level comp crawler doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of years of tireless development and testing by boutique brands that have carved a niche for themselves within the community.

One such influential figure in this space is none other than Austin Williams, the visionary behind Corrupt Carbon Works. Williams’ platform has opened up a new avenue for aspiring enthusiasts, offering an array of boutique brands and parts, tailored to meet the demands of the evolving comp scene.

A VISION REALIZED

Leigh Guarnieri, known for his enthusiasm for the RC world, embarked on a mission to create a crawler that not only defied norms but also raised the bar for performance and style. After bouncing ideas back and forth, Guarnieri and Williams zeroed in on CCW’s latest and most advanced chassis: the Hidden Ninja. A marvel of engineering and innovation, this chassis stands as a testament to Corrupt Carbon Works’ pursuit of excellence.

The Hidden Ninja chassis isn’t just another run-of-the-mill design; it’s a testament to years of refinement, iteration and experimentation. Austin Williams’ expertise, honed through countless hours of testing and competition, is evident in every intricate detail of this chassis.

Unveiling the Hidden Ninja

The assembly of the Hidden Ninja chassis is a revelation in itself. Designed with a focus on performance and simplicity, this chassis is a canvas for greatness. Its standout feature is a remarkably compact transfer case that defies expectations. With just two carbon plates, minimal hardware and stock axial gears, this transfer case boasts incredible efficiency, minimal bulk, and a built-in 26% underdrive to the rear.

Building the Hidden Ninja proved to be an engaging and insightful experience for Guarnieri, as Austin Williams guided him through the process. Every element of the kit is a evidence of Williams’ dedication to squeezing out the utmost advantage from the simplest components.

CRAFTING THE ULTIMATE CHEATER RIG

The transformation continued with the installation of Vanquish F10 portal axles, Dlux 80mm shocks and CCW Vision wheels, wrapped in Roboslug-stuffed JConcept Tusks. The result? A visually striking chassis that demands attention with its aggressive stance and unbridled potential.

This journey led to a custom-designed body by Deaf Customs. This Comp-spec body features a Tamiya Sand Scorcher front end, a custom styrene bed, and door modifications. The body’s standout feature is its vibrant Kawasaki Ninja green-and-purple livery, expertly executed by Robert Pezza of Scale Rat. The addition of 22mm red glass cat eyes infuses the rig with an undeniable personality.

What Is a Cheater Rig?
From what we’ve seen, “cheater rig” is a term that can be divisive within the competition crawler community. The way it’s being used here, and with this build, is that Corrupt Carbon Works has developed its Ninja Chassis Kit to just barely squeak by (or land on the thin edge of) crawler competition dimensional rules. Because these trucks live on such a fine limit, they’re endearingly referred to as “cheater rigs.”

Special Project: Leigh Guarnieri x Corrupt Carbon Works Ultimate Cheater Rig BUILD SHEET

Chassis
Corrupt Carbon Works Hidden Ninja Chassis Kit in T700 carbon fiber-Purple Galaxy Carbon

T-case
SCX10III 48p gears
Jim’s Bearings rubber sealed shoulder style

Transmission
D-lux gears 48p
Jim’s Bearings Rubber Sealed Shoulder Style
Dlux Universal Driveshafts
Fish’s Crawler Parts 3D-printed Skid
Fish’s Crawler Parts 3D-printed CMS
(Chassis Mounted Servo) kit
Fish’s Crawler Parts 3D-printed Unicorn

Body Mounts
Intheworks RC Link Kit

Electronics
Gens Ace/Tattu 4S 450mAh LiPo Battery
Castle Creations Mamba Micro X2
Team Brood Dooms Day 30-Turn Motor

Servos
Reefs RC Raw 400LP
Reefs RC 299LP Servo Winch

Axles
Vanquish Products F10 Front Portal Axle Set
Vanquish Products F10 Rear Portal Axle Set
Vanquish Products F10 Portal Knuckle Weight

Wheels and Tires
CCW Galaxy Vision Multi-piece Carbon Face with Aluminum Beadlocks
JConcepts Tusk Performance Tires
Robo Slug Anti-Foams 3D-printed Inserts

Hardware
KNK Stainless Hardware
KNK Purple Spacer Kit

FINAL WORD

The synergy between Leigh Guarnieri and Austin Williams has birthed an unparalleled creation that pushes boundaries and challenges expectations. This Ultimate Cheater Rig is not merely a showcase of innovation and design; it’s a beacon for the dynamic spirit of the RC world. As the rig gears up to face the West Coast’s toughest terrains and make its mark at Pro-Line by the Fire 2023, it’s clear that the partnership between Guarnieri and Corrupt Carbon Works has set the bar impossibly high for future endeavors. The ultimate cheater rig has arrived, and it’s a sight to behold on the road less traveled.

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Text by James York
Images by Jerry Tsai