Introduction:

The SPEC SLASH rule set has two primary goals: Offer a fun off-road class with a low barrier to entry for those new to the hobby, and keep racing close by limiting modifications and expenses needed to maintain a podium-capable vehicle. Special mention to Mark Santa Maria whose ruleset the following is based upon.

All of the following rules should be interpreted as IF IT DOESN’T SAY YOU CAN… THEN YOU CAN’T. 

• 2WD Traxxas Slash XL5 or BL-2S models only

• Must be STOCK - Traxxas connectors and all: 
  • Traxxas XL5 paired with Titan 12T
  • Traxxas BL-2S 3300kv motor and ESC
• Traxxas TQ transmitter and receiver ONLY (waterproof receiver box cover may be removed).
  • Mounting of electronics shall otherwise follow the manual directions
• Traxxas servo part numbers:
  • 2056
  • 2075 (Original equipment on BL-2S Slash, plastic gears)
  • 2075R (metal gear high speed)
  • 2075X (metal gear high torque)
• Metal servo gear upgrade for original servo permitted:
  • 2072R (high speed)
  • 2072X (high torque)
• Stock servo saver ONLY – 3744X
• Traxxas 2S LiPo or 7 cell NiMh ONLY – Must retain the original Traxxas connector.
• Traxxas charger must be used.

• Aluminum shock caps permitted (3767*)
• Aluminum bearing carriers permitted (3636* and 3652*).
• All other durability upgrades must meet the following requirements:
  • Traxxas brand part
  • First 4 digits of part number must match original stock part number
    Example: part number 2555 (stock rear arms) on older XL5/Titan Slash may upgrade to 2555G (Green HD Arms) or 2555X (Black HD Arms, original on BL-2S). 

Note: Newer models come equipped with the HD control arms, caster blocks, steering blocks, hub carriers, and driveshafts already out of the box!

• RPM rear bumper mount part numbers 80902 (black) or 80905 (blue) are permitted (and encouraged) to preserve the carpet. Stock rear bumper mounts tend to distort and stick down when landing with potential to damage the carpet. Factory Traxxas rear bumper is still required.

• Approved gearing (any combination allowed):
  • Spur: 83T (4683), 86T (4686), 90T (4690)
  • Pinion: 16T (2416), 21T (2421), 23T (2423)
• Diff fluid: The factory Slash has an unsealed diff, but it may be packed with heavy fluid, grease, etc if desired to aid in limited slip tuning.

• Shock oil changes permitted – no restriction on brand
• Shock piston changes permitted with unmodified Traxxas 1, 2, or 3 hole pistons only (all come with the RTR/RTA kits)
• Shock limiters (internal and external) permitted – no restriction on materials used
• Min ride height = 20mm (to be evaluated further after a few events are run) as measured under the front and rear bulkheads
• Camber link and shock location adjustments permitted as intended (no drilling of new mounting locations, etc)
• Adding ballast is NOT permitted.

• Must use Traxxas Slash 2WD wheels and tires (Traxxas brand)
• Any Traxxas Slash 2WD tread pattern permitted EXCEPT S1 compounds
• Gluing tire sidewalls and sanding tires as desired to mitigate rollovers is permitted
• See below chart for reference of class-legal options/part numbers:

 Bodies permitted:

• Must use Traxxas Slash body (no aftermarket bodies), body venting and cutting holes is NOT permitted.
• Older models may update to BL-2S clipless body system via kit 6929

• If you have to explain why you think your car is legal by saying “Well technically it’s OK because…” it is NOT allowed.

• LCG chassis is not permitted.
• No hardware changes – this means no Ti screw kits, etc. Screws and hardware must be used how they are intended.
  • This is to keep costs down. The fastest way to create inequality of competition is to allow expensive “must have” modifications.
• Traxxas 2s LiPo and 7-cell NiMh batteries and chargers only
  • This class is intended for people NEW to the hobby – not seasoned racers. The argument of “well I already have XYZ batteries and charger” is irrelevant. If seasoned racers want in on the action, they will buy what is needed to conform to the rules, otherwise they can run in another class.
• Spring changes are NOT permitted. OEM kit springs should be all white, progressive, with no markings.
• S1 compounds are not legal because:
  • Unnecessary added expense (both initial purchase and ongoing expense due to faster wear)
  • These trucks already traction roll easily on carpet
• Traxxas Rally tires are NOT permitted.
• Tire sauce is NOT permitted (nor is it in ANY offroad classes at Coastal)
• VXL Velineon brushless system is not allowed, nor is the 272R transmission from it.

Here are some setup tips to help get your Slash ready to go:

• Start with basic maintenance if it is used: Inspect for any obvious damage and repair/replace as necessary. Make sure there are no screws coming loose, rough burrs, or sharp plastic bits that could tear up the carpet. Bring it by Coastal RC to have it looked over before hitting the track. While chassis protectors are not required for this chassis, placing some duct tape or vinyl over the lower screws is encouraged to prevent them from backing out and damaging the carpet.
• Glue the outer sidewalls of the front tires - putting a coating of tire glue on the outer tire sidewall greatly helps with mitigating rollovers.
• Shock building:
  • Fluids: try starting with 55 wt shock fluid front and rear with the original 2-hole pistons.
  • Limiters: start out with 4 to 5 mm worth of internal shock limiters front and the stock rear internal limiters. Limit the shocks externally 1mm or 2mm at a time if there are problems with tires rubbing on the body mid-turn. JConcepts 2295* kit makes external limit adjustments very easy, plus various internal limiters. NOTE: Too much rear limiter (in relation to front) will make the truck extremely loose.
• Diff fluid: try 100k-500k. Don’t worry about it for your first race if the truck is already assembled. Thickening up the fluid will help put power down at the expense of making the truck looser on corner exit (requiring smooth throttle control).
• Driver mod: the single best thing you can do is get as much time on the driver’s stand as possible! Focus on driving slow but clean, and the pace will come with time. Once the consistency is there, start experimenting with suspension setup changes.

• 2/18/2025 - Clarification on electronics mounting and chargers permitted. RPM rear bumper mount allowance added.
• 1/11/2025 - Ruleset finalized and amended novice notes for initial launch of class.
• 1/4/2025 - Initial ruleset drafted