An LCG chassis replaces the SCX24's frame rails and mounts the battery, electronics, and often the motor lower, bringing the center of gravity down. These are the chassis I recommend, plus one I'm just getting to know.
The quick verdict
- Mazz Designs CCv3 (Cheat Code v3): around $75 in carbon, $85 in titanium.
- NW Chassis Works Athos: around $70.
- NerdRC Gremlin: around $60.
- NerdRC Stripe: around $60.
- First look, Nacho Crawlers Nacho Supreme Pro: around $90.
Mazz Designs CCv3
The Cheat Code v3 is one of my two favorites. Mazz builds in a lot of adjustability: adjustable upper links, a reversible transmission mount, and a 15 degree skid that tucks the motor deep. It comes incarbon fiber (around $75) ortitanium (around $85), with printed trays, sliders, and magnetic body mounts in the kit.
NW Chassis Works Athos
The other favorite. TheAthos (around $70) shows up on a lot of comp and hardbody builds, and NW Chassis Works sells DWS and transmission skids for it if you want to tune the setup further.
NerdRC Gremlin
The Gremlin (around $60) is NerdRC's comp chassis, built around forward, aggressive geometry with its own recommended link lengths (shorter front, longer rear) and a 20 degree skid. It's designed to run without a carrier bearing, which makes it a fit for hardbody and C2 builds.
NerdRC Stripe
The Stripe (around $60) is the more versatile NerdRC chassis. It's built around Deadbolt front geometry and lets you run a carrier bearing or not; NerdRC aims its Stripe link geometry at C3 builds with a carrier.
First look: Nacho Supreme Pro
I've heard great things about theNacho Supreme Pro (around $90) and I just got my hands on one. It's more of a platform than a set of rails: it includes Nacho's Crema Pro floating transmission with a height adjustable motor, carbon rails, a new skid, and a rear wheelbase you can set from 135 to 160mm and up. Transmission gears aren't included; stock style SCX24 gears work.
Before you buy
What's in the box varies a lot. Most kits are rails, a skid, and trays; the Nacho Supreme Pro includes its own transmission. You usually reuse the axles, shocks, and electronics, but some chassis want specific link lengths, so check before you order.
Install notes
Plan a full chassis tear-down and rebuild. About 1 to 2 hours.
- Take photos as you go. The wire routing on an LCG chassis is tighter than stock.
- Blue threadlock every M2 and M1.4 screw.
- Check that body posts still align. Some bodies sit too high or too low; spacers fix this.
- Re-set shock pre-load after the install. The chassis sits differently and shock geometry changes.
Where a new chassis sits in the overall plan: Stage 6, alongside or instead of new axles. See the staged upgrade path.