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Serpent introduces the Serpent Viper 977 EVO |
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Key new features: |
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Serpent Viper 977-EVO The 1/8 scale 4wd gas powered racing class is seen as the Formula One of rc car racing. Amazing accelleration and top-speed, brutal braking power, screaming 3.5cc nitro powered engines. Four wheel-driven, 2-speed gearbox, Centax race clutch,… the works. Over 10 different brands compete in this market, and Serpent is the most experienced of all, being around since 1979. Many World titles, Asian, European and American titles as well as national ones have been achieved by drivers using Serpent 1/8 scale racing cars. Each racing season brings new challenges and new idea’s to make the cars user friendlier, easier to setup, and ofcourse faster and easier to go fast with. Michael Salven, Serpent’s chief onroad designer collects the info from the market, races and fellow teamdrivers , analyses all and came up once again with a good number of new parts and improved parts to make the current WC TQ and winning Viper 977 an even better car. The Viper 977-EVO will enable you as driver, to turn faster and more consistent laptimes than ever before. Enjoy ! Team Serpent
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SERPENT HERITAGE: Serpent has been developing 1/8 scale onroad rc cars since 1977, officially as company since roughly 1980. That is over 35 years of of race and development experience combined ! The Serpent Viper-EVO is the next step in the continiuous development of this very demanding 1/8 scale racing class, the pinnacle of rc car racing. The Viper 977-EVO is all about refinement, to make a superb car even better.Michael Salven is head of design for all onroad Serpent cars, as has been racing all his life, and won World and European Championship titles, as well as many German national titles. His experience and knowledge has also been used to design the 977 Viper-EVO. |
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INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL SALVEN: Interview on the Viper 977-EVO project with Serpent designer and toplevel racer Michael Salven Read the Full interview here |
| Michael Salven | |
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KEY NEW FEATURES EXPLAINED: |
2-SPEED GEARBOX SL8 XLI WITH SUPERLOW INERTIA: All the parts of the gearbox have been made smaller and as light as possible, to lower inertia even further, still keeping durability on top of the list. The gears changed to a 0.8 pitch which is smoother than the original one and also quieter. The Serpent gearbox system was our innovation in the late 80-ties and the system hardly changed, only optimised, and now as system in use with all other brands. CENTAX HARDCOATED ALU CLUTCH GEARS WITH 0.8 PITCH: To go with the 0.8 pitch gears, the Centax gearpinions also needed to go to the 0.8 pitch. The precision machined and hardcoated gears are durable and smooth. The Centax clutch is a Serpent innovation from the early nineties, and is in use by almost all brands now. ALUMINIUM CENTRAL FLEX SYSTEM WITH BEARINGS: The system consist of a lower and upper anodised aluminium section, connected with screws for zero flex, or with bearings inside for some controlled flex. It needs removal of only 2 screws to go from fixed to controlled flex. NEW GEOMETRY WITH ADDITIONAL NARROWER FRONT END: The narrower chassis in front allows to run an additional, slighly different geometry in the front with longer lower arms ALUMINIUM CHASSISPLATE IN 7075 T6 WITH OPTIMISED FLEX AND WEIGHTS SLIDE: The chassisplate is a very important part as central unit in the car. The flex-characteristic is a major point, as well as weight balance with the sliders we apply and the dissipation of heat from the engine. The chassis is narrower in the front to allow a slightly different geometry. Machining of the chassis allows flex in a different area as before. Vibration of the weight slide part is dampened by using the carbon brace. FRONT BUMPER WITH INSERTS: The newly developed front aero type bumper is a very durable unit, which as extra feature offers removable inserts. Its very easy and quick to change aerodynamic characteristic in a matter of seconds. By just removing or adding the inserts CARBON FIBRE 2.5MM RADIOPLATE WITH ALUMINIUM MID-FLEX SYSTEM: The stiff carbon fibre radioplate is one piece again with the flex system moving to the center of the car, just behind the tank. In this way the flex is better distributed, resulting in a better handling of the car. REAR FLOATING BODYMOUNT: Extra ribs and more material is added to increase the stiffness of the rear bodymount and a 4th hole is added both sides for more tuning options. |
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Car Features: |
FRONT BUMPER: The strong aerodynamic shaped composite bumper. The upward edges make it more stabile, so these wont touch the surface under impact or with high temperatures. As extra feature offers removable inserts. Its very easy and quick to test with or without inserts in a matter of seconds |
BODYPOSTS: The durable aluminium front bodyposts are excentric , to allow moving the body to front or back a few mm to optimize steering / downforce.
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CHASSIS: 5mm aluminium chassis in perfect symmetrical shape for even flex and weight distribution. Aerospace quality 7075 T6 aluminium with engraved logo. Improved stiffness around the engine for better engine performance. Countersunk holes, chamfered edges for more cornering, ground clearance. Space in center part of the chassis to allow mounting of brass sliding weights, which are used as set-up tool, to play with chassis balance. This has big influence on steering, grip and tyre wear and is very easy and quick to change. Go to the SAM Site for more info. All screws from the bottom are with 2.5mm allen size. |
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STEERING BLOCK: The steeringblock , which can be mounted left or right, offers a system to change the axle position more to front or back giving a “trailing” or “leading” steering, and the ability to change the kingpin-inclination and offset. The steeringblock features an carbon plate to connect the steering-rods, 2 options for Ackermann STEERING RODS AND PLATES: The spring-steel steering-rods are fastened to the carbon steeringplates, which mount to the new steeringblocks. Optional carbon fibre disks can be mounted on the side of the steeringblocks and uprights for aerodynamic reasons go to the SAM site for more info. FRONT LOWER WISHBONES: The long durable front lower wishbones, are mounted superlow in the car, and feature a semi covered “leg” for the inner suspension pin and the pivot link for the front anti-roll bar system. It also has an extension for the down-stop screw . The lower arms hold the lower alu shockmount plate, which allows a further out and higher mounting point for the front shocks. The strong upper arms in can be used left and right. The front lower arms connect to the alu front bracket on very low nylon holders. The kit includes 2 versions, in and out. This system also enables you to replace a front driveshafts very quick and easy. |
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FRONT COMPOSITE BRACKET: The topmounted composite bracket gives extra stiffness to the front section, it holds the 3mm thick carbon fibre front shocktower and allow for the down-stop screws UPPER ARMS: The longer upper arms are mounted between the anodized aluminum top brackets, which also hold the suspensionpin inserts to allow camber-change adjustments with 3 possible inserts . Below the alu top-brackets spacers can be used to change angle or height. Caster spacers are used as simple clips on the upper pivot pins. Same clips are also used on the lower pins to change wheelbase. |
FRONT AXLE: In the front the alu front axle with Japan-made one-way bearings features now an improved pully assembly, free of play and super-true. Springsteel drivecups, strong, long and thin spring-steel driveshafts with CVD system, and ballraced springsteel wheelaxles with alu quick-change levers. The open front end design allows for very fast and easy removal of the front axle or parts FRONT ANTI-ROLLBAR: The ballraced front anti-roll bar is a wire type, with very easy and fast open access on the front, captured in the alu front braces. The standard wire is 2.5mm and 2 other as options. The pivotballs link system directs the power to the bar in a smooth way and easy to adjust the tweak with the captured pivotball |
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SERVO SAVER: The springloaded servo-saver allows easy and fast Ackermann settings. The servo-saver features a top mounted insert which can be used in 3 positions. Another 2 Ackermann positions on the steeringblocks
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CARBON RADIO PLATE: 2.5mm carbon fibre radioplate with the the center flex-control system. The radioplate holds the fueltank, the receiver battery and the integrated electronics bracket/box, as well as the center flex system PIVOT BALLS: The steeringblocks and rear uprights connect to the arms with springsteel 8.5mm pivotballs , which run very smooth and well protected in nylon cups, and are easy to adjust with an allen tool. |
CENTRE FLEX SYSTEM: The new center flex system consist of a lower and upper CNC machined aluminium bracket and a small carbon brace. The upper one is fixed to the radioplate and the lower one to the center radioplate mount. |
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RECEIVER AND SERVO BOX: Compact composite brace and box in one, which holds and protects the receiver and mounts both servo’s, which both lay on their sides, as low as possible, just a small clearance to allow for chassis flex. The cap of the receiverbox offers a unique yet simple and safe holder for the cable connectors of the receiver, which works as a simple switch and is very accessible. |
FUEL TANK: Low 125ccm fueltank in a long and narrow design, with a premounted bronze filter. The narrow tank will ensure a better fuel-supply to the engine, as the fuel can move less from side to side. The labyrinth inside the fueltank will also keep the fuel more stabile and avoids foaming. The tank also has elevated sections in the front, which make sure the fuel stays close to the filter when the tank is amlost empty. This creates like a warning signal a few seconds before the tank goes fully empty, so you can try to find a safer place to park. The fueltank has a strong springloaded cap and silicone rubber shaped seal, and has a connection for the pressure line. The inner bottom of the tank allows for mounting inserts to reduce volume if needed. RADIOPLATE BRACKET: The composite nylon radioplate bracket, holds the rear part of the radioplate and the strong chromed angled roll-bar, and also mounts the adjustable ballraced belt-tensioner. An aluminum one is optional. |
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TOP SCREWS: The majority of the topmounted screws are in allen 2.0mm size, except for the upper suspension brackets in 2.5mm. BATTERY HOLDER: The batteryholder between the tank and side belt , is made to fit the more common Lipo packs. There is also enough space to fit a regular batterypack. The holder incorporates an easy spacing system to allow this. PULLIES AND BELTS: All the super round and true pullies have holes in the side flanges to allow dirt and dust to move out easier. The 977 has the latest pullies, with more teeth, so larger diameter which makes the belts run smoother, with less friction. The belts are low friction type as standard, rear one as 8mm, side in 6mm and front 6mm too. The adjustable ballraced belt-tensioner ( carbon, alu) keeps the sidebelt running smooth. |
MIDDLESHAFT: The light, hollow 8mm hardcoated aluminium middle shaft is kept rigidly in place a small, low placed and light alu holder, which also holds the spring-type exhaust-wire. FINAL DRIVE RATIO: The final drive ratio of the car is 2.286 28T front pulley 18T mid-inner pulley |
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ENGINE MOUNTS: The low seated anodized aluminum engine mounts keep the engine well positioned and aligned and transfer heat to the chassis in the best way. |
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MAINTENANCE: The rear end construction with the alu brackets holds the brake and rear axle. Its open design allows for ease of maintenance and cleaning, and needs very few screws to dis-assemble. Replacing a belt in case needed, is simple and very fast too. The excenter on the rear shaft allows for belt tensioning. The whole rear end can be removed as one unit from the chassis, with very few screws. The rear axle sits very low in the car, to achieve more mechanical grip. BRAKE SYSTEM: The brake is on the rear axle, next to the solid axle pully. This reduces the inertia effect of the brakedisc a lot because the rear axle spins much slower than the twospeed shaft. Also the brake-stress on the rear belt is almost gone. It’s a very compact system and well protected against dirt, but still open enough to allow for sufficient coolng. The swimming ventilated brake-disk rotates on the rear axle and the springloaded cam-operated brake pads will provide all the stopping power you may need. The race brake pad material is baked on strong steel plates and allows very precise braking with lots of brake-feel / feedback. Instead of a cable we opted for the well-proven wire-linkage of all Serpent cars. |
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REAR ANTI-ROLL BAR: The ballraced rear anti-roll bar mount in steel adaptors, which run in nylon spacers in the alu holders as integral part of the rear brackets, with 2.5mm as standard wire and 2 other as options. The anti-roll bar links to the rear lower arms with adjustable trackrod guidance. REAR FLEX: The aluminum rear brackets and the 2-speed layshaft holders have small ears which allow for mounting of the optional alu or rubber spacer, to control flex. Either full flex, no spacer, or some flex with rubber spacer, or zero flex with the aluminium spacer. |
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REAR DRIVESHAFTS: In the rear strong springsteel driveshafts , springsteel wheel-axles with alu quick-change levers and a springsteel rear axle. Very durable and lasting drivetrain REAR WISHBONES: The long durable rear lower wishbones can be used left and right. The lower rear arm holds the low mounted link for the rear anti-roll bar and holds the alu mounting plate of the rear shocks, which allows a position which is very far to the rear and to the outside for best performance/ geometry. The lower arms also hold the easily accessible down-stop screws. Nylon clips are used on the lower rear pins to change wheelbase. |
UPRIGHTS: The durable composite uprights hold the ballraced spring steel wheelaxles, with aluminium quick-change levers. The 8.5mm piotballs are used to adjust camber fast and easy with the smooth hex-shaped plugs . The arms of the floating bodymount mount to the top of the uprights. On top of the up-right spacers can be added under the pivotball to change rollcenter and camberchange. CAMBER LINKS: The adjustable rear upper camber links mount to the rear carbon camberplate with 2 positions . |
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REAR BODYMOUNT: The rear floating bodymount is mounted on the up-rights with 2 arms and held in place by a carbon-fibre-steel guider. The mount has 4 positions each side to choose from, depending on body In use and traction available. The end of the mount allow for mounting body-supports , with full threading to allow exact positioning. The system leads the available downforce direct onto to the uprights to the tyres. |
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RCM SHOCKS: The shockabsorbers are the latest Serpent RCM units with membrames. The threaded houses with setting-nuts ( o-ring inside) makes ride height changes easy and precise. The RCM shocks are very smooth, and easy to assemble and fill. The shocksprings are selected, matched, flatgrinded, colorcoded units. |
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2-SPEED GEARBOX: 2-speed gearbox SL8 XLi with superlow inertia 2-SPEED GEARS: Composite 2-speed gears with 0.8 pitch TRUE MOTION CENTAX CLUTCH: The innovative Serpent True Motion Centax clutch is fitted. Serpent as inventor of the original centax clutch, has developed the clutch over the years and the current version excels in power throughput , reliability and eas of setting. The standard version comes with a steel clutch bell, red centax show and hard anodized clutch-gears. |
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| BEARINGS: The kit features high speed ballbearings, mostly sealed ones with aeroshell lubrication or grease. All bearings in the car ( except for the servosaver. midshaft and brakecam) are seated in nylon bushings to reduce vibrations and play. OILS AND GREASE: Top-quality silicone shock-oil, silicone diff oil and some grease is used to meet the standard set-up. MANUAL AND SET-UP: The 977-evo comes with a full color assembly manual Online as PDF , reference guide and exploded views all in one. Set-up sheets ( blank and default) are ready to download seperately, and 2 decalsheets are included in the box . PACKING: The kit is packed in a large strong packing box with protection for the car kit. SERVICE AND SUPPORT: The Serpent distributor, dealer or agent is your source for more info, but also the Serpent website and the member section and the Youtube channel provides lots of information.
SET-UP POSSIBILITIES:
COMMUNICATIONS:
MERCHANDISING: A nice selection of shirts, sweaters, jackets, caps, bags, tools and decals . DESIGN: Serpent Viper 977-EVO Designed by Michael Salven, Germany. |
OPTION PARTS: |
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Rim cover FR carbon |
Weight bottom brass 38gr |
Throttle lever alu |
Servosaver bottom alu |
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Pulley rear axle 48T alu |
Pulley front axle 28T alu |
Screw set alu top/side orange 977 |
Brake lever on-road alu |
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2-speed gearbox SL8 XLi with superlow inertia
slide 
