Features
1. FULL METAL TRANSMISSION • To handle the extra power of the larger 26cc engine, the drivetrain has been beefed up a bit. The standard plastic diff case is replaced with a much more durable aluminum alloy diff case. The aluminum alloy case doesn't flex open under high loads, allowing the planetary gear mesh to separate like the plastic version. This is a definite must-have when putting
this much power through the 5B. Also included in the transmission is a set of metal gears capable of handling the added power.

2. METAL GEAR SERVO • Included in the kit is a metal gear, heavy-duty servo to handle the steering. With the metal gears and higher torque, you know the 5B will track straight and hold in the turns in even the roughest terrain.

3. HIGH RESPONSE CLUTCH • For the extra punch off the line and out of corners that 5B enthusiasts desire, HPI includes and preinstalls a high-response clutch system. With a heaver spring and lighter shoes, this upgraded clutch begins engaging at 8000 rpm and is fully engaged at about 10,000 rpm. This is about 2,000 to 3,000 rpm later than the RTR unit. This later delay of engagement takes advantage of the 26cc engine's power, launching the 5B up to speed.

More Features
• VVC/HD PRO SHOCKS: The newly designed shocks provide better handling over rough terrain and include larger diameter shock shafts for added durability.
• TUNED PIPE: The aluminum tuned pipe increases the power output of the Fuelie 26S engine and provides quicker acceleration over the RTR unit. However, it is considerably louder, so HPI also includes the stock unit for quieter running.
• SWAYBAR SET: For better handling, a full set of front and rear swaybars is included in the kit. With three sizes to choose from, there are plenty of options for tuning the 5B's suspension.
• HEAVY-DUTY BEADLOCKS: To keep the tires on the rims, you need some good beadlocks. That's why HPI includes their newly designed heavy-duty beadlock. They're reinforced and protect the sidewalls during hard cornering maneuvers.
• HEAVY-DUTY DOGBONES: With the added power and stronger transmission, a pair of heavy-duty dogbones is a must. These dogbones also include a set of preinstalled rubber boots to help keep the joints debris free.

Testing
To run the Baja, I needed some wide-open space, and I wanted to drive it where most people who live in Southern California would drive their Baja...the desert. So I headed up Interstate 15 to the Cajon Pass (Highway 138). This was a good area, with some sand, hard-packed dirt, and sandstone rock formations. There were also a few good spots to get some air.

ACCELERATION AND SPEED • I've driven a few friends' 5B RTRs and they were pretty fast, but the SS definitely has a little more pep. The 26cc Fuelie engine, paired with the HPI-tuned pipe and high-response clutch, made for one quick 21 lb. rocket. Even with the stock tires, paddle tires would be ideal for sandy terrain. A few times Jason and I were not in the right spot and were pelted with a sand roost. One thing's for sure: It was fast on the go and a blast to drive!
Rating: 9/9

BRAKING • The one item missing from the 5B are front brakes. With only the rear wheels doing the braking power, I was worried that it would be easy to get the rear end to swing around in loose conditions. However, the brakes did their job and worked extremely well bringing the 5B to a stop under control. There were only a couple of times that it got a little squirrelly, but that was on really rough terrain where the rear tires weren't making contact half the time and at full throttle. But to regain control, I only needed to let off the throttle and tap the brakes.
Rating: 8

LOW-SPEED • At slow speeds, the 5B was pretty tame and easy to drive. There was plenty of steering and the bumps were hardly noticed. The fact that this buggy is 2WD made it easier to maneuver at slower speeds. If a tighter turning radius was needed, a blip of the throttle broke the rear tires loose and the 5B was turning on a dime. But honestly, who wants to drive the 5B at slow speeds? This thing was made for roosting!
Rating: 9

HIGH-SPEED HANDLING • One word: BRAAAAAAAAAAAP! That's the sound stuck in my head from hours of zipping though the sand—the sound that emanated from the exhaust and 26cc engine. The pipe is definitely not something you want to have installed if running in your neighborhood. At high speeds the 5B floats on top of the bumps, while the big bore shocks dampened out what's left. On loose, bumpy areas, however, there were a few times the 2WD action made it a bit scary. With only two wheels propelling the buggy, the 5B did get a bit squirrelly at high speeds. Sometimes this caused the buggy to launch into the air if a large bump was hit at the wrong angle. But that wasn't much of a problem, as the 5B could be turned back on all fours to continue the fun.
Rating: 9

ROUGH-TRACK HANDLING • As mentioned before, the 5B at high speeds was a bit of a handful if the conditions were right or wrong, depending on how you look at it. But for the most part, it flattened the hills and straightened out the curves. With such a large vehicle, you can definitely feel the weight when driving. You'll notice how the bumps affect the car more and how well the car can handle those bumps. I did experience a bit of leaking from one of the shocks, but that may have been due to a loose seal cap not being
tightened enough during the build. Oops! Aside from that, the 5B took whatever terrain I could throw at it and just asked for more.
Rating: 9

JUMPING • Yes, even a buggy of this size can get airborne, and it's loads of fun to do so. Finding a hill or jump large enough, however, is a different story. Luckily, where I was driving I had a couple of spots where I could launch the 5B into the stratosphere. As the buggy got air, it gently launched off the take-off ramp, glided through the air, and landed on the ground with a large thud. If I stood close enough, I could actually feel the ground shake as the 21 lb. car returned to earth. What more can I say? It was fun ... a lot of fun! And even after those not-so-graceful landings, the Baja 5B was able to drive away unscathed.
Rating: 9

WRENCHING
MAINTENANCE • Can you say heavy? After a few minutes of wrenching on this monster, it gets to be a bit heavy. The good thing is that areas that need attention are easily accessible. The radio box can be removed with only four clips, allowing you to charge your receiver battery on the side while tightening up a few bolts. It's a good thing, too, that the 5B comes equipped with rubber-shielded bearings. Running in sand is not fun for ordinary bearings.
Rating: 9

WEAR AND TEAR • Well, nothing major broke while testing, but only long-term use will really put this buggy to the test. And trust me, this thing is going to get lots of use. The only issue I had was a leaky shock, but that can be easily remedied by making sure it's tight when I rebuild and refill it. I also managed to crack the left lower carbon fiber body panel when I hit a rock, but that's nothing that can't be replaced.
Rating: 9.5

TUNING • As far as suspension tuning goes, there aren't a ton of options like the ones found on smaller race buggies. Only the necessary tuning options are available, such as spring tension, front/rear toe, caster and camber. You can't adjust shock positions, roll-center and squat. But for the most part, the ones that are there will help tune the buggy to anyone's liking.
Rating: 8

CONCLUSION
Whoa, this is one fun buggy to drive. Talk to anyone who has driven a 5B, kit or RTR, and you'll get the same answer. The only downside is that there aren't enough places within city limits to open up the 5B to its full potential (not safely and not around my neighborhood), especially if you like to modify your vehicles. There are a ton of aftermarket parts, engines, and accessories to please anyone. As you can see in the photos, I just had to use the carbon fiber body set from Rhino Racing over stock Lexan, but after cracking the body panel I may have to paint the stock body set or get a new set from Rhino.