Best Performance Upgrades for Your Tamiya XV-02 Pro Chassis Kit

The XV-02 is Tamiya’s modern 1/10 scale Rally platform, purpose-built to survive gravel, tarmac and everything in between. It moves away from the XV-01’s belts to a mid motor, shaft-drive 4WD layout with equal-length prop shafts for balanced response.

Out of the box, the XV-02 includes a sealed, oil-filled gear diff in the front and rear (39T front/rear plus an extra 40T to bias drive), long aluminum oil-filled shocks, a debris-shielding polycarbonate chassis cover and a narrow FRP bathtub chassis with a longitudinal battery position for weight balance. Key numbers: 257mm wheelbase, 368mm length and a 9.58:1 internal ratio (with multiple optional ratios available).

Why upgrade? Rally is brutal – constant impacts, dust intrusion and mixed-grip surfaces expose slop, heat up the drivetrain and punish plastics. Even though the XV-02 Pro is well equipped, targeted hop-ups improve durability, compliance and grip, tuning options and driveline protection.

If you’re on the XV-02RS (the tarmac-leaning variant), upgrades help you tailor roll control for high-grip racing; if you’re rallying your XV-02 Pro, these same options can help the car stay consistent through rougher Rally stages.

Tamiya Slipper Clutch Set

Part #: 22048
Price: $48.00
Buy: Tamiya Slipper Clutch Set

Adds drivetrain protection and traction tuning for mixed-grip rally. Lets you soften launches and reduce shock loads to the gears – very noticeable on loose surfaces.

Tamiya Ball Differential Set (39T)

Part #: 22046
Price: $48.00
Buy: Tamiya Ball Differential Set (39T)

Smoother power delivery and more rear grip vs. the kit supplied gear diff; great for bumpy or variable-grip stages where you want the car to rotate yet stay planted in the corners.

Tamiya Carbon Shock Towers (Front/Rear)

Part #: 22057 (Front), 22058 (Rear)
Price: $21.00 (Each)
Buy: Tamiya Carbon Shock Towers (Front), Tamiya Carbon Shock Towers (Rear)

Stiffer towers add precision and extra mounting holes, unlocking more droop/ride-height/spring leverage options.

Tamiya Aluminum Bellcrank Steering Arms

Part #: 22072
Price: $26.00 (Each)
Buy: Tamiya Aluminum Bellcrank Steering Arms

Probably the only weak point on the XV-02, these aluminum parts eliminate the slop in the steering system and improves durability. Also provides crisper turn-in and better centering with high-torque servos.

Tamiya Aluminum Adjustable Suspension Mounts (XH)

Part #: 22055
Price: $16.50
Buy: Tamiya Aluminum Adjustable Suspension Mounts (XH)

Cheap, high-impact tuning part: lets you adjust toe/skid for meaningful handling changes. Stiffer and more precise than the kit plastic parts.

Honorable Mentions

Here’s a few other parts you may want to look at as well:

Tamiya Front Spool (39T)

Part #: 22047
Price: $25.60
Buy: Tamiya Front Spool (39T)

Locks the front end for razor-sharp turn-in and stable braking on low-to-medium grip surfaces. Popular for tarmac or hard-packed, consistent dirt.

Tamiya XV-02RS Anti-Roll Bar Set

Part #: 22074
Price: $19.00
Buy: Tamiya XV-02RS Anti-Roll Bar Set

Helps prevent body roll for flatter cornering. Best used on pavement or hard-packed dirt.

Tamiya XV-02 Aluminum Spur Gear Holder

Part #: 22053
Price: $10.00
Buy: Tamiya XV-02 Aluminum Spur Gear Holder

Keeps the spur gear perfectly true for a smoother driveline and quieter gear mesh.

Tamiya XV-02 Universal Propeller Shaft

Part #: 54504
Price: $16.50
Buy: Tamiya XV-02 Universal Propeller Shaft

Replaces the kit dogbone center shaft with a more efficient, durable joint. Useful with hotter motors.

Good luck with your build!