Team Associated FT 13mm Shock Pistons 2mm 3 Hole Delrin RC Buggy Tuning AS71173

Overview

The Team Associated FT 13mm Shock Pistons (2mm, 3 x 1.6) represent a precision engineering solution for RC enthusiasts in the UK looking to fine-tune their 4WD buggy suspension performance. Part number AS71173, these Factory Team components introduce a sophisticated tuning element specifically designed for the RC10B6.4 and RC10B74.2 platforms, two of the most competitive off-road RC vehicles available to UK racers today. If you're serious about RC car performance and want to unlock the full potential of your suspension setup, these 3-hole pistons offer a competitive advantage that's been proven at the highest levels of international RC racing.

Factory Team engineering has expanded the tuning palette for 13mm shock users by introducing this new 3-hole piston design, which fundamentally changes how your shocks respond to track conditions. Rather than the traditional single-hole or dual-hole configurations, the 3-hole layout delivers a measurably softer initial damping response and lower pack pressure, providing drivers with more granular control over suspension behaviour. This means you can achieve better traction on low-grip surfaces whilst simultaneously slowing your vehicle's reaction on high-grip tracks, giving you the flexibility to compete effectively across a wider range of terrains and surfaces. Whether you're running a ready-to-run RC buggy from Traxxas, ARRMA, or another top brand, understanding suspension tuning like this is what separates casual bashers from serious racers.

What makes these shock pistons particularly noteworthy is their real-world performance validation at elite international competitions. Markus Kaerup utilised a 3-hole setup on his 13mm shock-equipped RC10B74.1 to win the 2022 4WD Modified European Championships, demonstrating that this isn't theoretical tuning—it's proven race-winning equipment. The team at Factory Team has also identified that 3-hole setups deliver exceptional benefits on outdoor artificial grass surfaces, a common racing surface at UK tracks. For any RC enthusiast committed to improving lap times and handling precision, these pistons represent an essential investment in your competition setup.

Key Features

• CNC-Machined Delrin Construction — Each piston is precision-engineered from durable Delrin material using computer numerical control machining, ensuring consistent tolerances and reliable performance across multiple heat cycles and track sessions, which is critical for maintaining predictable handling characteristics.
• 3-Hole Design for Softer Initial Damping — The distinctive three smaller holes replace traditional single or dual-hole configurations, fundamentally altering the shock's valving characteristics to deliver gentler initial suspension response that helps your RC buggy maintain better traction in low-grip conditions.
• Lower Pack Pressure Configuration — By distributing dampening across three holes instead of fewer larger holes, the piston generates lower overall pack pressure, which slows down your vehicle's suspension reaction on high-traction surfaces and provides more progressive, predictable handling.
• Flexible Tuning Range — Available in sizes from 1.5 through 1.7, allowing you to select the exact piston specification that matches your specific track conditions, driving style, and vehicle setup for optimal performance.
• Universal 13mm Shock Compatibility — These pistons fit all 13mm shocks across the entire RC10B6.4, RC10B6.4D, RC10B74.2, and RC10B74.2D platforms, making them a versatile upgrade for any racer running these systems.
• Proven European Championship Performance — Validated by Markus Kaerup's 2022 4WD Modified European Championships victory, these pistons represent genuine race-winning equipment rather than speculative tuning options.
• Optimised for Artificial Grass Surfaces — Factory Team testing has confirmed that 3-hole setups deliver particular benefits on outdoor artificial grass racing surfaces, a common venue type across UK RC tracks.

Technical Performance

These shock pistons represent the pinnacle of suspension tuning precision for competitive RC off-road racing. Manufactured from Delrin, a high-performance engineering polymer renowned for its durability, low friction properties, and dimensional stability, each piston is CNC-machined to exacting tolerances that ensure consistency across production runs. The three-hole design fundamentally alters the hydraulic dynamics within your 13mm shock absorber: instead of oil being forced through one or two larger orifices, it distributes the flow across three strategically positioned smaller holes, reducing peak pressure spikes and creating a more progressive damping curve. This engineering approach delivers softer initial damping when the shock is first compressed, allowing the suspension to respond more freely to small bumps and low-grip terrain, whilst the reduced pack pressure ensures the shock doesn't become too stiff during mid-stroke and rebound phases. The technical implementation makes these pistons particularly effective on outdoor artificial grass surfaces common to UK racing venues, where consistent, predictable suspension behaviour is critical for maintaining driver confidence and lap time consistency. The piston specification of 2mm with 3 x 1.6 dimensions ensures compatibility with the entire ecosystem of Factory Team 13mm shock systems fitted to competitive RC10B series buggies, the dominant platform choice for serious UK RC racers seeking genuine factory-backed performance upgrades.

What's in the Box

• Team Associated FT 13mm Shock Pistons (2mm, 3 x 1.6) — One piston per package

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the 3-hole piston design actually do to my RC buggy's handling? — The three-hole configuration creates softer initial damping and lower pack pressure compared to traditional single or dual-hole pistons, which means your suspension responds more gently to track bumps and provides better traction on low-grip surfaces. On high-grip tracks, the reduced pack pressure slows your vehicle's suspension reaction, preventing over-responsive behaviour that can unsettle the chassis. Factory Team testing confirmed these benefits are especially pronounced on outdoor artificial grass surfaces common at UK racing venues.
• Will these pistons fit my RC10B74.2 or RC10B6.4? — Yes, these FT 13mm shock pistons are fully compatible with all 13mm shocks fitted to the RC10B6.4, RC10B6.4D, RC10B74.2, RC10B74.2D, and the full RC10 family including RC10B7, RC10B7D, RC10SC6.4, RC10T6.4, and RC10B74.2D models. Simply remove your existing pistons and install these in place of your current setup.
• Are these pistons suitable for UK racing and competition use? — Absolutely. These are Factory Team components designed specifically for competitive racing, and they've been proven at the highest international level—Markus Kaerup won the 2022 4WD Modified European Championships using a 3-hole setup on his RC10B74.1. If you're competing at UK RC tracks or racing with a ready-to-run RC buggy at club level, upgrading to these pistons can provide a genuine competitive advantage.
• What's the difference between the 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 piston sizes? — These shock pistons are available in three different sizes (1.5 through 1.7), allowing you to fine-tune your suspension stiffness further. Different sizes provide varying levels of damping, letting you dial in the exact setup for your specific track conditions and driving preferences. The 2mm 3 x 1.6 specification in this package represents the mid-range option.
• How often will I need to replace these pistons? — These CNC-machined Delrin pistons are engineered for durability and long-term reliability. With proper maintenance and regular cleaning of your suspension components, they should last through many racing seasons. However, if you notice any performance degradation or visible wear, replacement is straightforward.
• Can I use these on other RC car brands or platforms? — These pistons are specifically engineered for the Team Associated 13mm shock ecosystem and RC10 family platforms. They won't fit shocks from other manufacturers or different shock sizes. Always verify your vehicle's shock specification before purchasing suspension components.
• Do I need any special tools to install these pistons? — Installation requires basic suspension service knowledge and standard RC tools for disassembling your shock bodies. If you're unfamiliar with shock maintenance, we recommend consulting the Team Associated documentation or speaking with the RC Model Shop team for guidance on proper installation technique.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the TEAM ASSOCIATED FT 13MM SHOCK PISTONS, 2MM, 3 x 1.6 AS71173 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.