Overview
The FTX DR8 Front Upper Plate (FTX9517) is an essential chassis spare part designed specifically for the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR. This replacement component is a critical element of the front suspension assembly that helps maintain the structural integrity and performance of your RC car during intense off-road driving. Whether you're an experienced RC enthusiast running a high-performance desert racing setup or a dedicated hobbyist who wants to keep your FTX DR8 in perfect working condition, having genuine replacement parts on hand is essential for maintaining peak performance and longevity. The FTX DR8 is recognised as one of the finest 1/8 scale brushless RC desert racers available in the UK market, and maintaining it with quality OEM spares ensures you get the best from your investment.
This front upper plate serves as a crucial structural component in the front end geometry of your DR8 desert racer. It works in conjunction with other suspension components to provide the rigidity and precision alignment that high-speed desert racing demands. RC enthusiasts in the UK who own the FTX DR8 will appreciate the importance of having access to genuine manufacturer spares that maintain the factory specifications and performance characteristics. The front upper plate is engineered to exact tolerances to ensure that your suspension geometry remains true, which directly impacts handling, stability, and overall driving dynamics across varied terrain.
At RC Model Shop, we pride ourselves on stocking a comprehensive range of FTX DR8 spares and replacement parts. The FTX9517 front upper plate is in stock and ready to order, giving you quick access to the exact components you need to keep your desert racer running at its best. Whether you're replacing a damaged part after an accident, building a spare chassis setup, or simply maintaining your RC car to the highest standards, this genuine FTX spare part is an investment in performance and reliability.
Key Features
- Genuine FTX Manufacturer Part — This is an authentic OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare part engineered and quality-assured by FTX, ensuring it meets the exact specifications of your FTX DR8 and maintains factory performance standards without compromise.
- Perfect Fit Compatibility — Designed to work seamlessly with the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR in both the blue (FTX5495B) and red (FTX5495R) variants, guaranteeing hassle-free installation and perfect alignment with all other chassis components.
- Chassis Structural Support — This upper plate provides critical rigidity to the front suspension assembly, maintaining precise geometry and alignment during high-speed runs and aggressive cornering that desert racing demands.
- Replacement & Upgrade Component — Whether you need to replace a damaged front upper plate or you're building a competition-grade setup with spare chassis components, this part allows you to customise and upgrade your DR8 to meet your specific racing requirements.
- Lightweight Construction — Engineering and material selection ensures the front upper plate contributes to overall chassis rigidity without adding unnecessary weight, helping maintain the excellent power-to-weight ratio that makes the DR8 such a competitive desert racer.
- Easy Installation — As a direct OEM replacement, this part integrates seamlessly into your existing chassis without requiring modification or adjustment, allowing you to get back to racing quickly.
Technical Performance
The FTX DR8 Front Upper Plate is manufactured to precise engineering tolerances that ensure it maintains the factory suspension geometry essential for competitive desert racing performance. The FTX DR8 itself is a sophisticated 1/8 scale brushless RC desert racer that utilises a powerful 4274 Kv2000 brushless motor, a high-performance 150A brushless ESC, and runs on 6S LiPo battery technology, capable of delivering thrilling speeds across sand, dirt, and rock terrain. The front upper plate is a critical component in maintaining the alignment and rigidity of the suspension system that works in harmony with the front shock towers, suspension arms, and anti-roll bars to deliver precise handling characteristics. When the DR8 is pushing hard through whoops and ruts at high speed, the upper plate's structural integrity is essential for keeping suspension geometry true and maintaining the responsive steering feel that separates a winning setup from a mid-pack runner. Quality of materials and precise manufacturing ensure this spare part will perform reliably through countless hours of competitive running, weekend bashing, and track days across the UK RC racing circuit.
What's in the Box
- FTX DR8 Front Upper Plate (FTX9517) — single component
What You Need to Complete
- FTX DR8 chassis assembly (if building from individual spares)
- Appropriate fasteners (hinge pins, screws) as specified in your DR8 assembly manual
- Complete FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR or donor chassis from which to remove the damaged front upper plate
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the FTX DR8 Front Upper Plate a universal fitment part? — No, this part is specifically engineered for the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR and is compatible with both the blue (FTX5495B) and red (FTX5495R) versions of this model. It is not compatible with other FTX RC car models or scales.
- What happens if the front upper plate breaks during racing? — The front upper plate is a structural component that maintains suspension geometry. If damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to maintain the precise alignment and handling characteristics your DR8 was engineered to deliver. Racing with a damaged upper plate can lead to poor handling, uneven tyre wear, and further chassis damage.
- Can I upgrade the front upper plate to an aluminium version for more durability? — The FTX9517 is the OEM plastic upper plate. FTX and third-party manufacturers do offer alternative materials such as aluminium CNC options in their DR8 hop-up range, which you may consider if you're upgrading your chassis for extreme durability or competition racing.
- How difficult is it to replace the front upper plate? — Replacement is straightforward if you have basic RC car maintenance skills and the appropriate tools. You'll need to carefully disassemble the front suspension area, remove fasteners, slide out the damaged plate, and install the new one. Detailed instructions are available in the FTX DR8 assembly manual.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — This is a replacement spare part rather than a complete RC car, so it is intended for RC enthusiasts who already own or are building an FTX DR8. Beginners should consider purchasing the complete FTX DR8 Ready to Run kit first, which includes everything needed to get started with RC desert racing.
- Where can I order the FTX DR8 Front Upper Plate in the UK? — RC Model Shop stocks the FTX9517 as part of our comprehensive range of FTX DR8 spares and replacement parts. You can order online with confidence that you're receiving a genuine OEM part from an authorised FTX retailer.
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 FTX DR8 FRONT UPPER PLATE FTX9517 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.
- Model Number: FTX9517
- Product Name: FTX DR8 Front Upper Plate
- Manufacturer: FTX
- Part Type: Chassis Spares
- Compatible Models: FTX5495B - FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR Blue; FTX5495R - FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR Red
- Scale: 1/8
- EAN Code: 5056135726358
- Recommended Retail Price: £5.99
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
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- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.
