FTX Zorro Brushless Front Aluminium Upper Plate Chassis Component FTX6980

Overview

The FTX Zorro Brushless Front Aluminium Upper Plate (FTX6980) is a premium chassis component designed for dedicated enthusiasts of high-performance RC Trophy Trucks and Truggies. This precision-engineered upper plate represents the kind of quality aftermarket upgrade that serious RC car UK competitors and weekend bashers alike seek when they want to enhance their vehicle's durability, rigidity and performance characteristics. Whether you're running the FTX Khaos Brushless 4WD Truggy or the FTX Zorro Trophy Truck Brushless RTR, this aluminium upper plate is engineered to withstand the intense forces generated by brushless motors and high-speed off-road driving.

Crafted from lightweight yet rigid aluminium alloy, this component serves as a critical structural element in your RC vehicle's chassis. The front upper plate plays an essential role in maintaining chassis flex control, ensuring that your ready to run RC truck responds predictably through corners and over rough terrain. Upgrading to an aluminium unit from standard plastic components is one of the most effective ways to improve overall vehicle handling, reduce flex-induced steering inconsistencies, and extend the lifespan of your RC model under demanding conditions.

RC enthusiasts in the UK choosing this upgrade will benefit from improved structural integrity that translates directly into better cornering performance, more stable suspension geometry, and increased resistance to impact damage. The brushless-ready design ensures compatibility with modern, high-powered brushless drivetrain setups, making this an ideal choice for anyone running 3S LiPo batteries or higher through their FTX vehicles.

Key Features

• Aluminium Construction — The upper plate is manufactured from lightweight aluminium alloy, which offers superior rigidity compared to plastic alternatives whilst keeping weight to a minimum, resulting in improved handling characteristics and better power-to-weight ratios for your brushless RC trophy truck or truggy.
• Precision Engineering — This component is designed with exact tolerances to ensure perfect fitment on compatible FTX models, eliminating gaps and misalignment that could compromise suspension performance or create unwanted chassis flex during high-speed running.
• Chassis Reinforcement — As a front upper plate, this part works in concert with the rest of your chassis to maintain structural rigidity, which is particularly important when running brushless motors that generate significantly more power and torque than standard brushed alternatives.
• Durability Enhancement — Aluminium's natural strength and impact resistance means this upper plate will withstand multiple crashes and rough handling far better than plastic equivalents, extending the overall lifespan of your RC model investment.
• Compatibility Assurance — Engineered specifically for FTX Khaos and FTX Zorro models, this part integrates seamlessly with your existing chassis components, ensuring proper geometry and suspension performance without requiring modifications or adjustments.
• Weight Efficiency — Aluminium provides a perfect balance between strength and weight; this upper plate adds structural rigidity without the weight penalty that would come from using heavier steel alternatives, maintaining your vehicle's speed and agility.

Technical Performance

The FTX Zorro Brushless Front Aluminium Upper Plate represents a significant upgrade pathway for owners of brushless 1/10 scale RC vehicles. This component is engineered to work in harmony with brushless motor systems, which typically deliver higher power outputs than brushed motors and therefore impose greater stresses on the chassis structure. The aluminium construction provides the rigidity necessary to handle the torque and acceleration forces generated by brushless powertrains, particularly when paired with 3S LiPo batteries that deliver consistent, high-current output. The precision-machined design ensures that the upper plate maintains accurate suspension geometry, which is critical for maintaining traction and predictable handling characteristics across a variety of terrain types. For RC car owners in the UK who are serious about performance, this upgrade effectively transforms how your FTX Khaos Truggy or Zorro Trophy Truck responds to input, reducing the twisting and flexing that occurs under acceleration and braking. The material choice of aluminium rather than plastic or composite alternatives means this plate will maintain its shape and structural integrity through thousands of miles of high-speed off-road running, making it an excellent long-term investment for anyone committed to their RC hobby.

What's in the Box

• FTX Zorro Brushless Front Aluminium Upper Plate (FTX6980)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an upper plate and why do I need to upgrade to aluminium? — The upper plate is a chassis component that forms part of your RC vehicle's structural framework. Standard plastic upper plates flex under the stresses created by brushless motors and high-speed driving, which causes inconsistent suspension geometry and unpredictable handling. Upgrading to this aluminium plate dramatically reduces flex, providing a solid, rigid foundation that ensures your suspension works exactly as designed, improving cornering speed, stability and overall performance throughout your run time.
• Which FTX models is this compatible with? — This front aluminium upper plate is compatible with the FTX Khaos 1/10 Brushless 4WD Truggy RTR (both purple FTX5564P and blue FTX5564B variants) and the FTX Zorro Trophy Truck Brushless RTR (FTX5557WO orange version). Always verify your specific model number before purchasing to ensure correct fitment.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — This is an intermediate to advanced upgrade rather than a beginner component. If you are new to RC cars and currently own a standard FTX vehicle with plastic chassis components, you would benefit more from learning basic driving and maintenance skills first. However, if you have been running an RC car for several months and are looking to improve performance, this is an excellent upgrade that will make a noticeable difference in how your vehicle handles.
• Will upgrading to this aluminium upper plate make my RC truck faster? — While the upper plate itself doesn't directly increase top speed, it dramatically improves your vehicle's ability to maintain speed through corners and over rough terrain by reducing flex and maintaining proper suspension alignment. This translates to faster lap times and better overall performance in competitive or casual driving, as your brushless motor's power is transferred more efficiently to the wheels without being wasted in chassis flex.
• How does this compare to the standard plastic upper plate? — The standard plastic upper plate that comes with FTX models will flex noticeably under load, particularly when running brushless motors with 3S LiPo batteries. This flexing causes the suspension geometry to change mid-corner, leading to inconsistent handling. The aluminium upgrade eliminates this flex almost entirely, providing a rock-solid chassis foundation that feels dramatically more responsive and predictable. The trade-off is that aluminium is slightly heavier, though the rigidity benefits far outweigh this minor weight increase.
• Can I install this myself? — Installation requires basic RC mechanical knowledge and appropriate tools. If you are comfortable removing and reassembling your vehicle's chassis components, you should be able to install this upper plate. If you are unsure about the process, we recommend consulting your vehicle's manual or visiting our RC Model Shop in Walsall where our experienced team can provide guidance or installation support.

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 ZORRO BRUSHLESS FRONT ALUMINIUM UPPER PLATE FTX6980 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.