If you thought my history of the TRF 500 series line was obscure, I have even more esoteric knowledge for you. As I consider how to rebuild by destroyed RC collection, I am starting to focus on unusual chassis types I have never built before. I've never built any of the front wheel drive models in the FF series (although I have built some FWD M-chassis cars) so I've been looking into those. I found the huge number of FF-03 options very confusing. Which is better, PRO or EVO? What about the FF-03R? How do they compare to the upgrade set? While searching eBay I found a seller in France selling a lot of 6 FF-03's covering a wide range of customization options. It was quite expensive, but I figured I will keep the one I like the best and probably sell the other 5 and break even. Here's what my research found concerning the difference between the models.
FF-03 (58467): never available as a standalone chassis but first released with Castrol Honda Civic body, configurable to short (233mm) medium (245mm) or long (257mm) wheelbase, front motor, stamped metal motor mount, plastic CVA dampers, plastic tub chassis, lateral front dampers with cranks, ball differential, 3 gear transmission, 4-wheel double wishbone independent suspension, turnbuckle upper links and steering rods, dog bones, ball bearings
FF-03 PRO (58463): starts with standard FF-03 and adds machined motor plate, aluminum tie rods, TRF shocks, this came out at the same time as the regular FF-03 and seems to be the slightly more deluxe version for sale without a body
FF-03R (84288): starts with FF-03 PRO and adds gear differential, aluminum suspension mounts, CVD axles, aluminum hexes, carbon battery plate
FF-03 Upgrade Set (84314): starts with standard FF-03 or PRO and adds carbon chassis with twin vertical plates, carbon steering stiffener, aluminum steering cranks and bridge, aluminum suspension mounts, aluminum tie rods, inboard front suspension
FF-03 EVO (84354): starts with FF-03 R and adds metal drive gear, carbon motor stay, inboard front suspension, aluminum steering cranks and bridge, carbon upper and lower chassis plates, carbon shock towers, double cardan axles, aluminum rear bulkheads
So the PRO, R, and EVO seem to all build on the previous model making the EVO the ultimate version. The upgrade set, on the other hand, is it's own thing which is different from all the others and is arguably just as deluxe as the EVO in it's own right.
