2wd offroad buggy racing is known as the most difficult and respected offroad discipline. This class has typically been dominated by AE and Losi cars through the years. Team Academy would like to change that and has thrown their hat into the ring in a big way with the GV2 Pro. Follow along as we build one and put it to the test!
Part 1: The Front End
Upon opening the kit box I was greeted with many highly organized plastic bags. Each bag was identified with a letter that corresponds to a step in the instruction manual.
Speaking of instruction manuals, The GV2 instruction manual is of the full color computer illustrated type and was found to be more than adequate.
The build begins with the shocks, but because I like to build my shocks last, I skipped ahead to build the front end. The car uses a standard 2 bellcrank rack steering system that has been laid back to match the front bukhead kickup. The bellcranks are of course supported by 4 ball bearings and the pivot posts and spring cap are all anodized purple aluminum.
Also interesting to note is that Academy gives you a handy ballstud wrench.
The GV2 comes equipped with Academy’s M.L.P (Multi-Length-Pivot System) meaning that there are two Hingepin locations on all the arms. Also interesting to note is the fact that the GV2 includes Metric AND SAE (inch) sized axles. This will allow Gv2 owners extra flexibility in choosing what wheels to run. They can use Academy’s own wheel that Metric bearings fit into or use RC10 style front wheels which SAE bearings (not included) fit into. Initial runs were made using the kit wheels and tires, but I later switched to the inch axles so I could use my favorite wheel–The JConcept Rulux in yellow.
Here’s a shot of the whole front end put together: 
Academy includes a very nice purple aluminum front 27.5 degree suspension mount along with a plastic combo mount that can be switched from 25 degrees to 30 degree by simply rotating it 180 degrees! The 25/30 degree block is also available in aluminum as a separate purchase. The aluminum mounts use a nylon insert for the hingepins to ride in. This should allow the mount itself to last a very long time!
And here’s how she’s looking with the front end bolted onto the chassis!
Click over to page 2 to read about the Gearbox!
