By Jacob Hardison | Adrenaline RC Racing
Welcome back! Today I’m diving into something fresh, exciting, and much anticipated—the Sparko F8 Nitro Buggy. While this buggy has been out for a little bit globally, it’s a new face in the U.S. market. I’ve just finished building it and wanted to share my first impressions from a builder's perspective before we hit the track for a full performance review.
This isn’t your typical review where I’ve already driven the car—this time, it’s all about the build quality, setup decisions, design strengths, and a few quirks that stood out during assembly.
My Build Setup
Out of the box, I built the Sparko F8 mostly to kit spec, with just a few intentional tweaks for our local terrain at Adrenaline:
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Rear D block: Used Lee Setser’s rear pivot setup for added toe.
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Shocks: Swapped to 8-hole bypass pistons.
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Wing & Body: Running a JConcepts Razor Wing with a quick spray-bombed body (a custom one is on the way from SS Art!).
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Servos: Savox 1211 (steering) & 2210 (throttle).
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Battery: Protek 2300 mAh.
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Engine: Dakotah Phend Ultimate engine with 2142 pipe and 80mm header.
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Clutch: Stock 3-shoe clutch (though I recently dropped a how-to on building a 4-shoe setup).
What I Loved About the Build
1. Big Center Diff Cup
Great for longer nitro mains—extra fluid capacity means more consistent performance under heat.
2. Dual Shock Cap Options
You can run bladder or bleeder-style (emulsion) setups with the stock caps. No need to buy upgrades later—both are built in.
3. Full Universals in the Drivetrain
Lightweight, efficient, and state-side preferred—plus, the quality feels top-tier.
4. Metal Upgrades Out of the Box
The kit includes aluminum caster blocks, knuckles, and servo saver—premium features you'd normally have to upgrade to.
5. Rear Adjustable Hub Plates
Carbon and plastic plates provide easy camber link height changes without needing full hub swaps.
6. Spacious Radio Box
Tons of room for wiring and electronics. A huge plus in nitro where space is tight.
What Could Be Improved
1. Build Order (Steering Rack)
Mounting the rack before the front clip is tricky. It works, but it could be better placed later in the build sequence.
2. Too Many Different Pills
There are four different types, and it gets confusing fast. A streamlined pill system would be more user-friendly.
3. Funky Shim Choices
From steering rack shims to hex shims—some just felt unnecessary or oddly placed.
4. Complex Upper Arm Design
The upper arm + link option is cool for tuning, but adjusting camber is less intuitive than traditional setups.
5. Tight A-Block Fitment
The A-arm binds if mounted fully tight. You’ll need to either back off the screws slightly or modify the arm.
6. Non-Quick-Access Diffs
They shim easily (huge plus!), but a true quick-access design would be appreciated for fast turnaround between mains.
7. Missing Rubber Grommets
The manual shows them for the radio box, but they’re not included. Not a dealbreaker, but an easy fix for a future revision.
8. Fuel Tank Design
You can’t replace the front fuel line easily. It’d be great to have a removable nipple or easier access for routine maintenance..
Final Thoughts
Despite a few small quirks, the Sparko F8 left a strong first impression. For a first-generation platform from a newer company, this buggy is packed with thoughtful features and smart design elements. If you're familiar with past buggies like the Hot Bodies D817/D819, you’ll spot some similarities in tuning style and feel.
I'm excited to get this buggy out on the track, start tuning, and follow up with a full performance review after break-in. In the meantime, if you're looking to pick up a Sparko F8, we have them in stock now at AdrenalineRCracing.com, along with all the parts to support your next build.
Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll go over how the Sparko F8 performs once we break it in and dial it on the track!
Questions about the build or looking for recommendations? Drop a comment or visit us at the shop!