Redcat Gen8 vs Gen7: Which Crawler Upgrades Better in 2025?
If you're deciding between building out a Redcat Gen8 or sticking with a Gen7, the upgrade ecosystem is one of the biggest factors to consider. Both are solid 1/10-scale RC crawlers, but they differ significantly in aftermarket parts availability, aluminum upgrade options, and long-term upgrade potential. In this guide, we break down exactly which crawler upgrades better — and why it matters for your build.
Overview: Gen7 vs Gen8 Platform Differences
The Redcat Everest Gen7 has been a staple in the budget crawler market for years, offering a familiar body-on-frame design with a solid portal axle setup. However, its upgrade ecosystem, while decent, is limited compared to what's available for newer platforms.
The Redcat Racing Gen8 Scout II launched as a modern revamp — with a more realistic scale look, improved stock suspension geometry, and crucially, a far richer aftermarket upgrade catalog. The Gen8 was built with the modding community in mind, and it shows in the breadth of aluminum alloy parts available today.
Bottom line: If upgrades are your priority, the Gen8 wins — and it's not particularly close.
Chassis & Structural Upgrades
One of the first mods any serious crawler owner makes is replacing plastic structural components with CNC-machined aluminum alloy parts. This is where the Gen8 truly shines.
For the Gen8, you'll find alloy options for virtually every structural touchpoint: body post mounts, front and rear body posts, center gear box covers, shock towers, and link mounts. These aluminum pieces dramatically reduce flex, improve durability on technical terrain, and give the truck a more precise feel.
The Gen7 also has aluminum options for key components, but the variety is noticeably smaller, and some parts remain plastic-only from the aftermarket as well as OEM.
Body Post & Mount Upgrades: Gen8's Strong Suit
Body post and mount systems are some of the most commonly upgraded items on both platforms. On the Gen8, you can find alloy body post mount sets in multiple colors — black, red, and silver — giving you both function and form. These kits typically replace the entire mount assembly, providing better rigidity and resistance to cracking under trail stress.
The alloy front/rear body post upgrades for the Gen8 are available at multiple price points ($22.99–$27.99), making them accessible entry-level mods that deliver immediate real-world benefit. You'll notice less body wobble and better protection for electronics immediately after installation.
Drivetrain & Gearbox Upgrades
This is arguably the most important upgrade category for any crawler that sees serious rock time. The Gen8's alloy center gear box housing cover is a standout upgrade — it replaces the stock plastic housing with a precision-machined aluminum unit that runs cooler, takes impacts better, and keeps gear mesh consistent over long run sessions.
Available in black, red, and silver color variants at $49.99, this upgrade protects one of the most expensive components on your truck. Compared to the Gen7's gearbox upgrade options, the Gen8's aftermarket is more mature and better documented by the community.
For the Gen7, gearbox upgrades exist but are more limited. If drivetrain longevity is your goal, the Gen8 platform simply has more solutions available.
Suspension & Shock Upgrades
Both platforms accept aftermarket oil-filled shocks and aluminum link sets, but once again, Gen8 owners have more options. Aftermarket suspension links for the Gen8 are widely available, allowing you to tune your geometry for maximum flex on technical lines. The Gen7 has fewer options in this space, particularly for those looking for precision-length adjustable setups.
If you crawl challenging terrain with significant flex demands, the Gen8's upgrade ecosystem makes it easier to dial in your rig without fabricating custom parts.
Electronics & Servo Compatibility
Both trucks accept standard aftermarket servos and ESC/motor combos. However, the Gen8's chassis layout is slightly more accessible for electronics swaps, and the community has documented more common setups for it. Whether you're running a high-torque metal gear servo or a brushless conversion, the Gen8 has more reference builds to draw from.
Top Redcat Gen8 Upgrade Parts — Shop Now
Here are our top 8 Redcat Gen8 upgrade parts currently available, featuring durable alloy construction for lasting trail performance:
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Body Post Mount Upgrades Black
$27.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Body Post Mount Upgrades Red
$27.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Body Post Mount Upgrades Silver
$27.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Center Gear Box Housing Cover Black
$49.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Center Gear Box Housing Cover Red
$49.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Center Gear Box Housing Cover Silver
$49.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Front Rear Body Post Upgrades Black
$22.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Gen8 Alloy Front Rear Body Post Upgrades Red
$22.99 Shop NowColor Customization & Aesthetics
One underrated aspect of the Gen8's upgrade advantage is color choice. Most aftermarket aluminum parts for the Gen8 come in three colorways — black, red, and silver — allowing builders to create a cohesive, coordinated look across the entire truck. Whether you're building a stealthy all-black rig or a bright red show crawler, the parts availability supports a complete aesthetic build.
The Gen7's aftermarket, while it does offer some color options, is more limited. You'll often find one or two color variants for popular parts rather than a full color range. For builders who care about the visual finish as much as performance, this difference matters.
Community Support & Documentation
A platform is only as good as its community. The Redcat Gen8 has a larger, more active modding community with extensive build threads, YouTube teardowns, and Facebook group discussions. This means better documentation for complex installs, more peer-reviewed part recommendations, and faster answers when something goes wrong on the trail.
The Gen7 community is still active but smaller, and new content is created less frequently. For newer RC crawler enthusiasts, the Gen8's community resources make the learning curve significantly shallower.
Value Comparison: Which Is the Better Long-Term Investment?
From a pure upgrade economics standpoint, the Gen8 is the smarter long-term platform. The broader aftermarket means more options at multiple price points, more community knowledge, and better parts availability as time goes on. The Gen7 is a proven crawler, but its upgrade path is more limited and the community support has plateaued.
That said, if you already own a Gen7 and don't want to switch platforms, there are still meaningful aluminum upgrades available — just fewer of them. The Gen7's upgrade ROI simply isn't as high.
For new buyers deciding between the two: unless you can get a Gen7 at a significant discount, the Gen8 is the better starting point for anyone who plans to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gen7 and Gen8 parts interchangeable?
No. The Gen7 and Gen8 have different chassis architectures, axle configurations, and body mounting systems. Upgrade parts are platform-specific and generally cannot be swapped between generations. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.
What's the best first upgrade for the Redcat Gen8?
Most Gen8 owners start with aluminum body post mounts or a front/rear body post set. These are affordable ($22–$28), easy to install, and immediately reduce the risk of cracking plastic components during trail use. The center gearbox housing cover is the next logical step for heavy trail use.
Does the Redcat Gen8 support brass upgrade parts?
Yes. Brass upgrades — which add weight low in the chassis for improved traction and stability — are available for the Gen8, particularly for portal covers, axle housings, and wheel hex adapters. Brass mods are popular among scale crawler enthusiasts who want maximum traction on technical rock sections.
Is the Gen8 better than the Gen7 for trail crawling?
Stock vs stock, the Gen8 has better scale aesthetics and a more refined suspension setup. But with upgrades, the gap widens considerably in the Gen8's favor. The aluminum upgrade ecosystem for the Gen8 allows you to build a significantly more capable rig without reaching the Gen7's natural ceiling.
