Granite 3S vs 223S

The familiar Granite, with more driving assistance

Both versions offer 2S and 3S running, and the fitted gearing and tire diameter stay the same. The change from 3200Kv to 3100Kv reduces ideal wheel speed by about 3% at equal voltage. That calculation doesn't measure acceleration, but it does show why the 223S shouldn't be bought simply for a higher motor-speed figure.

The more useful changes are the center differential and adjustable DSC steering assistance. The differential lets the front and rear driveline speeds vary, while DSC corrects steering when the truck starts to lose direction. Adjusting that assistance gives you a way to make the truck easier to manage as you learn. It can't create tire grip or prevent a rollover when you turn too hard on a high-grip surface.

Granite 223S manufacturer announcementGranite 223S setup and DSC

A new center drive still leaves ordinary wear items

The move to a metal-geared center differential is a substantial mechanical change. It gives the newer truck a different way to manage front-to-rear drive, but it doesn't establish a lower breakage rate than a correctly adjusted V3 slipper. Bodywork, tires, shocks and bearings still deserve attention after hard landings and repeated 3S runs.

The Granite 223S build log by evd illustrates those ownership costs: it reports early thermal cutouts and tire damage, then shock repairs later in the build. Protection parts were fitted before the first bash and the setup changed further over time. Use the account as a reason to check cooling, tire condition and suspension after running, rather than a prediction of how often a stock Granite will break.

223S center drivetrain drawingGranite 223S owner build log

A small launch-price increase bought useful equipment

The U.S. V3 announcement in July 2020 listed US$319.99. The January 2025 Granite 223S announcement listed US$329.99, an increase of US$10, or about 3%, in nominal launch-listed dollars. These are published RTR prices, not a verified MSRP series or an inflation-adjusted comparison; neither package includes the driving battery and charger.

For that modest launch-price difference, the 223S added the center differential, DSC-equipped electronics and revised steering equipment. That's a useful package for a new owner who wants driving assistance. An existing V3 owner gets a different calculation: keeping a sound truck costs less than replacing it, and the newer combined ESC/receiver means future electronics changes need their radio connection planned as well.

V3 manufacturer announcement, July 2020223S manufacturer announcement, January 2025

The same tooth count, a different center drive

V3 uses ARA311034, a 57T slipper-clutch assembly. The 223S drawing replaces that with ARA311165, a 57T metal center differential. A slipper limits the torque transmitted through its friction surfaces; a center differential allows the front and rear driveline speeds to differ. Those are different ways of managing the drive even though both assemblies use a 57T gear.

For a worn spur, order the part that belongs to your installed mechanism. Moving from the slipper to the differential is a larger job involving the complete module and its supporting parts. Both exploded views are useful here because they show the assembly around the gear, including its mounts and drive connections.

Granite V3 center assemblyGranite 223S center assembly

DSC comes with a different electronics layout

The V3 has a separate BLX100 speed controller and receiver. The 223S uses the Spektrum SLT 80A combined ESC/receiver with Dynamic Stability Control, or DSC, which provides steering assistance. Replacing that combined unit affects both speed control and the radio connection, so include a compatible receiver arrangement in any electronics plan.

The steering hardware changes alongside it. V3 pairs the S651 servo with the ARA340181 23T saver; 223S pairs the S662 with the ARA340215 25T saver. Keeping the servo and saver matched avoids an otherwise easy ordering mistake. The 23T saver also appears as an option in the newer references, which makes the fitted pairing especially useful to know.

Granite V3 fitted equipmentGranite 223S equipment and DSC

Useful overlap for keeping a Granite running

ARA310956, the 37T differential set, appears in both editions' drawings and parts references. That's a useful shared number when identifying a repair. It applies to that assembly, though; the change at the center of the truck shows why one shared differential listing can't stand in for a comparison of the entire drivetrain.

For chassis, shock and steering work, follow the relevant drawing and the parts already fitted to your truck. The selected listings below make those numbers easier to compare, while the specification tables keep dimensions and equipment alongside them. Optional parts remain identified as options so you can distinguish a possible upgrade from the RTR setup.

Granite V3 parts and assembliesGranite 223S standard and option parts

Which edition makes sense for you?

For a first Granite, the 223S's center differential and adjustable steering assistance are useful additions for the US$10 increase between published launch listings. Its stock gearing is unchanged, so the case for it rests on control and equipment rather than a meaningful increase in ideal speed.

A healthy V3 remains worth keeping if you're comfortable with how it drives. Repairing it doesn't require converting the entire center drive or replacing the electronics. If you do want those changes, price the complete module and radio arrangement before buying individual parts. MEGA and BOOST Granites need their own comparison.

Drivetrain

Power

Suspension

Steering & radio

Wheels & tires

Size & weight

Granite 3S BLX V3

• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA4302V3.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA550086.html

Full specification sources for Granite 3S BLX V3

Granite 223S BLX DSC

• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA4302V4.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: search
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA310956.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA311153.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA-1608.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA4302V4-MANUAL-ML.pdf

Full specification sources for Granite 223S BLX DSC