Upgrading the ICS L85A2

[Mausturm]

Hey all,

I'm planning to purchase the ICS L85A2 at some point in time during the year, and want to start upgrading it out of the box, but I have no experience with the ICS brand at all. From experience with the brand as a whole, can someone tell me what I should probably upgrade out of the box to get it game ready?

I already plan to throw in a Prometheus Barrel and a Systema Bucking with H-nub from Element. Anything else?

Thanks in advance!

[lanepratt]

you shouldn't have to upgrade out of the box, ICS has pretty good internals, minus the piston, I would also recommend an a+ hop up rubber over the prometheus or even the new AST maple leaf system, which both can be found at airsoft parts.

[Wrath144]

I suggest you go for a PDI hop up rubber, or straight to rhop. Beyond that there isn't anything you HAVE to upgrade. Of course if you're like me you want to upgrade everything always.
It takes mostly V2 parts, so use your compression parts of choice. You'll have to keep the stock nozzle, unless you can find one of the same length.
You'll want to use a TM piston. Using a reinforced piston will result in the piston being crushed, like the stock one probably will be, due to a lack of space inside the mechbox. Basically, the mechbox occupies the space the reinforced part of the piston needs to go when the gears pull it back. The TM is a good strong piston and should suit your needs unless you plan on going high speed.
As far as I remember, the spring guide is metal and has bearings so there is no need to upgrade (even if you could).
The ICS motor isn't great, any short motor will do. But remember, nothing too crazy due to not being able to use a reinforced piston.
Any questions feel free to PM, I've worked on 3-4 ICS L85s over the years.

[Mausturm]

Will do brother. Thanks. It's a down the road project (moving out at some point and need to pay off a few debts).

Will take all this into account when I finally budget out this whole rifle in full.

[darchard123]

Good info...I'm purchasing an ICS L85A2 next month and want to start working on this now!

A few questions I'm hoping you can answer:

What’s the best hop up rubber and bucking for this rifle? or is it still the usual trial/error or peoples preference?

It states it takes a 480mm inner barrel i can't seem to find a 480mm tight bore? I'm i looking in the wrong place any ideas where to look? if not what’s the best fit? Obviously would prefer the stock length to make things easy!

As for the piston you stated TM, I assume this is a normal just a normal 15 tooth V2 piston with half teeth? Or was the half teeth this just on the early models not the recent ones?

I heard a Sorbo pad is needed to correct angel of engagement and prevent the piston wearing out quick? Or was that just on the early models not the recent ones?

Are the Gears hardened? If not what’s a good upgrade? I don’t care about ROF btw! Just strong and durable!

As for the nozzle any ideas where to start looking for a similar size? E.g. any other rifles you know of that use a similar length?

What Mags work? it looks to take standard M4 mags, is this correct?

Can i remove the carry handle and simply mount an ACOG to this? I don't really want to have to source the standard British scope, i prefer RD anyway...ACOG looks similar so figured best alternative!

Final thought...Is it worth investing in this rifle? I'm British and used to use the LSW, L98 and SA80 Real steels back in the day...but with that said I don't want to get stuck with a shelf queen just to be nostalgic! I want a good gaming rifle!

Thanks I know its allot of questions but I feel getting advise on these things can save you allot of hassle and wasted money!

p.s. I’m new to this sport so don’t flame me if I made an error here! I should add I have fully modded an M4 already and got great results! Wrenching is something I have years of experince with, so any sort of mod I can handle with ease!!!!!

[Wrath144]

1. Rhop, just like every other gun lol.
2. It actually takes 509mm barrels.
3. Not half teeth. Just less reinforcement.
4. AOE correction is always a good idea.
5. I don't think there are problems with ICS gears. If you're going for a normal ROF just wait til they maybe break.
6. I don't know, I just used the stock nozzle.
7. I used MAG Plastic midcaps. Don't remember trying anything else.
8. Yes, but you need a rail adapter. The rail under the carry handle is smaller, and SUSAT sights will fit. Can't comment on the quality of this but I found it pretty easy http://www.ebairsoft.com/susat-scope-p-3007.html

They are definitely game-able guns. I used mine for quite a while, if you're used to the ergonomics there should be no problem. I just prefer M4... and I've used pretty much every major type of assault rifle out there, in airsoft form of course.

[darchard123]

Hey man,

Thanks for the responce! much appreatiated! yep I'm getting this rifle! i have fully built my M4 now and it is a machine! time to work on this!

I know what you mean about ergonmics! and thats what i like about it! plus 500mm barrel in a gun shorter than an M4 even if only by a smidge!

as for the hop, since my post i have been using a flat hop and had a great deal of sucess with it! i have great range and accuracy! Still not sure if i want to go R-hop yet as I haven't been outranged with my flat hop!

cheers