Venom Mini Giants

[cbr74]

I bought two... would like to talk about them with other owners.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/2004454184600071411516.jpg

[Figit090]

Well lets start with you telling us what you think!

I want to get one but dont know if it's worth it...

what are the pros and cons of these little things anyway?? I haven't seen anything on these boards on them and i'm really itching to know more...

[cbr74]

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044156139675314943080.jpg

I think they're a blast. I race around the living room with my nephews. Set up jumps and obstacle courses and have all kinds of fun.

Pros:

Very durable.. my son's been using them as push toys... throwing 'em, steppin on 'em, and just in general abusing them and they're still in tact.
Surprisingly competent off roaders.
Standard size electronics... standard size servo and plenty of room for just about any rx and esc combo you want. (stock works fine though)
Three different decal designs included.
Four different pinions included.
Non Polarity Battery System... great for the kiddies, it is impossible to put the batteries in the wrong way.
Wheelies!
Steel dogbones
Four gear front and rear differentials
Speed 300 motor bolts right in... no adapters needed.
Room for as many as 9 2/3 A cells if ya wanted to go BL.

Cons:

Bushings... lil red plastic bushings. If you buy one... get the bearing set right from the start, trust me.. it's a must have.
The body eats the antenna tube after a few rollovers. Easy fix, but it is a con.
Stock Mabuchi 280 is a bit weak and gets hot on 7 cells and lots of traction.
3 link doesn't have massive articulation like a 4 link would.
No brakes with stock electronics. Forward and reverse but no brakes. Have to learn to be easy on the trigger or end up nosed over a lot.
No tire foams included and none available unless you McGuyver your own. Not a big deal right now... but start adding horsepower and it may affect handling later.
Stock springs too stiff. Bouncy and limits articulation. Solved with the orange springs from the optional set.


That's about all I can think of right now.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044154737190264218288.jpg

[JohnnyShore]

I've noticed that when you soften the springs, the truck likes to wander coming off power. With the servo mounted to the chassis, it creates an odd angle for the steering should the chassis roll.

I'm going to flip the steering knuckles around and mount a metal gear mini-servo to the front bumper, similar to the X-Factor. Should eliminate the wandering effect.

[Figit090]

sound pretty sweet!! ever driven a tlt-1?? those are kinda dumb looking.... I actually like these mini giants lots better and i really want one but i think i might wait and see if they fix any cons in a newer model... hopefully go 4 link!! does it have sufficient ground clearance?? looks like it but i can only tell so much with pics...

that's one point i hate about the tlt-1 it dosen't look like it has hardly any clearance...especially if you compare it to a txt-1...they aren't similar at all! maybe they'll bring the price down with the tlt-2 and fix the funny bits...

well anyway I suggested this go under hot new stuff forum but hasn't happened yet maybe you should email them cbr 74... cause you actually have 2 of them.


oh yeah and nice pics by the way i think the articulating one is neat...these things are so cool and the cooler part is i just reached $106 saving money so i have sufficient funds to actually get one!! yay! :)

[Figit090]

oh hey!! cbr 74...i was thinking...if you have a spare moment and don't have anything to do could you snap some close ups of the chassis from the side or somthing? you don't have to i just like looking at close ups to see how the car/truck is built...

i wonder if there are little oil shocks that would fit that thing...

[cbr74]

As requested:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044182820912166987687.jpg
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044184911596077972565.jpg

[Figit090]

cool thanx you're the best! :) :) I really want one...i didn't realize how the chassis looked like that on the side that's pretty cool. looks more life like and properly porportioned to the real thing than the tlt-1 too...and i like it better.

do you think that the 3rd link in the center could somehow be converted to 2 seperate links using ball cups?? if so that could increase articulation...i can't tell...might be to tiny to cram them in there.

Hey where did you buy these anyway? I'm having trouble finding them at a good price... found some on ebay for $110 starting bid but it could be fake and i don't have and probably won't get an ebay account judging by my dad's close gaurding of credit cards.

How much did you pay for the truck? I'm hoping for $130 dollars or less as the ebay ones have a buy now price near that.

they don't come in kit form do they?? It would be nice to get an esc with brake and then i'd be able to buy that mx-3 i've had my eye on...

this truck's tires remind me of a toy that i have...it's a red chevy 4wd monster that you switch on and it just goes and goes and has little switches in the back for switching the gearboxes and tranny for 2-4wd and hi/low speeds. I forgot what it's called but it's really old. lol...sorry that was a bit offtopic.

[cbr74]

The articulation is limited by the travel of the shocks at the moment, not the 3rd link.

Dan at Affordable Nitro Tech Racing has them in stock, very competitive price w/ bearing kit - dan@affordablenitrotech.com.

Kit form.. no.

[Figit090]

allrighty thanks!! seeing as i asked and getting an ebay account right now is a bust i think i'll see about buying one from him...

do you think they will update and or another good mini will come out?? I don't know if i should just get the thing or wait a bit longer...

[cbr74]

Why deprive yourself of the fun now on the off chance that something better will come along later?

[cbr74]

Here's my first "mod" for the VMG.. the antenna really gets chewed up by the body in rollovers because it exits at the roof line. I made a new antenna mount between the rear body posts to solve the problem. Now the antenna tube exits through the bed.
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044186373403545331276.jpg

I used a stock VMG wheel nut with the center drilled to 1/8". It's glued to the rear cross brace.

[Figit090]

Dan at Affordable Nitro Tech Racing has them in stock, very competitive price w/ bearing kit - dan@affordablenitrotech.com.



did you order yours there? if so is it a respectable place? I wish i could get it through my local shop or tower hobbies...

i've heard several posts on this truck being "toyish" or feeling that way.
do you think that's true or feel it has that sense to it or is it a true "hobby-quality" truck??

I think that i saw oil shocks in the little vid on venom's site... hopefully they will come out with a set so they can hit some nice big jumps :D

the pic is a red venom at the very beginning of the movie...you gotta pause it quick or have a media player that can handle dragging the scroller to get it...but it's there and they are NOT stock i know that...and they arn't the cheap chrome ones either...lol maybe they are already out there?? :confused:

[Figit090]

here's a pic of the truck the venom reminded me of...

i dunno it just spareked my memory and i thought i'd post for the heck of it... :o :cool: but anyway i'm hoping i can use this or somthing like it if i get the mini giant... even though it looks to big and i like the stock body...lol

[cbr74]

affordablenitrotech... can't say myself, but I've heard good things about them.

Hobby-quality... no less hobby grade than a Mini-T. If you can get spare parts for it and hop it up... it's "hobby quality" in my eyes.

Good job spotting those aftermarket shocks. Talked to Venom... those are the oil filled rear shocks for the Losi Mini T. They were very receptive to the idea of making diff lockers for the VMG.. so I hope to see that soon.

I'm workin on a crawlin vid of the VMG's... but I need a camera person to really do it right.

[cbr74]

Messed around with shock position today:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044203611313450063553.jpg

[Figit090]

I KNEW they had to be for the mini t... I looked in my RCCA mag and sure enough they looked the same and seemed perfect...

Not sure how much you know but do they need anything extra to install them or will the stock shock screws work?

That's cool that they thought of 3 shock mounting positions... what kinds of differences do the positions make?

oh yeah!! I haven't asked you yet...how do these little guys handle asside from flipping when you pull the trigger back to hard?? do they ever traction flip or do they jump well??

oh and i'd like to thank you so much for all your help and answering all my questions i bet i'm pretty annoying by now huh? :p well anyway thanx again!! I look forward to buying one and as soon as i track down the cheapest respectable price and figure out the ordering i will get one. I just hope i can get an account on ebay, the starting bids on some are 110 bux!! and nobody has bothered bidding either...

*(edit)* I don't care about the comments of it being toyish really, cause i'm going to "play" with it anyway!! I would call a full size truck a toy if i could!! I just luuvv all these neat things they've invented for us i'd be so bored without rc...lol :D :cool:

[Figit090]

oh well i'm just going to use quick post i forgot somthing else....

There are about 3 different VMG's on ebay... and they are all the same except for color and are all MIB. but the odd thing that worries me is that the starting prices are ALL different, some have and some DON'T have buy now's...and the ones that do are different. ANOTHER weird thing is the shipping prices are different!??

what's up?? scam maybe?

[Figit090]

hey if anyone wants to read it i found a good review on the VMG with some pics... CLICK ME!!! (http://www.*******.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=418&sid=df8137b91401c4a6f2328ffb46cf9320)

[cbr74]

Shocks... the stockers use an integrated ball screw, so some other hardware would be needed for the Mini T shocks.

If you look closely at the pic, you'll see the ride height difference between the vertical shock position and the laydown position. The vertical sits up higher for more articulation and better break over angle. The lay down position lowers center of gravity for better cornering.

They jump decent considering they're solid axle and friction shocks. On high traction surfaces like carpet they'll traction roll, on low traction they'll just push the front end.

Ask away, doesn't bother me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19168&item=3188846889&rd=1

That one looks good to me. $119.99 Buy it Now, $5 shipping. Seller has 3883 positive feedbacks.

Your link doesn't work. The RC Zone filter is blocking the domain name.

[Figit090]

why would he sell the other one without an auction and so much higher?

here is the higer-priced one.. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19168&item=3188853963)

starting bid, 125
buy now, 130
shipping, 8

i don't get it,same truck,different body color..but so what? :confused:

[microrcdude]

maybe because of body color and chrome rims?

[Figit090]

Maybe...i'm going to check them out again and see if i can figure it out... but from what i can tell there is NO reason to up the shipping...

[Figit090]

hey cbr74 or anyone else really; could the VMG be converted into 4 wheel steering if you added a 3rd channel and replaced the rear end with the front end of another truck?? i haven't figured out how the steering works yet so i can't figure that out by myself....

[Vmax911]

cbr74

Is that second pic of yours running in sand? If so how well does it do? (It's real sandy around here and I'm looking for something to play with.)

[Figit090]

looks like sand to me...there are even little particles reflecting light... and i don't know of any dirt like that...although that would be cool if it was dirt...not quite as hard on parts...i think

[cbr74]

4 wheel steering... yes it's doable. Would need a micro servo and relocate the batteries and an entire extra front end assembly... but it IS doable.

Sand... sand and decomposed granite. The sand is pretty thin with a hardpack underneath, not like the beach or anything.

[Figit090]

have you noticed any wear on the truck from the sand or anything else for that matter?? just curious how it's holding up so far. :)

[cbr74]

So far, so good.

I give them a good blasting with the air compressor after running in the dirt.

[Figit090]

Hehe...my dad is just bolting our new compressor down as we speek... I can't WAIT!! :D

how many psi do you run usually?? I'm curious, how well can a compressor clean a rc truck like a t-maxx on it's own with no solvents?? I was wondering how much eaiser it will be to clean my truck now... :rolleyes: :D

[Vmax911]

Well guys,

I just bought a two week old Mini Giant off of another board. It should be here early next week. Hopefully it's in great condition as it should be for being that new. It already has bearing, any other "must have" items for this truck?

[cbr74]

"Must haves"... not really. The bearings are a must, everything else is optional. The wheelie bar and 7 cell pack are nice and the optional spring set helps with the bounciness and improves articulation.

I'm waiting for the Venom Fireball mod motors to come in... that should be fun.

[Figit090]

WARNING!!! I dont know if you guys know or not, but i read this on another board so BE CAREFUL!!;

In the battery compartment, the one designed to have no specific polarity for the batteries...isn't perfect. Be careful that you check to make sure that the batteries you use have + positive terminals that are small enough because if they are too large they will arc with the other batts. resulting in fried electronics! The guy this happened to was using rechargables, and we all know that different companies make different batteries, so be careful that they fit first and don't get hot. Another poster said his got hot and he took them out before he damaged the radio, but the other guy lost his batteries, and threw the controller agist a wall infrustration...lol

so be careful if you use the stock batts. in the reciever and if you use rechargeables or weird alkalines in the transmitter. Most will work, but some obviously don't.

[Vmax911]

I got my mini Giant!

Now to fabricate a fix to the bump steer problem!

[Figit090]

post pics of it! and your mods.... :) did you read what i posted last?

[cbr74]

Have parts coming in today and a couple new bodies to try out.

[cbr74]

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/2004554903642656808010.jpg

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/2004555057273485756253.jpg

Using VMG parts, I made a "normal" body mount for the front. Notice the body clips. It still has the ability to tilt to get to the battery, but the body can also be removed completely without tools.

I got a couple GMC Sierra pickup bodies by Pro-Line for the Micros RS4.... they're a lot bigger than the stock VMG body, but I think they might end up looking closer to scale
than stock. I won't really be able to say til I get them painted.

[Figit090]

cool! I've wanted to see this thing with some skin that's more....attrractive. lol the stock body is cool but i'd like a little toyota 4runner... too bad they don't make those bodies. Maybe i could find a toy and use it's body.....

[cbr74]

Well, I burnt up the stock motor in the silver VMG... only motor I had around to replace it with was from a Traxxas 2.5 EZ start... so it was SHOE HORN time!

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/2004556021474352179406.jpg

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/2004556444789395189280.jpg

It wasn't easy gettin that fat little motor in there.

[Figit090]

how did you "burn up" the motor and what exactly does that mean?? and i'm also curious how that motor compares to the stock one.

[cbr74]

Not sure how I did it. It just all the sudden started making the most horrendous screeching noise.

No comparison to stock. I put a 15T pinion on it and it'll pull the wheels up so hard that all 4 wheels come off the ground when the wheelie bar hits. It'll wheelie over from a standing start in reverse. I have a vid of it.. but the RC Zone filter doesn't allow R C P I C S.net.

[Vmax911]

Hey guys,

I finally got a servo mounted to the front gearbox. Now I have to do a little cutting to keep it from interfering with suspension movement. Pics will come soon.

[Figit090]

cbr74; woah! cool...is that what the modified motor would do to the performance or is the ez-start motor even better?? How do the batteries last?? Sounds sweet.

[FlashLCD33]

cbr- that looks SWEET! You'd almost have to dial out some of the throttle to make that thing managable!

[cbr74]

Vmax... very curious to see how you went about axle mounting the steering servo.

Figit... I have no other motors to compare it to. Run time took a serious hit with this motor. I think I'm gettin about 10-15 minutes now on the 1100 hex pack.

[FlashLCD33]

Will these things do wheelies stock?

What about with a hex pack and bearings?

[cbr74]

yes and yes

Bone stock, they need a little encouragement to wheelie.. (lil pop in reverse first).

With a freshly charged hex pack.. it'll wheelie from a standing start if it has the traction for it.

The bearings are a MUST. The stock plastic bushings will melt!

[FlashLCD33]

I think i may pick one of these up. How long do you think a run time is with the 7 cell and bearings using the stock motor?

[Figit090]

yeah i was also wondering that...

and it's suckin those batteries probalby cause it was meant to be full of torque in order to turn over an engine...lol.

but yeah what did you get BEFORE you fried the stocker??

[cbr74]

I never timed it... but it's a long time.... maybe as much as an hour I think.

[Figit090]

WOW!!! that's sweet now i REALLY want one... those big 1/10 scales get a lot less don't they?? I kinda forgot that smaller car and smaller motor means more runtime...

i have 150 bux..

but i need a truck...

i could save for my future truck...but i want to have fun now too....

AWW HECK!! it's a hard desision... if i could bid on ebay i'd buy one no questions asked...but dad won't let me, i got my account but he dosent want the hassle yet i guess...

[Vmax911]

Here's a pic of my servo mod. Sorry it's a bit blurry, the lighting sucks. I used a hitec 81MG servo, and some miscellaneous parts I had laying around.

[cbr74]

Nicely done... but man, what a linkage nightmare.

I've opted to custom fabricate a servo mount that will stand the steering servos vertically and use the stock tie bar. I've made some fairly extensive modifications to the chassis, relocated the battery to the center of the truck (lower CG and better balance). The end result will be a 4WS VMG with lower CG, near perfect balance, and zero bump steer. (I hope!)

My HS-85MG servos will be here in a few days and then I can finalize the axle servo mount design.

Later on I'll get a 4 channel stick radio for some crab walking action.

[Vmax911]

cbr74:

I had thought about doing something similiar to your vertical mounting idea. But I'm too impatient to make a mount :D . I actually got the idea for this setup by looking at a tlt-1. The tie rods do give me the option of adjusting the toe-in/out. Another idea I had was to use the dual link tierod setup from an HPI Micro. That would make things pretty simple once the servo was mounted.

Keep us updated on how your conversion is coming along.

[MTkid7]

I have a pimp mini-t that goes 23... should i get a VMG... is it worth it?

[cbr74]

I have two Mini T's and two VMG's... the VMG's are more fun, have more project potential, and are a better value than the Mini T's. IMO

[MTkid7]

How fast do they go? stock with a pack

[Ferrari_Spyder]

really the vmg's are more fun than mini-ts?

is this stock for stock?

im thinking of getting a mini-t and one for my friend cus for $120 i could get a slightly used one with a 6-cell batt pack, bearings, and an aluminum shock tower. (one that i saw on ebay) most sell around this much for that much stuff.

so that setup vs a vmg which is more fun?

[Figit090]

I would get the VMG, i am saving my money right now for a full size car so i'm just waiting for the next model that will most likely be better to come out, either from Venom or another maker that's deciding to get into the scene of mini monsters....

YOU LISTENING TRAXXAS??? LOSI?? ....AE?

OH and i think the VMG would be more fun, more ground clearance, modding capability, 4 wheel drive.... it will just do more... the other is kinda like a car with big shocks IMO.. kinda dumb but if you had a track just for it i guess it'd be kinda neat...

but just imagine the two...

you drive the mini-t up to your shoe...try to scale the thing and it just spind the rear tires or unloads helplessly trying it's best but only getting one tire on the shoe, when the VMG might and probably would just drive completely OVER the shoe... dunno though i don't have either.. lol :)

[cbr74]

RC Driver clocked the VMG at 10.5mph with stock 12T pinion on 6 AA cells.

New bod:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045178448271125270780.jpg

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045178189655838425936.jpg

[Vmax911]

cbr74 -

Your truck looks awesome! Is that a micro RS4 body? What shocks are you using?

I just ordered a losi H20 body and four GPM mini-t rear shocks. Now all I need it the chrome rims!

[cbr74]

Thanks.

Yes, that's a GMC Sierra for the Micro RS4 by Pro-Line.

I'm using stock shocks with hardware store super soft springs.

Here's the other GMC Sierra bod that my painter did with an MGT to match:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045184969961909021706.jpg

[Figit090]

MORE PICS!!! that is awsome...i was saving for my future truck...but i'm hooked....

should i quit dwelling on weather or not i'll have my money's worth and just buy it or save for auto insurance/ gas.... like lotsa people that don't know about this tell me to do??

maybe i should just enjoy everything i can while i can...i dunno!! urrgh...

[Figit090]

I would like to see pics of it facing the camera... a lot of trucks look the same from the back :(

[cbr74]

Will this do:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045184061733724445828.jpg

[Figit090]

yeah! thanx, got any with it sitting and not flexing? you don't have to post, but i love looking at pics!!

[Figit090]

OK, somthing's a little bogus here, in the last issue of RCCA, the VMG was in there...
but i've requested it to be put up on the hot new stuff forum, and it hasn't yet...dosen't it deserve the credit?

I'm probably going to send another email to them, but only if some others do to..because more people will be more convincing....are you listening Steve??

But anyway, with these pics up and testamonials from cbr74 and others it might have a chance for more publicity, and more feedback?

what do you think?

[Figit090]

cbr74, you should sent a stock pic of the VMG and then your pic..i'm sure it's catch somebody's eye!

[cbr74]

Maybe I should send them this one:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045205628698851320327.jpg

[mystereid]

Hi guys, I had a mishap with my Mini-Giant with recharcheable batteries shorting in the tray and melting it. Venom was good about it and sent me a replacement tray but I recommend the NiMH hex pack, lots of run time, as well as the wheelie bar and bearing kit. I also think oil shocks would be pretty slick, it bounces around pretty good.
I have stepped down to a 9 tooth pinion for better climbing as I really bought this for indoor use in a greenhouse in bad weather and don't need the speed, It bought it more for little hill climbs and rock crawling. Stock it seemed a little high geared for off roading and with alkalines it would stall against obstacles. I locked the center diff with the provided gear and would like to get ahold of something to lock the axles, when climbing steep dirt hills one side will grab traction and spin it back down hill.
I just found this forum and like reading about modding these things.

[cbr74]

Well.... if you want a permanent locked diff... epoxy will do wonders. If you want a semi locker that can be reversed later... try some silicone gasket sealer.

Yes oil shocks will help. But the cheap way to get good off road handling is super soft springs from the hardware store. 5/16" X 1 1/2" X .020 or whatever you can find that's close to that.

[mystereid]

Thanks for the tips.

[Vmax911]

I've heard locking the rear diff drastically increases the turning radius. If you want to run indoors, start by locking the front only. And as cbr74 says, try something non-permanent to begin with.

[cbr74]

I've run with the rear locked.. on loose terrain, it doesn't affect turning radius any noticeable amount.

[Figit090]

Maybe I should send them this one:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045205628698851320327.jpg


that is sweet!! how's it handle and articulate with those wheels??

little ill-proportioned...but still cool! i wonder how the rear tires off of a 1/10 scale 2wd buggy would look.... wait a second...what are those anyway?

[FlashLCD33]

cbr- i just watched your video. Abosolutely positively INSANE. From the video, it looks like it can still rip wheelies with those tires? True?

[cbr74]

Yes, it can. The Fireball combined with the 8T alloy pinion makes for some serious torque. So much so that if I physically hold the rear tires stationary, it'll bring the front end off the ground when throttle's applied.

[cbr74]

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045246887990357436000.jpg

[Figit090]

Hi guys, I had a mishap with my Mini-Giant with recharcheable batteries shorting in the tray and melting it. Venom was good about it and sent me a replacement tray but I recommend the NiMH hex pack, lots of run time, as well as the wheelie bar and bearing kit. I also think oil shocks would be pretty slick, it bounces around pretty good.
I have stepped down to a 9 tooth pinion for better climbing as I really bought this for indoor use in a greenhouse in bad weather and don't need the speed, It bought it more for little hill climbs and rock crawling. Stock it seemed a little high geared for off roading and with alkalines it would stall against obstacles. I locked the center diff with the provided gear and would like to get ahold of something to lock the axles, when climbing steep dirt hills one side will grab traction and spin it back down hill.
I just found this forum and like reading about modding these things.



READ my previous post on this people!!! (especially newbies to this thread..) I'ts somewhere on the first page... but in short be extra careful with rechargeables....some have large terminals, which will ARC them, almost instantly fryin them and whatever they are in... (reciever/radio)

[Figit090]

wait a second.... cbr74.... did you do the 4ws conversion? or is that the camera angle....i can't tell. I doubt it, cause you said nothing of it, but i just wanted to varify that...

[cbr74]

4WS, extended wheelbase, big tires, etc, etc.

http://www.minioffroaders.com has a VMG forum. That's where I've been hanging out most of the time.

[Figit090]

I didn't happen to give you the idea for 4ws did i? :p ..... :D

[Figit090]

oh that other board is neat, i'm signed up!! looking forward to seeing more about your little wonder that i really badly want to buy from you....lol :p

[cbr74]

Canti-lever version 2.0:
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045294009937300671418.jpg

[Figit090]

is it me or is that thing slowly inching away from being able to be classafied as a VMG??

[Ferrari_Spyder]

what is the best battery for the VMG for runtime/power. cbr you know your stuff so what is that battery you have? what about the hex7 battery?

also whats the best aftermarket bearing set i can get?

one more: where online can i buy the VMG for cheapest?

sorry for the questions

[cbr74]

Figit.. still has stock axles, diffs, transmission, and chassis... it's still a VMG.

The Hex 7 is good for stock configuration. I'm using an SMC 6 cell Mini T pack because it's what fits in the chassis.

Bearings: http://www.carttonic.com/catalog/index.php?file=catalog&action=catalog_productinfo&uid=466&clist=0,10285,112462,112463&pi_id=112466

Ultimate Hobbies... $130 w/ free shipping
http://www.ultimatehobbies.com//p617.html

[Figit090]

can you stick any 1/10 scale rim with the right offset on the VMG?? what are those rims you have on there now... I think it would be perfect with 1/10 scale rear buggy tires, wide, big, but not too big...

[mini venom]

can you tell me where i can get a metal motor gear set

[maxxamillion]

I just purchased a mini Giant for my kid. Fun mini rc!
Has anyone had a gear mesh problem? I can't seem to eliminate the clicking completely. The motor plate seems to flex & pull the pinion away from the gear.
Any ideas?
Pretty fast stock-I chose it over the mini T.

[cbr74]

The clicking isn't gear mesh. The VMG has a toothed, spring loaded clutch inside the transmission as a failsafe against stripping gears.

[maxxamillion]

So is that clicking ok? It seems like it glitches or jerks a bit when it does this.
This little rc is a clever design...
Some oiled filled shocks and I'd be happy. :)

[cbr74]

It won't hurt anything, but I've seen no ill effects from just replacing the mechanism with the supplied lockout gear.

[maxxamillion]

And will the lockout gear be ok for street/driveway running?
I'm just want to bullet proof it for my 7 yr. old(his first rc).
I have the hex 7 & bearings already.
Thanks cbr

[cbr74]

Well... I run the lockout gear with an EZ start motor on 7 cells and it's yet to give out on me.

[maxxamillion]

Hey cbr, I rebuilt the front diff last night, and put the bearings in. It has more resistance, or is not as 'free' as the bushings were(or as the rear is). The bearings on the axles were almost a press fit-extremely tight. That surprised me. Ya think it should free up or set in? The boys & I will run it anyhow today(I won't let it overheat).
Its smooth but just has more resistance...
Oh, is there a 11 tooth pinion out there that fits? (for indoor torque/crawling)
Thanks

[cbr74]

I'd run 'em a bit and see if they seat themselves in.

Any micro pinion will fit the VMG. I like the HPI steel ones. http://www.carttonic.com/catalog/index.php?file=catalog&action=catalog_productinfo&uid=466&clist=0,11321,11620,17711&pi_id=17725

[maxxamillion]

Thanks for your VMG knowledge cbr. It loosened up and handles nicer now too-no bushing slop in the steering. I'll do the rest soon.
I kick my kids butt in living room stadium racing! LOL Gotta get a set!
Now for the front body clip set-up.
I'm sick of aligning those damn screws. ;)

[mystereid]

Figit090, I hope you don't think that I read your post and then went ahead and melted my battery tray. As far as I know I was the first to experience this problem, at least the first that the guys at Venom had heard from.

[Figit090]

no i'm sorry, i didn't mean that i just wanted to try and prevent anyone else from damaging their truck. Sorry about not clarafying that.... :(

[Vmax911]

Here's a pic of my MG that I am trying to plaster all over the internet :)

Next up will probably be 4ws.

http://www.minizracer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11068

[Figit090]

Here's a pic of my MG that I am trying to plaster all over the internet :)

Next up will probably be 4ws.

http://www.minizracer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11068

Now if i didn't have to sign up to that forum i'd look at it.... but i don't have the time or the will too...so could you upload a pic here? you did say you were going to plaster it all over anyway, not give directions to it :p :D

thanx :)

[Vmax911]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know you had to be a member to see the link. I will work on that!

Maybe this one will work?
http://www.yourmicro.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=143903

I don't have any editing software here at work, and it is too big to upload here.

[Figit090]

nope...page didn't work...

you don't even have microsoft PAINT???? god what computer are you on? i ahve a 98 and i can succesfully downsize pics for uploading with microsoft paint.

[Vmax911]

I've never used paint.... When I tried to change the image size it cut the picture off.... I'll give it another shot.

[Vmax911]

Well whaddaya' know....

[nitro_newbie]

that is a coll truck wat r ur mods?

[Figit090]

MS paint is nice an conveniant huh? nice truck! (and paint is on practically every computer so it's good to know the basics) :D

[alexrckid]

has anyone had any glitching problems with their VMG..??? also, since the antena wire is rather long, any opinions on what to do with the slack..????

[steelcut]

has anyone had any glitching problems with their VMG..??? also, since the antena wire is rather long, any opinions on what to do with the slack..????

Drill a hole where the original Antenna fits in, get a screw and a Mini-z Antenna for Example, fix Mini-z Antenna with the screw in the newly drilled hole and solder the original Antenna onto the screw.
Hopefully you understand - my english is rather bad. I´m german ;)

gtx
steely

[The_Mini_Giant]

or just use a longer antenna tube like that you would find on a 1/10 scale or 1/8 scale truck.mines long enough that it only sticks out about 4 inches fro the top.and what can you use to mount the servo to the axle?i have all the links and all that figured out,and the clearance but i can t figure out how to mount it.id prefer a full size servo but a micro will work.thanks for your help in adavnce.

[BJoeHandley]

Just bought a used Mini-Giant from a co-worker, and tips to make the suspension flex better?

[Figit090]

you'll want to go through this thread and look at the whole thing for setup tips, warnings from me about using rechargable AA's...and better suspension mods...

I think there is also a link to another forum which is solely VMG's....and it is a good place to go for mods, they have some crazy stuff over there. The site is actually for all mini RC stuff but there is a dedicated VMG thread thats full of those guys...

Good luck!

[Figit090]

Here's the link dude, check it out, and espeially cbr74's work... he's got a badarse truck! (http://www.ultimaterc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=219)



Hope this helps, i'm going to start posting over there again (as Figit090...as on any forums I'm in) hope to see you there! :D

[BJoeHandley]

Thaks Figit, I've already added bearings and messed around with shock position (got the front shocks mounted to the bumper, can't believe how much that worked alone), moved the tire's bead inside the rim's bead area (seamed to increase the tire's flexability), a GS antenna mount, and installed the small Mini-T pinion on the Chubby motor I bought the truck with. Anybody try cutting up the tires for better traction or making bent suspension links for better clearance while climbing?

[Figit090]

cutting the tires...i'd be careful but you can do it...i've done it to my stock t-maxx tires, youd just have to downscale your hand movements as well as your snippers...lol

might not help too much but it's worth a try...at the worst you'd end up having to purchase some new rubber!

by the way...are you supposed to glue the rubber to the rim on something so tiny or does it matter?

[Figit090]

oh yeah and lemmie know if you get pics of this little beasty of yours up k? i'd like to see it! :D

[BJoeHandley]

Will do!

[BJoeHandley]

I've started making a new longer 3 link suspenion for the back on my VMG yesterday, I'm waiting for the lengthened rear driveshaft to dry before I do the front end.

[Figit090]

*cough*pics*cough* :D :p

[BJoeHandley]

Once it's done, Figit, once it's done.

[BJoeHandley]

Well, I tried to run it today with the longer driveshaft and ran into a problem, seem that the ball stud mount on the rear diff was stripped and the RRP Ti ball stud pull out trying to climb and spit out the 'shaft. I've got the thing held in with JB Weld and now have to wait for it to dry.

[Figit090]

Sorry to hear that, good luck with the fix!

Why did it strip? is it maybe because the shaft wasn't the right length and forced it to rip out when the suspension flexed??

[BJoeHandley]

No, I originaly planned on using the Traxxas ball shock mount which is 3mm and the RRP stud is 4/40 so it was opened too much for the RRP part and when I went to climb, it pulled apart. Hopefullt the JB Weld is dry by now so I can test it befor I go to bed tonight.

[globaltruckin]

hi i just read this whole thread
and from wut ive gathered im definitly getting one of these beast within the next two weeks.
so good mods are.....
bearings
hex pack
oil shocks
anyone used the mamba motors on one of these?
if so is it a direct fit?
how much is an ez start motor going to run me?
where do i get steel spur gears will the stockers be fine for a while?
sry for all the ???'s thanx

[r.c.dealer]

Heres some images of my Mini Giant

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0280.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0279.jpg

After:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0392.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0390.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0389.jpg

[RespirologyRC]

where did you find that heat sink for the motor?

I love the colors you used for the body!!!!!!! I do a bunch of custom work myself and can only say this about your truck---SWEEEEEEEEEET:)

[r.c.dealer]

Thanks :D

Its an RC18 heat sink made by Topcad.

[MaximumF350]

RC Dealer, What brand of shocks are those?

[Figit090]

awsome little bug, i think the beetle is one of the best lids you can put on any type of rc... nice job, and sweet paint

are you going to paint the wheels to match?? that might be neat...since there's a lot of purple/magenta/red already in the body and shocks.... dunno though. keep it up!

[jimbo_style]

looking at wheelie bars for the mini giant and the one made by venom looks expensive and puny, found this on tower: its 5$ more and is made of anodized aluminum instead of plastic and has good wheels instead of flimsy plastic bits. it is made for the mini t and I was wondering if anyone could figure out a way to attach it (my truck is in the mail) it looks soo good that if worse comes to worse, i'll epoxy it. hope some of you have a better idea.

thx

[jimbo_style]

forgot the link: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHSM3&P=7

[jimbo_style]

also wondering if anyone had any homemade wheelie bars
(sorry for all the posts)

[vagabond]

Guys, i'm new in mini monster truck. Can anybody please advice me on what motor to get for my mini monster? I would like to run it off road. Please advice.

Thanks in advance.

[vagabond]

Heres some images of my Mini Giant

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0280.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0279.jpg

After:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0392.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0390.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/rcdealer/100_0389.jpg

That's a very nice shell. Where did you get it? I'm very interested in building a monster beetle

[vagabond]

What's the best motor for mini monster truck?

[BlueMonster]

Glad I found this site AGAIN!

Here are my VMG's...

This one is getting a full rebuild, but at the moment, this is it's status.

- Chassis trimmed
- Diffs locked
- Bearings installed
- Oil shocks installed
- Wheels narrowed
- Tires shaved
- Shocks relocated
- 4 link suspension installed
- Shaved Hummer body
- Clod-style steering set-up
- HS-85MG steering servo
- Novak Rooster ESC
- Airtronics MX-3 FM radio
- Stainless steel screws installed on all mods
- Custom body posts
- Kimbrough mini heavy duty servo saver
- Stretched to 8.5" wheel base
- Custom 7.2V 1100Mah battery spread out over chassis

http://www.offroad-rc.com/photogallery/mini-G2.jpg

http://www.offroad-rc.com/photogallery/mini-G4.jpg

http://www.offroad-rc.com/VMG/mini-G2.jpg

[BlueMonster]

This next one is my newest one. Here is the list of it's upgrades

Offroad-RC stretch and steering servo mounts
4 wheel steering
narrowed and painted wheels
modified tires
locked center, front and rear diffs
Novak Spy
MX-3
Pro-Line Dakota

http://www.offroad-rc.com/show/index.43.jpg

http://www.offroad-rc.com/show/index.44.jpg

http://www.offroad-rc.com/VMG/4ws.ht2.jpg

[BlueMonster]

This is one I am almost done with, I am building it for my son.

Same stretch as my Dakota
JR MN48 servo (going bad already, going to a HS 81MG)
narrowed wheels
modified tires
HiMax gear reduction
locked throughout
"blood" paint scheme (that what he asked for, that's what he got!)

http://www.offroad-rc.com/VMG/bloodb68.jpg

http://www.offroad-rc.com/VMG/bloodb70.jpg

You can see a ton more pics of all the trucks, plus some of my buddies that have a couple Leo-X's as well on my site

www.offroad-rc.com

Check it out, there is a growing list of VMG mods, let me know if you have one you'd like added!

[malibu]

i just got a a-tech mini monster need help with what shocks too replace :confused: stock ones with?

[bakabaka]

Hi all,

I just picked up a Trinity Clash "Wheelie Monster" truck for indoor running while the rainy season drags on. I understand it's very close to the Venom Mini Giant, if not the same. Having been without a 4wd monster since I sold my Clod, I'm finding this to be quite a bit of fun. Any other Clash owners out there, and if so have you modded it at all?

Other than the stock Futaba-lookalike LanSu S3003 servo, it seems to be put together pretty well for the price. An easy fix with a spare servo. There's been no breakage aside from one of the headlight LEDs becoming de-soldered from its cable, which was easily enough fixed. It runs faster and pulls wheelies easier without the headlights connected, but night running is actually more fun than I expected with the lights.

I was pleasantly surprised with the included ESC too. It has a connector for the headlights, and runs quite smoothly with or without them. A pity they didn't include programming instructions for it. OTOH, the motor gets pretty hot with the stock setup. I've nearly burned myself trying to turn the truck off, since the switch is just above the motor. The wheelie bar works pretty well, although it looks like they just used two bearings for wheels. A bit of rubber on the outside would probably increase their lifespan, maybe I'll glue a segment of a rubber band to each wheel like I did with my Wild Willy 2's wheelie bar.

Have fun! :)