Considering a brushless conversion

[cart213]

I'm thinking about starting a new project. I want a 4WD buggy or stadium truck that I can put a brushless system in for bashing. The only affordable electric vehicle I've found is the Academy SB Sport buggy. It looks like a good vehicle, but parts availability seems to be limited. I think I'd have to go through MRC to get any replacement parts.

So, I think I'd rather do a brushless conversion on a nitro vehicle. It should be a more fun project anyway. :) I'm currently considering two vehicles.

1) HPI Nitro MT2 SS 1/10 stadium truck
2) Ofna Ultra LX Comp 1/8 buggy

The reason I'm considering these two is their combination of durability and reasonable price. I'll sell off the nitro parts, of course. If anyone knows of a better vehicle, please let me know.

If I get the Ofna, then I'll put in a Feigao 540c 9L and an Mtroniks Truck controller and use 12 cells. Is it feasible to put Maxx-size wheels on a 1/8 buggy? I'd like to increase the ride height, if possible.

If I get the MT2, then the system I use will depend on how many cells I can fit on the chassis. If I can only fit 6 cells, I'll use a Novak GTB5.5. If I can fit 8 cells, I'll use a Feigao 540 8s with an Mtroniks Truck controller. If I can fit 12 cells, I'll use a 540c 9L with a Truck controller. I only want to run as many cells as I can fit without some of them hanging off the chassis. I saw pics of camel_rc's truck with 9 cells, but 3 of them were hanging off. I'd like to avoid that condition for the sake of battery durability. Also, I'd like to run with Masher 2000 tires for maximum ride height.

So, which vehicle do y'all think I should I get? I've got no first-hand experience with either vehicle. All I know about them is what I've found on the internet.

Thanks!

[desfjr1300]

You might have a little more room on the Hpi for batteries. I'm looking at mine now and it looks like once the engine and gas tank is removed and you've fabbed a motor mount for the brushless you could stack 2 6-cell stick packs lengthwise across the chassis. Definitely a tough little truck and the drivetrain is very smooth and "free"-probably the perfect candidate for your project!

Good Luck!

[SpEEdyBL]

For the mt2, go for the 8s and 8 cells. The 9l and 12 cells may be slower. If you go 4wd buggy, get a used xxx4. You can find them for $100-120. Stick with the 380 size motors with the xxx4. I know from experience.

[tcolesen]

The 1/8 buggy is a larger vehicle than the MT2, and will require more of a motor, which will then require a more expensive controller. Personally, I would say go for the 1/8 buggy, as they are a lot of fun. The MT2 is known to be durable, and 1/8 buggies are known for being unbreakable. But, factoring in the cost of everything means that the buggy would be more expensive.

[cart213]

tcolesen, could I run Maxx tires on a stock buggy to give it more ground clearance for bashing? Sorta like a truggy?

[cart213]

How durable is the XXX-4? I've heard that Losi's 2WD buggies are kinda fragile.

[tcolesen]

You can run Maxx tires with a buggy, but if you want to go that way, get a truggy. The wheelbase of buggies isn't quite what would be best for these tires. If you did this, and wanted to buy the fewest amount of parts possible, you could get some IMEX wheels that are for Maxx tires and have a 17mm hex. You also have to gear pretty low, which would be hard to do. With gearing for buggy tires, but with Maxx Mashers, my buggy doesn't move very well, due to the (custom) slipper clutch slipping and the voltage drop of the batteries I was using at the time.

[starluckrc]

I've got a converted NMT sitting here collecting dust.

[cart213]

Whatcha got in it? And what's the difference between the MT and the MT2?

[SpEEdyBL]

Actually, a stock xxx4 isn't that durable in terms of crashes. But as along as you buy aluminum pivot blocks, DPM racing front A-arms, and double up the graphite shock towers, you can drastically decrease the chances of breaking. The xxx4 drivetrain is pretty much impenetrable, especially with the HD belt kit.

However, any 1/8 scale buggy will probably be much more durable than the xxx4 and I would definately make the switch if I had the money. They wont be as fast as the xxx4 though. 1/8 buggies require A LOT of power. 12 cells in a 1/8th scale buggy wont even get you to 40 mph. I've never heard of any 12 cell setups that do.

[tcolesen]

12 cells can get you 40mph with proper gearing in a 1/8 buggy. You really don't need more than 40mph for racing, unless you drive on a huge track. 40mph is a lot even for bashing, since the huge acceleration makes up for speed loss (IMO).

[starluckrc]

It's got a 540-7S with 5mm shaft to make pinion selection easier. No controller at the moment, but I will be throwing the Genesis Pro on there when I get a chance. It could be had for a steal with motor and esc.

[bigair78]

I'd go 1/8th scale. I bought a xxx4 for bashing and it is not suited for that at all. The front shock tower is way to weak.

[cart213]

Thanks for all the responses. Unfortunately, I'm still undecided between the two. Can someone please tell me the height of 1/8 buggy tires?

[tcolesen]

4"-4.5", depending on the tire.

[SpEEdyBL]

12 cells can get you 40mph with proper gearing in a 1/8 buggy. You really don't need more than 40mph for racing, unless you drive on a huge track. 40mph is a lot even for bashing, since the huge acceleration makes up for speed loss (IMO).

I'm sure my xxx-4 can match the acceleration of your 1/8 any day. ;)

[tcolesen]

I'm sure my xxx-4 can match the acceleration of your 1/8 any day. ;)

I'll bet it can! I'm sure it also helps that your buggy is about 1/2 the weight of mine :p. But is it as durable ;)

[ehacker]

For the mt2, go for the 8s and 8 cells. The 9l and 12 cells may be slower. If you go 4wd buggy, get a used xxx4. You can find them for $100-120. Stick with the 380 size motors with the xxx4. I know from experience.

Why would the XXX-4 run better with a 380 motor? I've been out of the BL scene for a bit but is this the new thing?

I'm running a 5300 in my MF2 and a SS5800 in my XXX-4...would a 380 motor mount to the stock mount on the XXX-4?

Thanks

BTW..what set are u using?

[Rtsbasic]

A 380C motor has a built in heatsink and a 540 bolting pattern. The smaller rotors in the 380's will spool up faster so in a fairly light car they accelerate faster and feel more responsive. Your 5300 is very similar to one - its got a smaller than normal can/rotor. I believe Novak brushless motors use a 400 sized rotor as well.

[SpEEdyBL]

Btw, don't use the novak ss5800 as a reference for 400 motor performance. My 380c 9t accelerates much harder than the ss5800. I estimate that the 380c rotor is about 5 times the strength of novak rotor. I had to wrestle the 380c rotor out of its can, which doesn't even contain any iron. Then I put the novak rotor in the 380c can and it came out easy.

[GordonFreeman]

My 2c, I bought a lightly used Mayhem for $100 (no motor, servo ect). That's what I'm using for my 1/8 BL LiPo conversion project.

[cart213]

I think I'm gonna go with the Ofna. Thanks for everyone's advice!

[cart213]

The Ofna Ultra LX Comp just got discontinued at Tower! :mad:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGUS1&P=7

Anybody know if Ofna is discontinuing it or did Tower just stop selling it?

[bajabuggyboy]

cart213 I was wondering how the coversion went?

[ElectricThunder]

cart213 I was wondering how the coversion went?
He did a really, really nice job (from what I remember). I think he made a thread about it not too long ago.

[cart213]

Well, the Ultra LX Comp conversion went nowhere. I paid some jerk on this forum for one, but he disappeared on me and never shipped the buggy.

I found a used MT2 18SS and did a conversion on it instead. I've got a recent thread about it if you do a search. I was pleased with how it turned out.

Btw, electricthunder, thanks for the compliment. :)