racing a t-maxx...

[HiTempguy]

Hey everybody, man, has it been a long time since I've been into the R/C scene. It's crazy of how much it's grown. I know I am cross posting between forums, but its been a day and nobody can answer my relatively simple question? Come on guys, just a little help is all I ask ;)

Anyways, enough with my little rambling After a 2 year break from my beloved R/C cars, it has come to my attention that R/C's are still alive and kicking quite well in my area, cumulating in the R/C Winternationals in Alberta. While I had sold my 1/8th scale GS Storm, my father kept his T-Maxx (non-running) for sentimental purposes. What I want to know is if the T-Maxx is still competitive in today's R/C world (ie, would it be a good candidate to revive and compete with for fun)? A list of things done to it:

T-Maxx 2.5 suspension w/ cv axles added
RPM variable shock valves (not those fancy new ones, the old school ones that had multiple holes that opened and closed to give you varying amounts of damping)
unknow big block conversion kit (4mm thick titanium plate)
thunder tiger .21 (needs a rebuild, thinking of buying a new, more powerful motor, recommendations appreciated)
traxxas aluminum *diff carrier plates, forget what they are called*
180oz/in hitec steering servo
ball bearing steering
sealed BOCA bearings all around
proline original bowtie rubber on traxxas sportmax rims

I am a very decent driver (or was, I've owned 6 t-maxx's and the GS Storm), and was as deep as you could get into these vehicles in my area. Any hints/tips would be appreciated, as I would love to get my t-maxx back on track. Thanks guys!

[wolfy2386]

I would think the T-maxx can still be competitive. Theres still a ton of parts support for it. I mean a newer truck may might have a little more potential but in the end i think most of it comes down to the driver. If you go to traxxas.com and go to the pit pass section, one of traxxas's drivers put up three articles on prepping the T-maxx for racing. That may not be a bad place to start. I don't know much about big blocks but I have seen a lot of people on the forums mention a picco .27. I'd ask around and see what people say about that motor. I don't think its a bad idea to head to the local tracks either, see what everyone is running there so you can get an idea of what you'll be up against.

[HiTempguy]

Thanks for the tip on going to traxxas.com . Last time I was there (again, long time ago), I found the info more tuned to basics for people new into nitro. I do have a couple superb articles by RC Car Action as well as one form R/C Car when it first came out on suspension setup for the t-maxx trucks. They have worked very well for me. My oldddd 1st gen t-maxx was basically stock besides for bowties, rpm shock valves, and a OS .15 CV-RX, and I could beat up on most big blocks back in the day. It looks as if that may have changed now however. Guess I have some more searching to do :D

[Pat Fierle]

well u dont really need a big block. imo a O.S .18tm or tz is much better in a t-maxx due to its size compared to say a truggy. plus a small block such as the tm will rev to the moon versusthe bb. i have a race preped maxx w/a .18 cv-r and w/the rite set up and the rite driver it can be very competitive in the mt class.good luck w/getting back into the rcscene again. ill tell its hard to get out ive tried several times but never succesfully-fortunatly.

[suckfish]

I have the OS.18TM and it has all the power and rpm's needed to keep up with all small blocks and even some Big blocks.. But I'm switching this year to a LST2 to race in big block..

[Racing t]

for two years I race my t-maxx with a lot of good experienses, now I am preparing an LST for racing but I still can say my t-maxx equipped with the O.S. 18 tm is faster than my stock lst. Last year in the racing season my t-maxx have to battle with savages, mgt´s, revos etc etc... And it can do better than hold up it actually win like 6 races out of 10.