1/8th Miss Bud mod questions

[LuvEvolution]

hey guys.......I have questions to ask about modding this hull. Specifically directed to Hydro Junkie, if you read this. I remember you replying to the guy who moved the motor forward 5 inches or so and you told him you would have done things different. I am going to take your advise on moving the radio bay in front of the engine, but where would you recommend that I put the fuel tank or run the pushrods, etc.? Also, what else would you suggest doing to this hull? here's what I'm planning at least.......

-Need For Speed modded (6hp)G260 and possibly their pipe unless you can suggest a better pipe.
-prop the boat better(any help here is appreciated).
-new turn fin and rudder(don't know which ones yet).

Any help from anyone would be great, because moving the motor sounds too extreme. thanks in advance for any advice given.

[Hydro Junkie]

Most of the guys I know put the fuel tank under the deck on the right side of the engine, with access either through the engine bay wall or the bottom of the boat.
As far as the pushrods, standard 4-40 aren't heavy enough for the rudder. Get some 12"( more or less) pushrods and silver solder them into an arrow shaft(yes, I'm talking archery here) cut to an appropriate length, and run it down the left side of the engine. You can use 4-40 pushrods or a flex cable for the throttle, routed as you see best.
As far as skid fin and rudder, Speedmaster, Aeromarine and several other brands are good quality. Be sure to get units that will let the rudder and skid fin kick up in case you hit something in the water. It's much easier to reset a fin or rudder than rebuild a transom or sponson. Hope this helps

[LuvEvolution]

thanks for the reply HJ. I would never have thought of an arrow shaft. that's a damn good idea. so, as far as the fuel tank is concerned, you would still use the original, or try something different? I was almost thinking of a twin tank setup on either side of the engine with a smaller "feed" tank mounted just in front of the engine(sort of like on a turbine powered RC plane or ducted fan setup). just a thought though right now. the other question I have is about pipes and props. I know the object is to move weight forward here and I've been thinking a lot about this lately. Carmen at Need for Speed is modding my engine for me(6HP) and I'm wondering whether to use the stock pipe and header or a new pipe and header. I've heard steel is better, but there's another pound or so back on the prop again, so now I'm not sure what to do exactly. I realize also that I'll have to mod the hull a bit if I use another header. the last question I have is what do you recommend for props? 2 or 3 blade and what brand or brands have you had more success with than failure? thanks again in advance.

[rcmagic]

thanks for the reply HJ. the other question I have is about pipes and props. I realize also that I'll have to mod the hull a bit if I use another header. the last question I have is what do you recommend for props? 2 or 3 blade and what brand or brands have you had more success with than failure? thanks again in advance.

I place a return to center header in mine which is less restrictive than the original, for prop I use a Voodoo 3 blade cupped 6717.

Hope this helps

[Hydro Junkie]

For a three tank set up, you need to use sealed tanks with the gas stopper kits. I use Sullivan tanks for almost everything. IF you do use the three tank set up, you need to run pipe pressure to the left tank, with the left feeding the right one. You don't really need to run that much fuel, unless you want LLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG G run times. As far as weight, if the boat ends up with 1.5 to 1.75 pounds on the prop, your probably good to go. Can't answer the prop or pipe questions as you're using a modded engine, so everything at this point will have to be determined by experimentation. Sorry I can't be more help:)

[LuvEvolution]

thanks guys for the feedback. I know the guy that moved the engine forward also made mods to the rear wing to make it adjustable. do you see much sense in that or should I just leave well enough alone......so to speak. sorry to be a pain with all the questions, but I want to do this right the first time. by the way RCmagic......did you have to do any mods to the hull to fit that return to centre header in, or did you get it to fit without any major changes? thanks again guys. I'll try not to be too much more of pain in the you know what.

[LuvEvolution]

one last thing that I forgot. should I balance the boat with or without fuel? that's the very last question, I promise. LOL

[Hydro Junkie]

An adjustable rear wing is helpful for fine tuning the boat's ride. I'd slot the rear holes so it will pivot on the front mounting bolts. As for balancing, do it with empty fuel tanks. Like an R/C aircraft, being slightly nose heavy is much better than tail heavy. Also, being nose heavy with full tanks will let the boat get lighter and faster as the fuel burns off.

[LuvEvolution]

well. thank you very much for all your help and I'll let you know how it went after it's all finished.

[Hydro Junkie]

Just remember, all I've done is give you some general guide lines. You will still need to dial the boat in by running and ADJUSTING ONE THING AT A TIME. You don't want to change the wing and move the battery pack at the same time, as you could over do it and not know which one was "too much". Good Luck and don't get discouraged.