1/8th On Road Conversion

[mpetrich]

Hi you guys,
Now that my 1/8th off road conversion is done (and working FAR better than I ever expected), I was thinking about trying an 1/8th on road conversion. Has anyone tried this? Is there room for LiPo packs in an on road chassis? 1/8th on road nitro cars just fly, I wonder if you could match their level of performance with an electric?
Thanks,
Matt

[kufman]

I think it could be done. I seem to remember that Mr. Constructor built one. High voltage, like 4s or so, would probably work well. Make a lighter chassis, free up the drive train, run the two speed :-) This sounds like a fun project.

[Rocksalt]

I am in the same boat. I am going to convert my 1/10 scale on road impact. I also just bought a mp7.5 and am going to convert that. The impact can take a .21 engine but you need to use the vector belts or they won't last as long. I just changed the midshaft and side belt. The rear seems to be ok. With the 1/10 you get lightness and strength(with the serpent, who knows about the other 1/10 cars).

My biggest thought is the brake system. I want to use a clutch and keep the standard brakes. Not exactly sure how to do that. Guess I will have to use the 3rd channel of the radio.

[NitroTXT1]

it'd be cool not many around i'd do it but i don't have an 8th scale chassis to work with and they cost too much to just have to add more custome bits

[mpetrich]

I think it could be done. I seem to remember that Mr. Constructor built one. High voltage, like 4s or so, would probably work well. Make a lighter chassis, free up the drive train, run the two speed :-) This sounds like a fun project.

Hi Matt,
Yep, I was thinking of using of a 4s LiPo. I am using that in my 1/8th off road buggy and I have loads of power and great run time. I have a "good deal" on a Kyosho 05 Evolva roller. I may pick that up and start doing some planning. I am trying to figure out what motor I am going to need. I know the 1/8th on roads have a two speed transmission. Not sure yet how that will factor into the motor (and ESC) selection.
Thanks,
Matt

[ducati777]

My biggest thought is the brake system. I want to use a clutch and keep the standard brakes. Not exactly sure how to do that. Guess I will have to use the 3rd channel of the radio.

Not sure why you'd want to do this, but you can do it with 2 channels. Look at the standard setup, the brakes don't engage under throttle, only when you hit reverse. Leave the servo and brake linkage, split the wires outta the receiver to go to the servo and the ESC and run the esc in forward only mode.

You'll hit reverse, the esc won't react, the servo will hit the brake, done deal. No need for a clutch either, just let the motor free wheel, won't hurt it a bit.

[Rocksalt]

Not sure why you'd want to do this, but you can do it with 2 channels. Look at the standard setup, the brakes don't engage under throttle, only when you hit reverse. Leave the servo and brake linkage, split the wires outta the receiver to go to the servo and the ESC and run the esc in forward only mode.

You'll hit reverse, the esc won't react, the servo will hit the brake, done deal. No need for a clutch either, just let the motor free wheel, won't hurt it a bit.


I was reading a conversion where they had pinion problems. I was thinking that the clutch would help the motor take off with less stress and be able to free wheel when the car made sudden stops. This way I could use the same 2 speed setup as well and don't have to worry about the extended heat/current generated during braking. Overkill? What are you using on your 1/8th off road? Do you have the 2 speed as well?

I didn't realize I could parallel the throttle servo connection. Thanks for the info.

[mpetrich]

I am in the same boat. I am going to convert my 1/10 scale on road impact. I also just bought a mp7.5 and am going to convert that. The impact can take a .21 engine but you need to use the vector belts or they won't last as long. I just changed the midshaft and side belt. The rear seems to be ok. With the 1/10 you get lightness and strength(with the serpent, who knows about the other 1/10 cars).

My biggest thought is the brake system. I want to use a clutch and keep the standard brakes. Not exactly sure how to do that. Guess I will have to use the 3rd channel of the radio.

On my 1/8th buggy, I got rid of all the brake components and I am just using the motor to slow down the buggy. This, for me, works really well. It feels very similar to my Associated T4 which is a great handling truck.
For a motor/ESC combo for the mp7.5, try using two Flightpower 4S LiPo's, a Feigao 9L and the BK 12020 Warrior Controller. This is a GREAT combo for a 1/8th scale buggy conversion.
Matt

[tumad]

There ya go..
http://www.mike-duncan.org/lehner.jpg

[Rocksalt]

There ya go..
http://www.mike-duncan.org/lehner.jpg

Tumad, where do you get that clutch setup, if you don't mind me asking.

[Rocksalt]

Not sure why you'd want to do this, but you can do it with 2 channels. Look at the standard setup, the brakes don't engage under throttle, only when you hit reverse. Leave the servo and brake linkage, split the wires outta the receiver to go to the servo and the ESC and run the esc in forward only mode.

You'll hit reverse, the esc won't react, the servo will hit the brake, done deal. No need for a clutch either, just let the motor free wheel, won't hurt it a bit.


If I parallel the servo connection I will need to use the brake trim to adjust the brake.. the more brake I add, the more the motor will brake.

If my thinking is right, it's another reason I need a clutch setup. Besides, shouldn't the car coast better with with a clutch? I am not sure when the clutch would disengage at speed when power is let off.

I don't know why they got out of racing 235mm 4wd/2wd. I had a ball when I was doing it. Those cars are TOUGH to break and great to drive.

[chilledoutuk]

the schmacher gtre is a 1/8th scale electric it was spawn from the schumacher menace gtr i think.
Has anyone tried the gtre i find it interesting but i am not sure it will handle better than a proper 1/8th on road but he transmission probably will be more suitable.

[chilledoutuk]

it seems the cost of a gtre is not that cheap i was wondering if anyone has considered or done a convertion to a super nitro rs4. They use belted tyres and should be pretty suited to brushless if you can figure out a mouting method.

[mpetrich]

The GTRe may work pretty well though. It seems that quite a few people are running them with BL motors and LiPo's already. Have to see if I can drum up a little money...... :rolleyes:
Thanks for the tip.
Matt

[electro21]

I been reading and I think I can answer some of the more generic questions:

NitroTXT1, buy the powerracing XR/80 for $390 @ acehardwarehobbies.com and sell the nitro stuff and you'll have an 1/8 scale for cheap.

Rocksalt, not sure where Tumad got his clutch setup, but you could also ask Chris @ finedesignrc.com (www.finedesignrc.com). He has taken the bigger nitro vehicles and converted them to brushless power (CEN Genesis, Losi LST2, HB LSP, Ofna 1/7th scale, Kyosho Inferno GT, GS Storm SUT, etc.). Fine Design also uses the stock 2 speed tranny, disk brakes. The only thing they change is the power system, the rest of the vehicles are exactly the same. They should be able to help.

Chilledoutuk, Go to the Schumacher Form on the Schumacher website. The GTRe has hit over 41mph on 6 cells with optional springs to control shift points. They answer most questions you will have in a few threads. There is no need to convert a Super Nitro into brushless, b/c HPI already made an electric (http://www.hpiracing.com/index2.htm) version (i have one.) In the middle of project Super 222. 22.2 volts in a Super RS4. Waiting on my financial backer (wife) to continue project. They are discontinued like the Super Nitro in the US, but not in Japan. I can still get parts from Hong Kong.

Hope this helps!

[xrcist2]

1/8 onroad? www.finedesignrc.com has brushless lipo coverted inferno gt 1/8 rally cars with top speed of 70mph. RTR!