Converting Stampede XL-5 to brushless...looking for some advice

[gallen32]

New to the forum, but have been reading for a while. I am relatively new to the RC scene, but not a complete novice. I have learned so much already and I appreciate all the priceless info from everyones input. I will be converting my Stampede to a brushless system either Novak SS5800 or Mamba Max. Any clear cut advantages to either. Both seem to be great upgrades. And it seems the line is drawn down the middle as to which is best. If anyone is running one of the two in a Stampede, any input would be great.

Also, besides changing the wheel bushings to ball bearings; what other modifications would anyone recommend. Any input is useful and much appreciated.

Thanks to all the RC fanatics out there for the help!

[glassdoctor]

Only thing I will say is pick the "slower" combos whichever brand you buy. And IMO, skip the SS and get a GTB if you like the Novak.

The MambaMax/4600 for example.. or the GTB/8.5/7.5.... these are better suited to the Stampede than the high-kv ones like the 7700 or 4.5.

[one85_db]

I have a 7700 in my bandit/rustler which is mostly the same as the stampede, but with a lower center of gravity. My car pops wheelys so much you would think it is made to be upside down... I have used both the gtb/velociti and the Mamba max systems. I have to say that they are both very powerful, however i much prefer the mamba max system over the gtb. It runs a little cooler, has more torque, and is better able to hold it's kV rated speed.

As for upgrades... RPM A-arms, RPM Caster Links, RPM Upgraded Hub Carriers, MIP CVDs, and an aluminum idler gear. Also a change in radio would be good, switch to any 2.4 GHz sys ASAP; especially if you use the aluminum idler gear.

[glassdoctor]

Yeah, the RPM stuff is sweet... does the new Stampede have larger rear hub bearings than the original? I was thinking they beefed it up there.. if not, then the RPM rear hub kit is a good idea, and the idler if you are hard on your stuff.

[gallen32]

What kind of MPH increase can I expect? Also, I figure I should switch to Li-Po power. Would you agree? If so, any suggestions for battery brand and maH rating? I am not trying to break the sound barrier by any means, but I would like to press the 35-40 mph range if possible. Thanks for the info by the way.

[one85_db]

You would be set with any Maxamps.com LiPo 3000 MAh or better pack, that you can afford. I would start with 7.4 volt pack and if you feel you need more speed later on you could go up to an 11.1 volt pack. Remember if you use LiPo your charger must be able to support the CC CV charging method.

Other upgrades to consider would be a pinion pack, good wheels and tires to get the power to the ground (MOABs or Dirt Hawgs), and a good pack of CA glue.

Best thing about the Mamba Max and the 4700 is the fact that if a UBEC is used then you can push the system with 4s lipo power (14.8 volts); which will rip your tires off, throw gravel 150 feet, and make your truck do cartwheels. LoL

Oh and by the way you will easily see speeds of 30-40 MPH, you may just have to increase the gear ratio to go that slow. ;)

[glassdoctor]

The 4600 system and a maxamps 2s 6000 pack will probably be plenty fast for you... should do 35-40 if you gear for street running.

But if you aren't satisfied you can always go to 3s and get those speeds EASY.... and still keep the gearing "happy" for bashing.

[Flyojumper]

Getting 35-40mph from a 4600kv motor on 6 cells/2s will require some pretty high overgearing (assuming the motor can pull that gearing without dropping even further in rpm, I know the CC motors can usually do it, but the stampede is not that light...).
At a "normal" gearing of 25mm or so rollout (1") the CC4600 will do around 30ish mph (according to castle's site).
The CC5700 will be good for about 35mph at regular gearing.

[gallen32]

Thanks for the good info flyojumper. The Mamba system includes reverse with lockout. I am not real sure what the term "lockout" means in reference to reverse. Also, do you know if the Mamba system comes with Deans connectors?

[SS Pede]

Reverse lockout means reverse is disabled so you can only drive forwards. This is necessary for racing, as most tracks don't allow the use of reverse during a race.

The motor plugs into the ESC with already-installed gold plugs, but I'm not sure about the ESC-battery connection.

[Flyojumper]

Np. I don't have a MM myself but if I remember correctly I think the ESC --> battery doesn't have any connectors, allowing you to install whichever you want. I may be mistaken but I don't think any ESC comes with deans plugs preinstalled from factory, most are either with no plug and some brushed ESCs come with tamiya's plugs.

[vashon10]

With 6 cells on my MM4600 geared with 16/86 I gps'd 32.7 mph. I haven't tried any higher gearing since I'm primarily off road and climbing.

Correct, Flyojumper, the MM comes without connectors for batt/esc.

[glassdoctor]

Getting 35-40mph from a 4600kv motor on 6 cells/2s will require some pretty high overgearing (assuming the motor can pull that gearing without dropping even further in rpm, I know the CC motors can usually do it, but the stampede is not that light...).
At a "normal" gearing of 25mm or so rollout (1") the CC4600 will do around 30ish mph (according to castle's site).
The CC5700 will be good for about 35mph at regular gearing.

I said it should do 35-40 with geared for street running, which means high speed runs. "Proper" gearing for general bashing, etc would be lower obviously, with lower speeds. I've had a stampede too.. just a 1/10 truck with a little bigger tires. They are pretty fun trucks...

If you don't have a Mamba4600 you don't understand... it can be overgeared a lot. I gear mine like a stock motor. :) And a good 2s lipo is faster than a good 6 pack.

Keep in mind Castles #'s are not absolute.. they are rough estimates based on "conservative" gearing.

The point I was trying to make is that the 4600 is IMO the better choice because it might just be fast enough as is on 6 cells/2s. But IF it's not enough to satisfy, you can always drop in more voltage for a huge impact in power and speeds. The 4600 will take the higher voltage better than the higher kv motors.

If someone has no plans to go lipo, then I would recomend a 5700 and conservative geraing for a speedy pede.

[one85_db]

I agree with glassdoctor. The 4600 would be best for bashing, and then take more voltage for more speed. Plus the 4600 will be the easiest on NiMh battery packs. Just about any brushless motor can be over geared much more so than any conventional motor ever could, which means 30-40 MPH can be achieved using the 4600 without to much stress to the system. LiPo batteries would improve the performance substantially.

[glacierangel]

I just got the ss5800, its working great. Just make sure to get a wheelie bar for whatever system you decide on.