Brushless 1/8th buggy - feasibility

[CodeToad]

I'm interested in doing some casual weekend 1/8th scale buggy racing at my local track, but I don't want to hastle with nitro. It seems like brushless/lipo technology is moving along nicely and I see some of you guys with 1/8th BL buggys.

My question is, can/do these conversions keep up with the nitro guys? If I wanted to race, would it beable to hang/win (not counting driver skills)? And finally, how feasible/practical/durable is it really to get a setup like this?

[ElectricThunder]

You can easily set up an 1/8 buggy in electric that can hang with nitros. The problem is that it isn't exactly cheap if you go the lipo and brushless route. But the payoff is there if you're a good enough driver (you should be able to keep up quite nicely with the nitros on the straights, and probably get them in the twisties due to electric's pretty much instant torque).

There's plenty of guys on here who race their 1/8 conversions that can hang with the nitro guys.

I don't know exactly how durable the setups are, but as long as nothing overheats, they should be just fine!

[glassdoctor]

The Mamba Monster will make things easier someday soon I think.

Yes... BL 1/8 make a good weekend racer. And you can do it for about the same price as many weekend racer nitros.

Actually a good BL setup I think gives an unfair advantage over nitro depending on the type of track you have. The smaller the track, the more the edge goes to BL... cause you can run a more mild setup and gearing, plus the insane accleration of the BL shows.

Simple cheap setup:

Mamba Max esc, with a UBEC or rx pack $150
Feigao motor $80-90
Maxamps 6000 or 8000mah packs, 2x2s $180-240
That's a little over $400 for a setup, plus a few misc. things and a little custom modding... basicly a motor mount and some battery straps.

Most nitro guys run a $200-350 motor and a $100pipe, plus the extra servo $100... so that's $400+ right there, not counting fuel, rx packs, starter box, $10 glow plugs, etc.

[glassdoctor]

Just an fyi... the Losi buggy is pretty easy to convert but does require careful choice in battery to fit under the body right. Done like I did, you don't have to do any modding of the drivetrain at all except put a plastic gear on the center diff. With some battery straps and motor mount, it's ready to go.

I might even be having some motor mounts machined for the Losi and a couple other popular buggies for guys who want to do a conversion. :wave:

[Overtorque]

Hey GlassDr, if you do have those motor mounts made, please let me know. I'd like to convert my 8. Thanks!

[glassdoctor]

No problem... I should start working on it. I hope there would be enough interest to sell a few to pay for the costs.

I have a great resource that could make a killer piece... I'm not sure how things would work out yet though. If I do I don't want to charge too much... something like $20 bucks would be cool but it probably will have to cost more due to the small production #'s. I think $50 would do some 7075 CNC mounts.

We'll see...I'd like to do something in time for summer racing if I get it done at all.

If I had 5000 made it would be like $10. :)

[CodeToad]

Thanks for the info guys!

Is there any word on the Mamba Monster? I saw that it's missing from the site. I don't mind the cost, especially if it's around $400 - you have to rebuild and replace a nitro power plant way too often, plus the cost of fuel, plugs, etc etc.

How long of run times are typical for a 6000-8000mah 2x2 pack?

[CodeToad]

BTW:

Glassdoctor - I'd be interested in a well-fitting and nicely done part and I'd be willing to pay the cost of it. I don't like a rig-job on my race vehcile.

I suppose step 1 is to talk to the guys at the track, I have a bad feeling they would freak out if a BL guy tries to race 1/8th buggy, especially if I were to do well :cool:

[jedipirate]

i feel the same.the smaller track advantage is to brushless.we dont have enough racers to worry about complainers!as far as runtime goes on a short track i get 8 minutes racing with quark /nue in an lsp with two 4200s.lipos are the way though!

[jamesbernatchez]

No problem... I should start working on it. I hope there would be enough interest to sell a few to pay for the costs.

I have a great resource that could make a killer piece... I'm not sure how things would work out yet though. If I do I don't want to charge too much... something like $20 bucks would be cool but it probably will have to cost more due to the small production #'s. I think $50 would do some 7075 CNC mounts.

We'll see...I'd like to do something in time for summer racing if I get it done at all.

If I had 5000 made it would be like $10. :)


If you make a nice electric motor mount that bolts right up for the 8ight i would definitly get one. I dont even have an 8ight yet but want to do a brushless 1/8th. What plastic spur were you using and did it bolt straight up? I was gonna do my lightning stadium pro-r before I sold it but decided not to, mainly cause i didnt feel like making a motor mount.

[glassdoctor]

Yep.. Losi used a Kyosho-clone diff it seems. It's direct bolt on.

[schenck77]

james, as glassdoctor said the kyosho spur bolts right up. I have a 8ight converted so I am sure you will see it when the season starts. Mike from rcmonster did my mount. If you look on rcmonster you will be able to find 3 different 8ights that have been converted.