Okay, I'm settling down now....(a little advice concerning T-Maxx, please?:))

[JayJ]

I've been absent from this hobby for several years (I used to race an RC10T Team Truck), but I just got back from the hobby shop with my new T-Maxx tucked under my arm (gotta have long arms for that big box!). I've wanted a monster truck for as long as I can remember, especially a nitro truck, and the T-Maxx seems just about perfect. But I felt sick to my stomach after I bought it. I can't believe I just spent that much money. This is nuts. Please tell me it's well worth every penny :). But anyway, I really do have a question somewhere in here. This is my first experience with nitro, and I've read that 20% nitro is the best compromise between performance and longevity, and that 10% should really only be used if the engine has a tendency to overheat. In spite of this, the clerk at the store insisted I use 10% nitro, even though the conditions around here aren't exactly extreme. Is 10% the best choice for the T-Maxx, or are most of you more happy with 20%? I'm also wondering how thorough the instructions are written as far as proper break-in procedure for the engine goes. I just spent a ton of money, and I want to make sure I do everything right and take care of my truck properly, so is there anything I should know that isn't mentioned in the instructions? I'm sure most of you have heard questions like these a billion times from us newbies, so I apologize if this gets on anyone's nerves :). But any advice (as well as encouraging words concerning my much lighter wallet) will be greatly appreciated.

[sniper-8]

Oh, if you live in a cold region, go with the 20% nitro and the opposite in a hot region. I use 10%. Make sure to use ONLY top fuel brand. The engine runs hotter than others and this fuel should only be used. Just be sure to break the engine in.

[sniper-8]

If you have long, detailed,or amy questions, e-mail me at cmdaffara@AOL.com :)

[THORAX]

I have been Into nitro for about three years now and have always used 20%. Most racers use 20% some even 30%. Oh and by the way, I live in Mesa Arizona and my currrent temperature is 102. By Mid July 102 will be a low, at 10:00 P.M. We do have to Adjust the mixture to compensate. for the heat. The 10% will not harm the engine and in fact it will help with longevity, at the price of a little power. Your call, just remember to break in the engine again if you ever change brands or Nitro content :cool:

[jjjrulesok]

Go with 20%. You can run it richer and still get good power. A rich engine will last longer. Oil content in fuel is a critical factor too as it cools and lubricates. Go with a fuel with 18% oil or more IMHO. A lot of people break in their engine by idling thru the first few tanks at a very rich mixture - it may be necessary to use a seperate glow plug battery and keep it connected. Then follow the instructions in the manual re running a few tanks at low throttle settings with the body off. A really good investment is a temp guage (I have a MIP 2001 on board gauge) this way you can keep an eye on the engine temps. An overheated engine will not run well and will not last long. Traxxas say the TRX pro15 can run over 300deg but I would suggest trying 280 max with that engine. I guarantee you will be happy with your maxx.

[WhoKnowsWho]

The instructions are pretty good and I don't think they omit anything you need to know (other than that you should replace the glow igniter that it uses with a real one) My friend got through the T-Maxx break in pretty well. Just be sure to read it a couple of times.

[JayJ]

Thanks for the help, guys! I read the instructions cover-to-cover last night, and the break-in procedure seems pretty straightforward. I'm going to do that in just a few hours now. I have to run back to the hobby shop first and buy a few more things. But after reading the instructions, I do have another question. Several, actually, but I'll see if the guys at the store can help me with most of those before I start pestering you guys again. But there is one thing that I want to ask you: The instructions say that revving the engine with no load on it will quickly destroy it. Does this mean that when I jump my T-Maxx, I have to immediately let off the throttle so it doesn't freewheel through the air? It's been my experience with other cars that if you let off the throttle, the car will nose-dive.

Oh, and just for a bit more chit-chat, I was slightly disappointed in how well the truck was put together. After I got it out of the box, I was having a little fun by lifting it up a few feet, then dropping it on the floor, just to watch it soak up the landing (that's too cool!). But after doing that a few times, I noticed there was shock oil all over the rear suspension arms. On closer inspection, I noticed that two rear shocks and one front shock were leaking quite a bit of oil, so I had to remove those and add more oil from my electric pit box (Associated 30W was the lightest I had). Not only that, but one of the rear shocks was missing a shock bladder. I think that's what you call them; those things that are supposed to keep air bubbles from forming. On most of the shocks, the shock cap, as well as the bottom of the shock body, had not been tightened. I thought this was rather unnecessary for a $400 dollar truck, but maybe that's common in RTR kits. Anyway, I got that all taken care of, so I hope they don't leak anymore. No other problems yet.

[chucksolo]

I would e-mail Traxxas support and let them know about those problems. If nothing else, it will maybe prevent it for the next guy that buys a T-Maxx. Mine came built pretty well out of the box.

[THORAX]

This was my second RTR. My first was a Rock Buster, the cheapest "hobby" R/C you could get. Of course i was only ten when i got it. Needless to say, it was junk. all the rest i have done come as kits, which i prefer. I had heard a rumor that Traxxas might make the T-Maxx as a kit not RTR. I waited for about 2 months for it and then i couldn't wait anymore. Mine was well built, but the shock problem is quite popular with a lot of them. Most RTRs are usually built a little too fast for my likings. My friend had a Duratrax Maximum ST RTR and his was built very poorly. Lots of stripped screws, loose screws, and toe in/out was way off!I think that Traxxas does a pretty good job.

[The Real Maxxter]

After two RTR vehicles, I really can't say that I've had to much luck. One thing that you won't find on most RTR vehicles is thread lock. Luckily the T-Maxx doesn't have a lot of metal on metal fasteners, but if you do any upgrades be sure to keep the thread lock handy. Do yourself a favor and remove the engine mounting screws and apply some thread lock. It'll save you some time finding screws later. Other than that, have fun with your T-Maxx! You're gonna love it!

[ammoace]

My T-Maxx had poorly assembled shocks and keep your eye on the screws that hold the shocks to the A-Arms. I have had them come loose in the past and have lost a spring retainer as a result. I also have tossed the blue wire igniter and use a regular rechargable glow igniter. Also try a glow plug with an idle bar, mine idles a lot better now. And in my opinion heat and humidity need to be accounted for and not just heat in referance to performance. Yes, heat can be a bad thing. :D
AMMOACE

[ammoace]

JayJ,
The shear size of the tires make it impossible to land softly if you don't play with the throttle a little while in the air. Just don't hammer the throttle while the tires are off the ground. T-Maxx responds to mid air throttle and brake inputs like you probably will have to experience to believe. Those tire are just huge gyros. I found out the hard way. My T-Maxx has some severe road rash on the roof because I touched the brake and didn't recover in time. Yes I was thinking I wonder what will happen if I do this. :confused: The next words out of my mouth were, "that was stupid, guess I will not try that again." In my opinion as long as you don't hold the truck off the ground and go to full throttle to watch the tires grow you should be safe.
AMMOACE

[digex]

HEHE, Ammoace... I know what you mean, try doing that with Nitro Quake tires on it!!! It's even more touchy. I just sold my E-maxx today so I'm down to just the T now. JayJ for pics of my Maxx go here and see it. (http://coloradorc.50megs.com) Click on the "maxxin" link on the left hand side. Enjoy your Maxx.

[ammoace]

Digex,
I do like your site. :) I like the fact that I can actually see the cars. In other words the pics look real good.
Back to the subject, it is almost a good thing that the shocks are built poorly. It gives you a reason to replace the thin oil they have in them. I highly suggest using 40wt oil as a minimum thickness. I use 45wt oil on all four corners but some people use a lot thick then that.
AMMOACE

[ 05-20-2001: Message edited by: ammoace ]