Need help w/brushless motor vs brushed

[Terry]

I would like some help, I am considering the novak brushless system, not sure which though. Heres the situation, I am getting back into electric after many years. I am looking for little maintenance and am only looking to bash around with a Tamiya F201, TB02 and gravel hound and others as my collection grows. I am not looking to run 50+ mph, just faster than stock with decent run times. I will use epic 3000 nimh stick packs and will not race. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[SS Pede]

I have the SS5800 system (same as the "new" 8.5) and it does great for bashing with good runtime and very nice power. The new GTB's have a better ESC, though I personally haven't had many problems with my "old" SS one. Some people choose to use a small fan with their SS or SS+ ESC to keep things cooler.

I get 15 or 20 minutes of runtime with 6 cell GP3300's in a Traxxas Stampede. I think the SS5800 would give ample power for a touring car or a buggy like yours, considering it pushes the relatively hefty Pede with authority! The other systems are even better, though I assume runtime would drop somewhat with more powerful motors.

[Terry]

I have the SS5800 system (same as the "new" 8.5) and it does great for bashing with good runtime and very nice power. The new GTB's have a better ESC, though I personally haven't had many problems with my "old" SS one. Some people choose to use a small fan with their SS or SS+ ESC to keep things cooler.

I get 15 or 20 minutes of runtime with 6 cell GP3300's in a Traxxas Stampede. I think the SS5800 would give ample power for a touring car or a buggy like yours, considering it pushes the relatively hefty Pede with authority! The other systems are even better, though I assume runtime would drop somewhat with more powerful motors.

SS Pede, do you keep it on the sportsman setting or all out. I'm also thinking about melting the gears.

[nicholcgn]

I have a 5800 and a super sport and it is great. I would go with a GTB system for the ability to change motors and not being limited. It is basically a money issue. If you could not save about $40 I would go with the GTB. Otherwise either system is good. The GTB also uses better fets which can help with heat issues.

[TBone77]

If you're just bashing around, the 5800 would serve you well. If there's any possibility that you'll be racing, I strongly suggest the GTB with the Velo 6.5.

[Rtsbasic]

The SS5800 can be had as a refurbished unit from Novak very cheap, or on ebay even cheaper, it should work very well for bashing, although it won't get you more than around 35mph it'll give you good accel and runtime.

The newer GTB kit will get you going over 40mph with ease, and the ESC doesn't have heat problems, and is more programmable than the old SS one, plus more choice of motors, but is more expensive. Its like comparing a machine wound brushed motor with a cheap Duratrax Streak ESC to a LRP Quantium with a hot V2 motor, both will work very well, but ones faster and more expandable than the other.

[SS Pede]

SS Pede, do you keep it on the sportsman setting or all out. I'm also thinking about melting the gears.
I use the unlimited setting. I had to replace the plastic idler gear in my Pede's transmission because I stripped that eventually. I hear that Tamiya makes pretty solid transmissions, so I wouldn't worry about it. If there are metal option gears available, you may have to upgrade eventually. However, the vehicles you mentioned probably don't put as much stress on a transmission as a monster truck with big wheels.