New Engine for Tamiya Super Hornet

[Wolfpack39]

I just bought my first rc car and purchased the hornet. Does anyone have any suggestions on a new motor to increase speed. Not looking to spend more than about $35 unless it makes that much of a difference. Just trying to get the best bang for the buck. Thanks

[cck]

GM3

[Wolfpack39]

Thank You, I see the GM3 mentioned often. Is there really a noticeable difference with the better engine over the stock motor. Basically, is it worth the money? Any other suggestions on upgrades to increase speed?

[cck]

The first R/C car I had was the super hornet too. The car was very light and it had a poor rear suspensions, no shocks and the transmission had no slippery clutch, also you can not change the 32 pitch pinion gear, that came with the car (only three plastic gears inside the tranny). So, if you to make the car running very fast the car will flip over when you make a sharp turn.
Since the car is very light, high torque P2K motor is not needed and GM3 has higher rpm than P2K. That's the reason why I suggest you to get a GM3.

[Nairb]

Oh yes, upgrading that crappy stock motor will be so worth it. Definitely get a GM3, MVP, or Orion Chrome RS.

[Wolfpack39]

SO do I need to buy an ESC? Thanks everyone.

[cck]

The machanical speed control came with your hornet should be okay to handle it.

[ammoace]

The Mechanical speed control is ok but I would highly suggest an ESC like the MC230CR or the MC330CR from Futaba. Run time will be longer and maintenance will be nearly none. Not to mention you get brakes and more overall control over the speed of the vehicle.
Just my two cents.
By the way I still have my original Hornet.
AMMOACE

[cck]

I don't think it is worth to put an expensive esc on hornet. Since hornet is Wolfpack's first R/C car. We should let him learn more first.
Unfortunately my hornet been gone for awhile.

[FilthyPierre]

My first RC car was a Super Hornet too. I still have it. Never has a bigger piece of shite been made. Sorry to pop your balloon, Wolf, but don't waste your money on trying to hot it up.
If you must, buy an ESC before a hotter motor - you'll be surprised at how much better it will be (faster, easier to control, better run time). I've got a Tekin Rebel in mine. And if you can, change the Tamiya battery and motor connectors to Deans Ultra Plugs, this also makes a difference.
However, as cck says, the faster it goes, the easier it will flip (especially on a dirt track). The rear suspension in the Hornet is it's downfall - I spent hours trying to modify it to stop the thing from flipping itself over at the mere sight of a bump. In the end, I gave up and bought a XXX. The Hornet now gets played with by my kids every now and then up and down the street - at least it doesn't flip on a flat piece of blacktop.

[Wolfpack39]

How hard is the ESC to install? Is it difficult to connect a new motor (I'll have to solder it right?)

[FilthyPierre]

Wolf, actually, no you may not have to solder it in - my Rebel came with a JST (Tamiya) battery connector and bullet motor connectors, so it was just a matter of pulling out the mech speedy, resistor, throttle servo and the mounting brackets, and putting the Rebel in with double-sided tape. It fits nicely in the back of the car, just in front of where the resitor mounted. The connectors just hook right up, no soldering needed. Most cheap ESC's will have JST/Tamiya battery and bullet motor connectors.
The reason I changed to Deans Ultra plugs was because the JST battery connector is reknowned for burning out. It is also a source of electrical loss, whereas the Deans is a no-loss connector. I changed my pack and motor connectors when I built the XXX, so I retrofitted Deans plugs to the Hornet so I could use any pack and any motor in it if I wanted.

[ 04-17-2001: Message edited by: FilthyPierre ]

[Wolfpack39]

Thanks for all the great help! My next question is what's the deal with the gearing talk I'm hearing. Do I need to adjust pinions and spurs, whatever all that stuff is. I just want to plug and play, but I'd like to learn how to optimize things.

[cck]

With your Super Hornet, you can do nothing about pinion and spur gear stuff.

[Wolfpack39]

Thanks for all the great help! My next question is what's the deal with the gearing talk I'm hearing. Do I need to adjust pinions and spurs, whatever all that stuff is. I just want to plug and play, but I'd like to learn how to optimize things.

[Throtl Hapie]

I don't think you can change the gearing with the hornet, because then you'd have to change the position of the motor, something you can't do in the hornet. If you look at pictures sometimes you will see a motor on a mount tightened by 2 screws, and there are slots where you can put the screw. You need to change the motor position depending on gears. A smaller gear (less teeth) gives you better acceleration but less top speed, a larger gear (more teeth) gives more top speed bu less accel. Too high of a gear will make a motor run hot, too low a gear will give you no speed.

[spanner]

I have a messed up super hornet that needs a new body and chasis, but I have loads of brand new wheels and tires for it. anyone want it for parts or alternatively I'll buy a compatible chasis and body. e-mail me
http://www.rccaraction.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=11&t=000782

[Interceptor]

Don't worry about the gear pitch. Run the car. Have fun with it. Wehn you feel like you want or need to move up, then do so. You have a great first time car. Also remember, if you decide the get a better motor and ESC, you can always use them in your upgrade car. Look at it as an investment. I don't think the Hornets were ever meant to be on the same level as rc10s or xxxs. Have fun.