Electric 4x4 Buggy to Truggy Ideas ?

[btrczone06]

1. I want an E-Maxx but am waiting to see if they release a new version this spring, for slower Monster Trucking, hill climbing, beach driving etc.

2. I also would like to sell my Losi XXX-T, and get an electric 4x4 Buggy like the MRC, or the Kyosho Lazer in a RTR form. My question is do you have any suggestions on how to use larger tires to make it a Truggy type vehicle? I love the handling and the design of the 4x4 buggies, but I will not be on a racing track, so the low ground clearance is an issue. Seems like the current buggies like the XXX-4 etc., all use very small narrow tires. Can you rig one up with something like Dirt Hawgs, or 40 series tires/wheels? I would mainly be looking to change the wheels/tires, not the suspensions. I have a Team Orion 17t SVT Formula and an older Tekin G12 low turn ESC, and will likely go brushless and lipo for it. Is there a thread about this that you could direct me to, or can anyone show me some pics of their mods? I'd appreciate it. I live in FL, so driving on some hard packed sand would be a likely driving spot as well as just general bashing. I really like the new Kyosho Lazer RTR, but would consider the MRC, or the Losi rigs too. I love the Tenth Technology buggy, but I'd rather it didn't cost more than my real driving car! I know gearing, batteries, LiPo, motors, brushless etc., so if you could just help me with the tire/wheel conversions that is where I need some help, and I'd love to see some pics! Thanks, Brian...

[JDT]

Both the MRC and Lazer use 12mm hex, so you can use hpi 2.2 wheels like

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXM875&P=7
or
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWX57&P=PU

with any size 2.2 truck tire, as long as you can gear for it.

For the price of the lazer or a good high end 4x4 buggy you should just buy a HPI MT2 18SS kit

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVPROFIL=++&FVSEARCH=10441&FVPROFIL=++

sell the motor, pipe gas tank and other nitro stuff on ebay take that $75 or so and make it brushless. It will handle much better than a big tired buggy and jump better also, excellent drivetrain on the ss models, plenty of performance as well as hop up bling stuff if you are inclined, you would have to make a motor mount of some kind.
I have a truggy made out of a tamiya df 02 chassis but it was a good amount of work, each replacement chassis takes an half an hour to modify, I may end up with the 18ss as my buddy loves his and he is still running 8 cells on the mm 5700, 3s scares him to much lol.

[Bunsincunsin]

Take a look at this:

XXX-4 Truggy Conversion

http://amainraceway.com/xxx4truggy.htm

[btrczone06]

Cool thanks guys!

JDT: I seem to recall reading that some of the Nitro parts fit right on the Academy to make it a truggy? And didn't HPI used to make a 4x4 Stadium Truck? Thanks for the wheel hex links!

Bunsincunsin: Very cool looking rig there! From a photo standpoint, that seems like what I'm looking for, except with meaty tires instead of track racing pin tires. I'll keep my eye on the website.

[fathertime]

as far the academy sb SPORT(NOT the v2) buggy goes, you can use the nitro truck front and rear diffs, as the housings are the same. they're a higher ratio to run stadium truck tires. problem is, they're planetary diffs, and to do both ends, it's about $105..ouch.

[JDT]

no problem, take a good look at the MT2
here is my budget version with the $100 tamiya df 02 chassis with the mm 5700
2s and six cells is fun speed calculator says 44 mph
3s is stupid fast (sc=60?) and actually twists the plastic bathtub chassis some
nothing special, homemade parts and touring car spur adapter allow the big tires, 14:46 fdr is a touch off for the 5 inch tall masher 2000's but the mamba don't seem to mind any with good batteries, glitches on stick packs of course.


http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69364&stc=1

http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69368&stc=1

The HPI MT2 is much wider so it don't look so tight between the body and the tires like mine does.

[Rufus]

Here's mine based on a Lazer ZX5...

truggy4.jpeg

I still need to mount the electronics... Just finished painting the body!

Included mods are

-custom 1 mm aluminium undertray (I run in very rough terrain.. lots of small rocks!)
-evader st body
-front body posts
-hpi wheels, fit perfectly!
-1/10 scale buggy wing
Also, I managed to seal the spur and pinion area... so hopefully rocks will never be a problem ;)

I've started a thread here:
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=232822

Still haven't updated it but will post pics and hopefully a video this or next weekend...

If you need any help let me know! It would be nice to see other conversions too... Good luck!

Now, I can't wait to try this little toy on a 3S lipo and a mambamax 5700! :D

[Davey G]

Here is what you can do with a ACADEMY V2 and some RT4 GP Pro Spec Parts, this is also stretched by about 3/4"

Whatcha think??

[EarlThePearl]

For the price of the lazer or a good high end 4x4 buggy you should just buy a HPI MT2 18SS kit...I may end up with the 18ss as my buddy loves his and he is still running 8 cells on the mm 5700, 3s scares him to much lol.

Now that is an awesome idea. Did your buddy have much trouble converting it?

[JDT]

Rufus, looks good, 5700 and 3s is sick if you go for it you will love it. Keep you thread going and let us know how everything goes.
Davey G, is there any reason you only overlapped a little bit of chassis? I would be afraid the chassis would flex to much if you try brushless but I bet its really light. Post more pics and results once its going, my biggest problem with the sv pro was getting parts, until they get tower as a supplier I will stay away from them. MRC sells chargers to tower I wonder why they keep the academy line out of there.

[Davey G]

JDT: Its just a concept vehicle right now. Just wanted to see what it would look like. The overlapping pieces are also glued together, this was just for mockup mainly to see if the rt4gp pro parts would work on it.

MRC does sell chargers though great planes and Horizon...that is correct. We are getting more and more shops interested in the ACADEMY line though, Stormer just signed on, and TRUST me...once the magazine reviews come out for the SBV2 PRO, the parts support will definitly increase with more and more hobby stores supporting our product.

DAVE GRABOSKI
RC CAR PRODUCT MANAGER
MODEL RECTIFIER CORPORATION

[t9dragon]

Here is what you can do with a ACADEMY V2 and some RT4 GP Pro Spec Parts, this is also stretched by about 3/4"

Whatcha think??

What is it going to cost? That is nice looking. But that definately is going to be one killer buggy/truggy.

[JDT]

JDT: Its just a concept vehicle right now. Just wanted to see what it would look like. The overlapping pieces are also glued together, this was just for mockup mainly to see if the rt4gp pro parts would work on it.

MRC does sell chargers though great planes and Horizon...that is correct. We are getting more and more shops interested in the ACADEMY line though, Stormer just signed on, and TRUST me...once the magazine reviews come out for the SBV2 PRO, the parts support will definitly increase with more and more hobby stores supporting our product.

DAVE GRABOSKI
RC CAR PRODUCT MANAGER
MODEL RECTIFIER CORPORATION

Good to know, I quess you would have a better idea than any of us if there is really a market for a 10th electric truggy. BTW I am a happy MRC charger customer for many years, 959 and 977 currently, eyeballing the 989 lol.

[Dan-o]

Dave,
will the rear shock tower attach to the front diff case? If so, rear shocks could be used all the way around, and body mounts would be easy to place on the front...

[Davey G]

Dan-O: Smart thinking! Yes the rear shock tower will fit on the front as well, this truck hasnt even been run, I just wanted to post something quick to see peoples reaction but, yes.....WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE, the rear tower will bolt right onto the rear tower.

DAVE GRABOSKI
RC CAR PRODUCT MANAGER
MODEL RECTIFIER CORPORATION

[electro21]

I like the hot bodies d4 chassis slightly better than the SV2, but SV2 truggy out-weighs all buggies. I have the HPI RS4 MT electric truck and i love it, but since it's discontinued i don't play with it like i want.

[Rufus]

Dan-O , I just checked and it seems that also applies for the Kyosho lazer!
good thinking man :)

[Dan-o]

Dave, if something like that actually reached production, and the front arms were beefy enough to withstand the force of the bigger front tires and smaller amount of front kick up, I would love to run one of these. This might be marketed toward the growing "pro-truck" class they're running now on the east coast RC Pro Series...lipos and brushless + bulletproof 4wd would be awesome!

[EDS]

I am working on my Team Associated Truggy modeled after the tc3.Its made to be durable for bashing but also made for raceing. http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=232933

[Cain]

The nice thing about the SBT-V2 Concept truggy (my own name for it) is that Dave G can give you a parts run down and you can build this no problem.

[JDT]

For maybe $1000, we need him to talk academy into making it for $299 retail lol

[Cain]

If I recall correctly, I don't think it priced all that high, especially if you sell out the parts you won't use anymore.

[GearheadXNT2]

Here is what you can do with a ACADEMY V2 and some RT4 GP Pro Spec Parts, this is also stretched by about 3/4"

Whatcha think??

Davey G: looks nice when does it come out

[B4 Stealth]

I am in the works of building a racing minded truggy, full custom except for tc4 diffs and cases.

[scoob]

JDT: Its just a concept vehicle right now. Just wanted to see what it would look like. The overlapping pieces are also glued together, this was just for mockup mainly to see if the rt4gp pro parts would work on it.



Davey G- Please put some serious thought into producing these. It looks awesome. With the longer chassis for correct truck wheelbase and a wide T4 type stance it would handle like a dream and no more traction problems, which I'm sick of. On the tracks around here 90% of the racers run nitro and all are either 1/8 buggy, Truggy, or Revo. All have 4wd so they don't even care about watering the track or anything to promote traction. It's very frustrating for us 2wd guys. A 4wd buggy doesn't work very well because the tracks are so blown out and rutted from all the 1/8ths but a 1/10th truck can handle it fine. There are no 1/10th tracks anymore. That is why a 1/10th truggy makes so much sense to me. :)

If MRC/Academy wants to make waves, release one. I promise it would be the talk of the RC community. :D

[Rufus]

I was about to say something similar... Agreed 100% running 2wd on those tracks is an issue...

Also, If this thing comes out it should do so with a very beefy transmission otherwise it will not be able to handle the amount of voltage we all want :D The spur should be kevlar or some other very tough material... or at least it should be able to take one of the losi's like the 82 or 86t kevlar spurs that way you can get a better gearing for the motor due to the increase in tire diameter.

[JDT]

you can always convert a nitro, HPI MT 2 18ss would be my choice, if you trust academy for parts supply or have a LHS that deals with them the Pro version of the RT4GP has been lowered to under $100 at ultimatehobbies, It was $199.99 before so not sure why it dropped in half check it out.

http://www.ultimatehobbies.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=ACY15950!1013&csurl=%2Fistar%2Easp%3Fa%3D29%26search%3Dacademy*% 26view%3Dacademy%26

[Rufus]

Hey, good call...

Here are the spec sheets for both vehicles, for those of you interested...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/pgarchive/Academy_RT4-GP_Nitro_Truck_Pro_Spec_4WD.htm

http://www.rcuniverse.com/pgarchive/HPI_Racing_MT2_18SS.htm

Seems the HPI is about a 100 grams heavier... but I wonder if the academy's tranny is beefy enough...

[Rufus]

nevermind.. the academy tranny seems beefy enough!

http://www.rccaraction.com/articles/rt4gp_2.asp

[JDT]

For $99.99 it sure is tempting but a buddy of mine talked another buddy of ours into buying an mt2 and a bunch of aluminum parts so I helped myself to some stock mt2 arms, hubs and rear cvds to graft onto my tamiya chassis until I talk myself into a converting an hpi

[fathertime]

thanks for the info JDT... let the brushless conversion begin!!

[SCHMACH]

i've converted the academy truck..here's some pics

[Rufus]

Phenomenal! Have you had any chance to try it out yet?

Do you see anything that could be a weak spot if you were to put in some serious brushless power??

That rig is looking really really good :)

[SCHMACH]

haven't run it yet...no space to have it plus world of warcraft has been keeping me a little busy :D weak spot...not sure ineed to make a modification to the center unit...using the tc4 motor mount, when i rotate the motor toward the spur gear it hits the front center diff/slipper assembly...i need to buy the center
diff/slipper side plates, drill a new hole and figure out how to still use the front brace...should be ok

[Davey G]

SCHMACH: your off to a good start. Let me know if you need anything.

DAVE GRABOSKI
RC Car Product Manager
MRC

[SCHMACH]

i need the cent diff/slipper mounting plates...the one's that hold it to the chassis...been trying to order them for at least 3 months and can never get them...what's up with that ?

[Davey G]

SCHMACH: Calling me direct would be better then posting it on a forum. :D

[SCHMACH]

need a number then

[t9dragon]

WOW,

All you have to do is look up their website.

http://www.modelrectifier.com/index.asp

For inquiries about Train Controls & Sound Systems, Locomotives, Plastic Model Kits, or Battery Chargers, call 732-225-6360
For inquiries about R/C products and NINCO slot cars, call 732-225-6144
For general inquiries, call 732-225-2100

[SCHMACH]

i'm a little busy trying to find a job at the moment...that's more important that the truck

[Rufus]

Ok, here's a question for you...

Any idea if the metal tranny gears of the RT4 GP prospec will fit in an SV2?? or perhaps the entire diff assembly... or entire diff cases?

That would be amazing... I'm thinking of throwing some serious brushless power into an SV2... and replacing the stock tranny will certainly be a must

Davey G? MRC / Academy... anyone?

[fathertime]

i know the diff parts are interchangeable between the pro spec truck and the sb SPORT. not sure about the v2... different diff case part numbers. try e-mailing joe ford at model rectifier.

[fathertime]

my bad ! i must have mamba on the brain as joe ford works for castle creations! try dave grabowski...daveg@modelrectifier.com

[Rufus]

thanks for the tip... nice to know that it can be done on the sb sport :)

[fathertime]

hey schmach! what pinions are you using, 32p...mod1? thanks

[SCHMACH]

32..i think mod 1 is mainly used for 1'8 scale for it's beefiness...32 pitch is 1/10 scale

[Cain]

How much power are you thinking for the SB V2? Guys are running the 7700 mamba max setup without any issues from the tranny.

Thats a great price on the RT4GP Pro Spec truck. Put in a .18 engine, even the higher end ones are too pricey and you are all set.

[NitroTXT1]

got a dark impact and gonna run 2s 5500mah saddles with some tires and rims from hpi or something...should be fun...motor will be mamba 7700

[Cain]

I will probably be picking up some truck rims and tires to pop on the buggy when I want to fun around with my SB V2 Pro.