15 Years removed from Hobby..... Questions

[00bolt]

First off let me introduce myself. Im Scott. Im 27 and live in Arlington, Texas.

A long time ago when I think I was around 12 or so??, I lived in St. Louis with my father/mother. One day my father took me to an indoor race track because a buddy of his and his son raced r/c cars. I had never done anything like this. The guy let me drive one of his trucks in a beginner kids race. There were only like 3-4 of us in the race. I remember it so clearly because about halfway through the race I wrecked the truck and one of the front wheels came completely off the truck. And instead of worrying about breaking his truck and stopping, I just kept going... And believe it or not, I won the race and still have the little trophy!!

Shortly after that my mother/father got a divorce and I moved to Texas and that Christmas my dad got me an RC10 Truck kit. I think I was around age of 13 or so and I spent like 2 weeks building that thing. Occasionally I would get to go to a track and play with it, but mainly it was a neighborhood street racer down the streets.. I played the heck out of that thing and about time I was in high school (with real cars, girls, etc) I lost interest and gave it to my little brother who since then has gotten rid of it a long time ago...

Now I have a 6 year old son of myself and every birthday/christmas I get him some kind of r/c car from Walmart and its not even close. Id like to get back into the hobby and get a real r/c. Not sure that he is really old enough to properly care for it, but its really for me. Iv looked and not really any tracks within and hour of me, so not sure Ill get out to tracks and race often, but Im sure there are plenty of parking lots and dirt fields around...

So I did a little searching around on ebay and see that the RC10 truck is still around and up to like the 4th edition. But Im tempted to buy one of the original just for old times sake. Would that be a bad move? Could you even still get parts for these things?

More than likely Ill just get the newer t4. Id like to get a kit and build it myself, but with the ready to runs and also people on ebay selling their complete setups, money wise it be dumb to start from scratch kit it seems... But IF I DID get a kit, can someone please suggest what else I would need? whats a good battery, charger, etc??

Last question i promise.... I remember when I got my truck my dad and I had a subscription to that r/c magazine and the rc10 truck was brand new at the time and the one in all the magazines was blue with cow pokadots in the front... does that ring a bell to anyone? Well we copyed that design and my truck looked almost identical to that one... Im wondering if anyone has a picture of that truck they could show me....

THanks again ahead of time!

[NORTEX-T1FK]

I dont know much about AE products but I figure it would be hard to find parts for such and old truck. Why not just get a new one? I'm pretty shure much has been inproved since you were in the hobby last. You'll be suprised!

My first R/C was a Blackfoot and I was out of the hobby for 15 years. Something as simple like the Wheelie King blows it out of the water in both performance and design(that is my opinion!!)

:teacher: Head over to Wild Bills hobby shop. That shouldnt be to far from you. They are a ture Hobby shop not like Hobby Town. They are really cool guys and I frequently visit them on my lunch ;) . Here is their info.
Wild Bill's Hobby SHop
(972) 438-9224
535 EAST SHADY GROVE
IRVING, TX 75060


Hope that Helps!

[00bolt]

what exactly is a brushless motor? what parts would I need to upgrade if/when I wanted it to go faster?

[z-man280]

Hi Scott,..and welcome back!!!

The original rc10t is now quite collectible, so those who have one will be asking a premium for it.The T4 is an outstanding truck, and offers a host of improvements over the orginal truck. RTR? tough call, as they do come complete, but nothing comes close to the satisfaction of building one and then driving it. If you dont plan on attending any national racing venues, i dont think you need to get too radical with things, a good fm radio, such as Futaba's,will be more than enough, hit radio shack for some GP3300 battery packs,..great sport packs with excellent runtime, and @ $25/ pc, they dont break the bank. A good peak charger is also in order. You wont really need the best, but you dont want to cheapout on yourself either. I personally use a Duratrax IntelliPeak digital pulse charger, and love it.

now, keep in mind, the RTR world has two different sides....Losi, AE, and some others are a bit more money, but they do offer better components. Some of the cheaper RTR's are just that- cheap. Barely adequate servos, cheap motors, and lesser quality components. In the world of R/C , the old adage rings true- you get what you pay for.

As for your son....look into Traxxas,with thier XL-5 Rustler. Close to what dad would have, tough as hell, and can take a pounding. Now, its pretty quick too, but heres the cool thing-trainer mode on the speed control, reducing power by 50%. Perfect for a youngster!


Brushless motors are incredible- the power of nitro, the simplicity of electric, and almost no mantainence. Up grades to think about in a T4? I cant really think of one- honestly, they come pretty loaded.

hope this helps a little, and keep us posted on what you get!!


Ron

[Ed237]

The brushless motors are just that, motors that do not use brushes so they don't wear out or require maintenance. They do, however, require a ESC made to run a brushless motor.

There are a lot of options, but it mostly depends on your budget. If I was just starting all over again I would buy:

Car: If you had an RC10 back in the day, you would really enjoy a new T4. All you need is the Team version for around $185

Electronics: Novak GTB 7.5 brushless motor and no limit ESC $235. The 7.5 is not too fast but still fast enough for most tracks! And the GTB has no motor limit and can run brushed or brushless motors if you want.

Radio/Receiver/Servo: Spektrum DX2 or the soon to be released Futaba 3PM. No more crystals or frequency conflicts thankyou! And you will want a radio with adjustable end points so that you can turn the throttle waaaaaay down so you can let your 6 yr old drive it around. Total $175

Charger: Duratrax Ice $125 + Power Supply of your choice $90

Batteries: 3800 stick packs of your choice 2 x $50/ea = $100

I know its about $900 but you will have some fun with that package and you won't need any upgrades! Thats about as good as it gets!

If your budget wont allow that, look to save some money by buying a cheaper charger that includes a power supply like the Digital Piranha charger for only $50 and maybe just an entry level FM Radio for about $100.

Another option is that Losi offers a RTR XXXT Sport that includes a somewhat slower brushless motor system for under $500 + your charger and batteries.

Decisions . . . decisions . . . decisions.

[rocknbil]

Oh contraire. I still have an original 10T and the parts are still available. If you can't find them, you can buy them directly from Associated, check their site.

[aesop64]

The only thing I can add is to say the old RC10s can be found every week and nearly everyday on eBay and they most certainly do not draw a premium I bought one last week for $108 that is in imaculate shape. Parts are also very easy to come by, eBay has tons of NOS parts for the original RC10 and there are of course hop-ups for it as well Also Brand New parts for other RCs that are interchangeable as well.

You fellas that keep say old RCs will fetch a premium have not done any research! Yes the market for them is starting to pick up a bit, but for the most part The old stuff from the 80's and even 70's is cheaper now than you would have paid for it new!
The one exception is an 70's or 80' RC still new in the Box They fetch great money, other than that take a peak at what I'm talking about!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Team-Associated-RC10-Vintage-2WD-Buggy-W-Controller_W0QQitemZ200100368255QQihZ010QQcategory Z44017QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And the parts for sale this week doing the simplest of searches RC10 vintage:http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&fcl=3&from=R10&satitle=RC10+vintage&sacat=220%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=54011&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

So guys if you want to buy your old childhood toy now is the time, they are cheap, most have parts a plenty with the simple search, and yeah some would require more work to find parts for but don't write these old gems off! MT10Rs are SMOKING modern MTs in races everyday.

[aesop64]

Oh contraire. I still have an original 10T and the parts are still available. If you can't find them, you can buy them directly from Associated, check their site.
LOL you beat me to the punch! I was too long winded and you posted while I was still writing! But great minds think alike! And you are 100% correct!

[aesop64]

The brushless motors are just that, motors that do not use brushes so they don't wear out or require maintenance. They do, however, require a ESC made to run a brushless motor.

There are a lot of options, but it mostly depends on your budget. If I was just starting all over again I would buy:

Car: If you had an RC10 back in the day, you would really enjoy a new T4. All you need is the Team version for around $185

Electronics: Novak GTB 7.5 brushless motor and no limit ESC $235. The 7.5 is not too fast but still fast enough for most tracks! And the GTB has no motor limit and can run brushed or brushless motors if you want.

Radio/Receiver/Servo: Spektrum DX2 or the soon to be released Futaba 3PM. No more crystals or frequency conflicts thankyou! And you will want a radio with adjustable end points so that you can turn the throttle waaaaaay down so you can let your 6 yr old drive it around. Total $175

Charger: Duratrax Ice $125 + Power Supply of your choice $90

Batteries: 3800 stick packs of your choice 2 x $50/ea = $100

I know its about $900 but you will have some fun with that package and you won't need any upgrades! Thats about as good as it gets!

If your budget wont allow that, look to save some money by buying a cheaper charger that includes a power supply like the Digital Piranha charger for only $50 and maybe just an entry level FM Radio for about $100.

Another option is that Losi offers a RTR XXXT Sport that includes a somewhat slower brushless motor system for under $500 + your charger and batteries.

Decisions . . . decisions . . . decisions.
Wow, in my opinion it is guys like you who although well intentioned scare people right out of the hobby! He is talking a simple RC for his 6 year old and you toss out prices like $500.00 to $900.00 to start out??? Honestly you can get into the hobby going with a brand new RTR RC, battery and charger for way way less than half of that. Brushless is not something that is necessary, I mean sure they are nice but far from a must have!

Sorry, I'm not trying to offend anyone but come-on! Entry level RC for a 6 year old and Dad should not be $500.00 :huh:

[z-man280]

You fellas that keep say old RCs will fetch a premium have not done any research! Yes the market for them is starting to pick up a bit, but for the most part The old stuff from the 80's and even 70's is cheaper now than you would have paid for it new!
The one exception is an 70's or 80' RC still new in the Box They fetch great money, other than that take a peak at what I'm talking about!



speaking of taking a peak....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-Bruiser-Mountaineer-complete-body_W0QQitemZ120107810658QQihZ002QQcategoryZ44028 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-Bruiser-Mountaineer-Crawler-PullerChassis-Roller_W0QQitemZ220103190553QQihZ012QQcategoryZ440 28QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-TOYOTA-HILUX-Bruiser-Mountaineer_W0QQitemZ260106684969QQihZ016QQcategor yZ44022QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i could be wrong on the value of the RC10, but i am not wrong on the older rc's....

[00bolt]

looks like I started up a good little thread :)

anyway, I agree I probably am not in the market to spend $900 on an r/c right now that I am all but certain will get wrecked. I think finding a slightly used T3 or T4 on ebay would be a good buy for me. I think for around $200-$300 I can get an all in one package with everything. Might not be the fastest motor, best radio, etc but should be fine for alot of fun with my son... then if over the years he continues to really enjoy it, we can splurge for a supped up one..

but on the other hand, I still would love to find me a really nice vintage RC10T for myself. There is currently a kit on ebay with buy it now $600. Id love that nothing more, but thats just a little steep for me to spend one something Id want to keep in good condition.

I did however talk to my dad today and he kept his RC10 buggy and has everything... even the shock oils... And said he will give to his grandson (my son) when he is a little older and can take care of it... Which I agree, he prolly is still a little young, but again... this is for me too :D

[00bolt]

here is the one I was talking about... if I decided that I wanted to splurge and buy that, would I be a complete moron to put it together? I want something I can put together and build, but would hate to ruin a real collector's item if in fact thats what this is as is

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Associated-RC10T-NIB-Electric-Truck-Kit_W0QQitemZ150115358180QQihZ005QQcategoryZ44017Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[z-man280]

Scott,

grab a RTR T4, and a rusty for the boy, and go have fun man!

for $600.00, i would be DAMN leary about taking that truck out and bashing it

[00bolt]

Scott,

grab a RTR T4, and a rusty for the boy, and go have fun man!

for $600.00, i would be DAMN leary about taking that truck out and bashing it


what is a rusty?

[z-man280]

oops, sorry. Traxxas XL-5 Rustler.

with the trainer mode, you can slow it down to 50% for the little guy.

[Ed237]

Sorry, I thought this was for himself, not the 6 yr old. Based upon the fact that he has a kid, I could tell he was an adult, and he would have a little bit more disposable income than the average 15 year old. He says he's also interested in brushless motors and future hop ups so I assumed he was interested in performance and speed.

I also gave him some options to save some money and only spend around $625 or even the Losi for under $500.

Its probably more irresponsible to suggest he can have everything he needs for $250 unless he lucks out and finds a good deal on some used stuff on EBay.

The truth about the $230 RTRs is that most come with substandard radios and crappy servos and motors that don't last very long. If you do decide to get an RTR be prepared to spend another $100-200 in upgrades. Even if you never make it to a track, the 15+ minute run times you will get from the brushless motor system will make it even more worth while.

And you still need a charger and batteries for an additional $100-250 unless you have them already.

And I would advise against building the vintage RC10. It's worth more in the box like it is. You would be better off getting a used one and restoring it. Especially if you want to drive it.

[00bolt]

Ed, I do appreciate your suggestion. Im typically the type of guy who gets obsessed with new things quite frequently and when I get something, I like to get the best (or at least as good as I can afford). My thought is to get some kind of basic rc10 (whether it be T2, T3, T4, etc) for me and my son to play around with on the street. May ocassionaly take it to a track, but closest tracks are like 45+ mins away so that probably wont get out there often. For the most part, I just want something my son and I can play with in the street/fields...

So that being said, I dont think I really need many supped up fancy parts.

BUT, I have a feeling once I get one Im going to get hooked and want a nicer one for myself. And that will probably come along alot sooner than later. So its nice to get any and all suggestions. I bet before its all said and done I will have 3 r/cs... something for my son, something for me and then an old vintage rc10t for the "old days memories"

[00bolt]

another quick question. Lets say I get a newer T4 or an old school 10T. would a newer brushless motor fit in either style I get? Can someone point out some options so I know what to look for when time comes? Right now Im pretty much clueless...

also, Ed brings up brushless run 15+ mins. That is something I would FOR SURE be interested in is getting as big battery, etc to make run times as long as possible. Driving for only 5 mins and telling a 6 year old he has to wait 45 mins for battery to charge is gonna be tough to pull over (obviously need more than 1)

[Ed237]

I think a milder brushless system would work great with an old school 10T and I know they work great in a T4. When looking at the motors just remember the lower the winds on the motor, the more powerfull it is.

I just remembered Novak is comming out with some more economical brushless systems that would be perfect for you and only cost $180!

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRST7&P=ML

In the last 3 years some truly amazing and econmical technology has found its way into RC and I think you would regret getting pretty much the same stuff you had 15 years ago.

I didnt even mention lipo batteries yet, but that's a whole other discussion.

[00bolt]

wow, while searching on ebay I found one for sale about 1 miles from my house... would this be a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RC10-T4-Factory-Team-Novak-GTB-13-5-Brushless-JR_W0QQitemZ190106014977QQihZ009QQcategoryZ44029QQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[seanmanibog]

00Bolt, if you dont want to have to always be waiting for your batteries to charge, consider a LiPo battery. They run for a very long time [maybe 2 days on a charge] and give your truck WAY more juice, when in turn gives you more speed and accel.

Not as great yet lest cost Lipo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMUW1&P=ML

Better Lipo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNMF9&P=ML

Excellent Lipo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLVG3&P=ML

[seanmanibog]

wow, while searching on ebay I found one for sale about 1 miles from my house... would this be a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RC10-T4-Factory-Team-Novak-GTB-13-5-Brushless-JR_W0QQitemZ190106014977QQihZ009QQcategoryZ44029QQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



That looks like a pretty smoking deal to me, I'd go for something like that, good radio, brushless, batteries, tires.. go for it!

[Ed237]

That auction looks really good. If it stays under $500 (which it should) I would go for it!

The 13.5 is a mild motor and if you ever wanted to go 50+ mph all you would need is a 3.5 motor (the GTB is basically a no limit esc).

[vaderbxman]

Nice deal on the T4 btw. If it was near my time to get one for myself, you'd have to fight me to get it!!!! :D

[aesop64]

speaking of taking a peak....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-Bruiser-Mountaineer-complete-body_W0QQitemZ120107810658QQihZ002QQcategoryZ44028 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-Bruiser-Mountaineer-Crawler-PullerChassis-Roller_W0QQitemZ220103190553QQihZ012QQcategoryZ440 28QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-TOYOTA-HILUX-Bruiser-Mountaineer_W0QQitemZ260106684969QQihZ016QQcategor yZ44022QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i could be wrong on the value of the RC10, but i am not wrong on the older rc's....
Sorry but you are picking a very select model A Tamiya Bruiser sold for OVER $1000.00 NEW! So in general you are wrong sorry, I buy older RCs almost weekly, (I just bought a showroom mint Marui Galaxy RS for $48.00! )they do not in general fetch any premium. However as you so cleverly pointed out there are exceptions. We can keep going back and forth like this if you wish. I can post 50 Vintage RCs that have sold for under $150.00 and you can post some very select Vintage RCs that sell high BUT look at the new price of the Bruiser when it was new, how many people bought them? Not a lot because there were not a lot made. They were all metal chassis all metal nearly everything. I have a friend who has one, there is a club trying to get Tamiya to reissue the Bruiser, they keep saying no the cost to re-issue would be close to $2000.00

[z-man280]

Sorry but you are picking a very select model A Tamiya Bruiser sold for OVER $1000.00 NEW! So in general you are wrong sorry, I buy older RCs almost weekly, (I just bought a showroom mint Marui Galaxy RS for $48.00! )they do not in general fetch any premium. However as you so cleverly pointed out there are exceptions. We can keep going back and forth like this if you wish. I can post 50 Vintage RCs that have sold for under $150.00 and you can post some very select Vintage RCs that sell high BUT look at the new price of the Bruiser when it was new, how many people bought them? Not a lot because there were not a lot made. They were all metal chassis all metal nearly everything. I have a friend who has one, there is a club trying to get Tamiya to reissue the Bruiser, they keep saying no the cost to re-issue would be close to $2000.00


yup, you are right, everyone else is wrong...thank you for pointing it out. i am not gonna argue with you.

[aesop64]

LOL Everone? Sorry you don't speak for everyone no matter how often you post. I buy Vintage RCs on a Very Regular basis. Do you?

[z-man280]

..............comment deleted.

[XXWoodmanXX]

LOL Everone? Sorry you don't speak for everyone no matter how often you post. I buy Vintage RCs on a Very Regular basis. Do you?

How about you go out and get a breath of fresh air, man. Sounds to me like you need to back off a bit and stop assuming that Z-man speaks on behalf of the masses.

[aesop64]

Thanks for your input! I made no such assumption, my post was in reply to this statement made: yup, you are right, everyone else is wrong...thank you for pointing it out. i am not gonna argue with you.
My only point from the start was Vintage RCs for the most part can be had very cheaply for what they are. I do not see this trend continuing for very long as the prices have gone up steadily in the past year. I hope I did not offend anyone, that was not my goal. As you can see I have been a member here for several years, I rarely post, mostly just read, and read and read some more. But when the subject is something I feel very strongly about, I do post. I have Many Many Vintage RCs all purchased for under $150.00, all purchased RTR, so when the subject of Vintage RCs and their "high premium" came up I expressed my opinion.

[z-man280]

i may have came across a bit rough too...sorry. Alot on my plate right now. I can see your point, as many of the not-so-desirable rc's can be had cheap. I was referrring to the point that some of the more sought after are catching a premium...not just a bruiser, but now you see original RC10's,..blackfoots, ect.. catching a fairly high price tag. I myself have been looking for a Traxxas Bullet, and i cant find one at a cheap price anywhere.

[XXWoodmanXX]

I want an old Bolink Legends(TVP) chassis :(

[aesop64]

i may have came across a bit rough too...sorry. Alot on my plate right now. I can see your point, as many of the not-so-desirable rc's can be had cheap. I was referrring to the point that some of the more sought after are catching a premium...not just a bruiser, but now you see original RC10's,..blackfoots, ect.. catching a fairly high price tag. I myself have been looking for a Traxxas Bullet, and i cant find one at a cheap price anywhere.
I just bought A Traxxas Bullet complete and a 2nd that is missing all electronics, shocks and wheels along with a few little parts. Also a box full of spare parts including an extra chassis. $35.00

I'll give you the spare chassis if you want it.

EDIT: Just to qualify: I spend a few hours everyday scouring for Vintage RCs. I feel fortunate to own these and drive all of them but one Shelf Queen The recently purchased RTR Marui Galaxy RS is just out of the box new so it will sit.

[z-man280]

thanks man! jsut pm me what ya need...if you have enough to make it a full roller i would be giddy:D

i dont expect it for free tho.....


getting BACK ON TOPIC,

Scott, i think a couple RTR trucks would serve you fine!

[aesop64]

PM sent Z-man

[z-man280]

got it! thanks again Jeff!!!

[00bolt]

well I talked to the guy with that brushless setup in my own town and he said he expects it to go $600+ and would entertain an offer to end the auction early. So would this setup be worth $600 or am I better off taking my chances and bidding on it?

[00bolt]

00Bolt, if you dont want to have to always be waiting for your batteries to charge, consider a LiPo battery. They run for a very long time [maybe 2 days on a charge] and give your truck WAY more juice, when in turn gives you more speed and accel.

Not as great yet lest cost Lipo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMUW1&P=ML

Better Lipo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNMF9&P=ML

Excellent Lipo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLVG3&P=ML



other than the battery, is there anything else needed? Do they need a special kind of charger or connections to go in the trucks?

[raderrustler]

OObolt...The t4 with 3 batteries and 959 is a great set-up, price is good and the mrc is a decent charger especially for the price. Li-Poly set-ups are expensive and I personally would just buy extra nimh battery packs 2200mah-3300mah work just fine. run your luck at auction..this will not make 600.00 guaranteed.

[00bolt]

cool, i was kinda hoping to find a setup in the $500 range. Im gonna try for this one... but here is another one Iv been eyeballing. I dont know much about radios and all that, but seems like a good one also (but no brushless)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160110624296&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=006

[z-man280]

Scott,

check this out:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFAB6&P=SM

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCHA8**&P=SM

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCLD5&P=SM

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPMX0&P=SM

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFSW8&P=SM

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLYZ5&P=SM


theres your list...
AE Team T4 kit
Airtronics MX3
Duratrax Piranha charger
Novak Rooster 12T
Team Orion 14x2
Trinity 4200 mah battery pack ( x2)


$584.93

[00bolt]

Id really like to build my own kit and re-learn everything all over again, but I think if this ebay one stays in right price range I may go for it...

If I bought a kit, what is the difference in team kit and factory team kit? And if I bought those parts you mentioned, would I be able to upgrade to any size brushless motor or lipo battery in the future without having to buy anything else?

[Ed237]

The Rooster ESC is good for brushed motors down to 12 turns only, which is still very fast, but can't run brushless motors.

If you are not racing, the Team Kit is all you need. The main factory upgrades are: (and you will not really miss not having them)
Threaded Shocks
Milled motor plate
Blue aluminum servo mounts
Blue aluminum hinge pin
Lightweight diff outdrives
Graphite parts (more stiff, but slightly less durable)

The one Factory upgrade you might regret not having
Titanium Turnbuckes

The new Novak Brushless XBR Sport system for $180 compares very favorably to the Rooster and brushed Motor price of $150. I think its worth waiting for it even though it costs $30 more.

[00bolt]

is this what you are talking about? So the lower number (8.5) is the fastest? and its the same price as the other speeds?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=Novak+Brushless+XBR+Sport&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go

[aesop64]

is this what you are talking about? So the lower number (8.5) is the fastest? and its the same price as the other speeds?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=Novak+Brushless+XBR+Sport&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go
Yep that is correct. Mamba, Novak and others sell their Brushless all for the same price, you pick the speed you want.

[00bolt]

well thanks alot guys, I think if the ebay auction gets too high Im gonna go the route of making my own. After all I dont think its a matter of IF but WHEN something breaks, if I had put it all together I should know how to put it back together... (although I doubt by buying a premade one it will be too difficult to figure out)

So if the ebay stays in a range Im happy with and I grab it, can this truck be moddified with a faster brushless motor or lipo battery without much alteration? If I got serious into racing it, what upgrades would I might want to consider in the future?

again, thanks to everyone!! I was lost and at least have a semi idea now!

link again:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190106014977&rd=1&rd=1

[Ed237]

The next question usually is: How does a 8.5 brushless motor compare to a 12x2 brushed motor? Overall the 8.5 will perform a lot like a 14x2 or 13x2 depending on your batteries.

The 12x2 probably has a little more sheer speed, but the 8.5 will have more torque so it will feel just as fast.

The XBR Sport ESC will also run brushed motors no limit! The more I read about it, the more I like it:http://www.teamnovak.com/products/esc/xbr/index.html

But, that auction looks like a lot better deal.

[z-man280]

if ya buy it right, thats a HELLUVA set up right there!!

[00bolt]

so correct me if Im wrong, is this what the ebay auction has in it?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRHU3&P=ML

[z-man280]

yep.

[00bolt]

so this auction is pretty good deal then right?

Factory Team - $225
Motor Setup - $265

that alone is almost $600 worth of stuff (when it was new) then the radio, extra batteries, servo, charger, pinion gears, extra tires are probably worth at least another $200 - $300.... I think im gonna try for this one, but not gonna get in a huge bidding war...

[00bolt]

can someone tell me what the difference in these are? the lower number is "faster" right? so why is the 13.5 the most expensive? does the pro stock mean something?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVPROFIL=++&FVSEARCH=Novak+GTB&FVPROFIL=++&search=Go

[NORTEX-T1FK]

3.5=insane transmision destroying uncontrolable power
4.5=crazy transmision destroying uncontrolable power
5.5=transmision destroying uncontrolable power
6.5=uncontrolable power on dirt. Geared rite it will be ok for drag racing
7.5=geared rite this is what I have found works best. Should be the same as a 10 turn motor.I have experience with the 4.5,5.5 and 7.5 in both touring cars and a XXX-T with a 2s LiPo battery.

With burshless motors lithium polimer batteries work best. NIMH batteries work well too but the will deplete pretty fast. DOnt even bother running them with cheap stick packs. Also the lower the # (3.4, 4.5...)the less run time you will get.

[Ed237]

That particular system as advertized on Tower for $265 is more expensive because the motor has an upgraded 'sintered' rotor that only really slightly imrpoves performance and longetivity and runs a little bit cooler. (All the 'Pro' versions appear to have the sintered rotor)

You may want to ask the seller if the motor has the sintered rotor or not.

The 13.5 was made to compete against 27 turn stock brushed motors and you will definately get 10-15 minute run times with that motor even with stick packs.

[00bolt]

sweet, iv made a "to do list" if I build my own and it makes me want this ebay setup even more because it looks like Id spend $800+.. lol, just what I said I didnt want to do right off the bat...

so if I bought the ebay one and wanted to upgrade to a 7.5 or other faster motor could I buy just the motor or would I need a new esc also? what about a lipo battery, would one of them be a direct replacement on this truck setup? what do I need to look for? Would a lipo work with that charger also? I think Im almsot done asking questions...

[Ed237]

The 7.5 would drop right in but that charger would not work with Lipo batteries. The lipos are something you might want to consider later on. You are looking at $150 for a good lipo charger & power supply and another $150 for a 5000+ Mah Lipo battery. So it won't be cheap.

Stadium trucks are so efficient that you can still expect go get around 10 minute run times with good 3300+ NiMh stick packs and even 15 minutes with 4400 NiMh packs. The brushless motor/esc can even make tired batteries look good. Especially in a 2wd stadium truck.

If you havent driven an RC car in a while or had the chance to watch some races, you are going to be amazed by the performance. Expect nearly 30 mph with the 13.5 and almost 40 with the 7.5 (depending on gearing).

[00bolt]

so something like this would just drop in? so this would be good for about 10mph faster? wow thats alot for a little rc I bet... like you said, its been a long time and I assume Ill already be wow'ed!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320093941744&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:us


btw, you are throwing numbers out like 30mph - 40mph... but what did say my original rc10t back in the day probably run? It was completely stock and I remember it being fast

[OutFrontFrames]

For what its worth. There are alot of tracks within an hour from you. Some indoor and some outdoor.. If ya need help let me know. I am local, been doing this for 20+ years, own an RC company and am decent friends with about every serious hobby shop owner in North Texas.
Shoot me a PM and we can talk.
-Wes

[vaderbxman]

Let me get this straight: By buying this motor and ESC combo: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRST1&P=7

I can have speeds close to that of a 12T, and if I don't have enough speed, I can get a better novak brushless motor???

That's awesome if it's true. This just might change my plans with my college money (I get to earn some)

[seanmanibog]

Lets put it this way, our brushless rustler.. I would say it does atleast 60mph.. and that is with a mamba maxx 7200kv system. But trust me, it has so much speed that you will for sure be happy, because it will always be accelerating.. it takes alot of room to get it up to that speed, so when your out in your backyard.. you will never get to top speed. But that makes it fun because you know consciously that you can still go faster lol

[00bolt]

whoohoo, i got the ebay one for $441. I offered the guy $500 to end it early and he said it would go for $600+

[Ed237]

Congradulations.You got a great deal. The seller should have taken your original offer!

When you get your batteries, charge them at a conservative 4 amps and keep a close watch on the charger to make sure everything is working right.

Make sure to post back after you have a chance to try everything out. I think your review of a new T4 would be interesting when compared to what you had 15 years ago.

[aesop64]

whoohoo, i got the ebay one for $441. I offered the guy $500 to end it early and he said it would go for $600+
Sweet deal glad to see you are back in the hobby. You will be pleasantly surprised by your awesome bargain, you did really well for yourself.