EMaxx chassis
 

I am nearly complete with the design phase of a new EMaxx chassis(1 of possibly 2). The goal of this particular chassis project is to upgrade the looks, durability, handling, and versatility, while retaining the stock size and mostly stock components(including chassis braces). This strategy was chosen for this particular chassis to keep costs relatively low, while providing a high value. It will look and perform like a high dollar upgrade without breaking the bank.

I won't delve too deep into the specifics, as I hope to get a prototype or to cut this week. I am, however, undecided on the battery trays at the moment and any feedback would be valued. Aside from positioning the trays slightly above the bottom of the stock chassis brace to maintain ground clearance, I haven't decided exactly how to finish it out. Laying the packs flat results in lower Cg and likely better protection from flying debris(front wheel roost mostly), while placing the packs on edge generally allows a tighter overall package, which tends to improve transitional handling(direction changes) at the expense of stability. Many folks may not readily know or realize the difference in a typical bash session, but I am curious to know the general consensus/preference?

Hopefully the chassis kit will be a no-brainer to install, but if instructions are necessary, i may be looking to trade a chassis kit for a well-written and easy-to-understand instruction guide.

I am pretty excited to see another chassis! I love the maxx.

I wish someone would make a titanium chassis plate with front kick up. Just the plate. We provide the rest- to keep your costs down. Make it compatible with an easily attainable CD, you don't even have to provide a battery tray, but you could. I love your trays I have two of them.

Thanks, this is just a suggestion.

-Zach

Thanks for the comments, Zach. Titanium might be a little exotic for the masses, though. I do have intentions of making an extended truggy style Maxx chassis with race-inspired features in addition to the one mentioned in this thread, but 1st I want to create a do-all platform that appeals to a broader audience. I do plan on including the battery trays , and have largely committed to a design strategy that I think will satisfy most. :-)

Just one comment on battery trays: Please make them so they can accomodate packs that have square corners (some people do use hard case packs).

I had to pass up buying one of your trays because the one I already had would not accomodate VANT or SMC Lipos because your tray has rounded corners and those pack have square corners.

Square inside corners are simply not possible to machine - I will look at tightening the radius of the inside corners with this comment in mind, though. The trays will be plenty big enough to handle the typical hard case Lipo without needing to stuff it into the corner tightly.

You can get most of the effect of square inside corners by moving the cutter a little into the corner on the lengthwise traverse, and backing it out again before the traverse across the width.

Is this new chassis going to have the old E-Maxx layout with the trans in the center or the new E-Maxx layout with the trans up front?

True, and I use the described technique frequently, but there is always a trade-off. The round corner is simply relocated, as it can't be avoided. Cutting into the walls of the tray, particularly at the corners, drastically reduces strength where it is needed most. The trays for this chassis are quite long, so I don't anticipate fitment issues for the vast majority.

The current chassis components, transmission and layout will be incorporated in the design - no intention to make a "new" chassis for the old truck(though having backwards compatibility would be easy enough).

Hey,

Great news Mike ! I can't wait to have more info.
If you can add the clerance for your universal mount it will be great. ;)

My futur project :D

The Universal mount will fit - I will make sure of that. I am considering making an updated version of my original Slipperential transmission(originally built for G2 Gorilla chassis) as well(possibly fully enclosed) - maybe have it bolt in using the stock tranny holes for maximum compatibility. First, I must make the chassis. :-)

Omg
 

A racing e-maxx chassis?
OK...one for me plz
already shipped?

Kigne

Any updates Mike? :)

Very close - tweaking details. :-)

quick pics - not done yet, but getting close
 

Just a couple mock assembly pictures - still have spacers, bushings, type stuff to make, along with tweaks and enhancements, but you can get an idea what it will look like. The prototype is .19" thick, but final may change. I do like this thickness, as it balances durability and weight rather nicely.

Underneath pic? This just may spark me into another Emaxx.

I will post pics from all angles once I have everything finalized. :-)

It's been a while for me, has Traxxas addressed the subpar diffs for brushless power? Or still same old maxx diffs...

Same old Revo/Maxx diffs - better than they used to be, but not strong enough for prolonged brushless power. Hybrid bulks and 1/8 diffs are still on the menu for serious use.

Looking good mike! Can't wait to have one sitting on the bench!

prototype
 

A couple prototype pics. Minor changes are underway, but this is the basic concept. Weight is nearly identical to the stock chassis.

latest pics
 

Pretty much done and dialed in now - just gotta get them through production this week, gather hardware and work on instructions - anyone with above average literacy and writing skills interested in writing detailed instructions in exchange for a chassis? .

Some details on the chassis:

Stock length - stock chassis braces are used - or aftermarket equivalent (RDLogics silver look good, for example). I may offer braces in the future as well.

Components are positioned in their stock locations pretty much exactly, allowing a direct, trouble free swap. If you have center cvds already, they still work. Servos will drop right in directly, along with everything else(2 speed kit excluded presently - if I get enough requests, I should be able to make a 2 speed install kit). The stock body will be a direct fit without modifications.

Transmission mounts are removable - the separate, bolt-in tranny mounts locate the transmission exactly where it is on the stock truck, allowing use of the stock center skid, stock center sliders or center cvds(anything designed for stock chassis will fit). Removal of mounts allows plenty of room for a center diff (up to around 52 tooth if needed and depending on placement) - I will offer a center diff install kit of some sort in the near future(maybe a Slipperential transmission?).

Main chassis is made from 1/4" 6061-T651 aluminum. The machined plastic battery trays locate the battery packs below the top deck - the bottom of the tray is even with the bottom of the chassis braces, so maximum total ground clearance is unchanged, while center of gravity is significantly lower than stock(or any other chassis that retains stock center ground clearance, particularly with a center diff, as the motor/transmission is the highest part by far. The battery trays secure to the chassis using 4 M4 screws in each tray - solid setup. This also allows for custom battery tray configurations, such as standing the packs up and moving them in towards the center. The packs are secured using a 20" strap through the tray holding the pack along its length. Several cutouts allow use of the strap to position the pack forward or rearward, as well as take up extra strap length if using smaller straps. The tray pockets are approximately 49mm wide and 176.5mm long, allowing use of a wide variety of packs.

ESC can be located in multiple locations - near the rear like stock, slightly forward of the stock location(closer to tranny), and in the stock rx box location(this may be ideal for center diff installs, for example, or ERevo style motor mounting.).

Total weight ended up about 1 oz over the stock chassis weight, with all like components installed(battery holders on stock chassis, trays, screws and straps on my chassis) - the Cg is very significantly lower, so handling will be notably improved, while retaining the stock center ground clearance and Maxx personality - this chassis retains the Monster Truck attitude, while improving durability, handling, and looks and pure style!

Mike happy to do it for you as before (no need of chassis) or if someone wants to write words and provide pictures I'll format and pdf. .

Solid looking chassis there! And great info as well. I'm not the best writer nor have a Emaxx on hand to do the write up tho. But I do think I'll purchase one for later use.

Any thoughts on a gorillamaxx style lower plate? :)

Hi,


I can help out with write up if need be mike. Let me know if you need a hand.. I messaged you on Centralemaxx as well.

Offshore3ft@yahoo.co.nz

Nitro starter he said he was going to do an extended truggy style chassis. Meaning not like a g-maxx more like a truggy which is better imho.

Nice work Mike. I will buy one for sure and build with my RCM universal mount. :)

Too bad, I'm not good in English. I'm testing a lot of parts for the some creators.

Alexis C.

almost ready!
 

got some work done yesterday.

Awesome can't wait ;)

Those battery boxes look nice. Are they adaptable to other uses? Could you tell us internal and external dimensions and mounting point configuration?

The battery boxes are specific to the chassis, but could certainly bolt to any structure that has adequate mounting surface area. Internal dimensions are 49.4mm wide by 175mm long - external total dimensions are 55mm wide and 193mm long(approximate). There are 4 through holes to allow an M4 flat head screw to pass through and thread into the chassis - 2 centered on the ends and to on the inside edge of the ends(2 centers only would likely be adequate). The trays weigh 1.8oz each(machined from 10+ oz block) or 2 oz with the strap. They finish to .825" total height.

Got chassis braces designed, along with a center skid that accepts our universal motor mount - hopefully I can get them programmed and cut this week for more show and tell. :-)
I may do a chassis extension in the very near future, too - stock length is cool, but the custom guys will likely appreciate the extended length(haven't yet decided if I will do one or how much I will make the extension, but it crossed my mind). :-)

Driveshaft included?

If I don't include the shaft, I will relay the required dimensions. A center diff mounted in the universal mount on the RCM skid is compatible with the Traxxas center cvd length in the rear(diff is shorter than the tranny, so front is a little short). An extension used for another chassis would likely require a different length shaft(FLM chassis for instance, relocates the tranny).

This makes me wish I had a Maxx to build. I'm glad to see you making new products Mike!

Sweet 'n sexy chassis! Did I missed anything else? :)

A few new pictures, including chassis braces.

Love the slot around the topbearing of the servo saver

Did somebody say center diff?!
 

Shown with RC-Monster universal mount and 58t mod.8 Slipperential.

The mounting setup for the center diff is slotted to allow optimal dogbone fitment as well as accommodate various differential sizes. The truck in the picture is just a build dummy, so it has stock diffs. The skid locates the mount to accept the Traxxas rear steel center cvd with an aluminum front dogbone(85mm pin to pin is ideal length).