Which 1/8 buggy to convert for racing?

[GO-RIDE.com]

I’m looking for the 1/8 buggy that is best for racing after being converted to electric. The top buggies all seem very competitive in nitro form, but converting to electric can throw the handling off some.

The buggies I am looking at are:
Associated RC8
Losi Eight
Jammin X1X-CR
Ofna Hyper 8.5

I like the AE and Losi for local parts availability and the AE is the most updated buggy.

I like the Jammin because they can be had cheap on Ebay and at one time was thought to be the best.

I like the Ofna because I’ve seen side by side battery trays for it that would be convenient to use my existing 10th scale race packs.

I know there are some other nice buggies out there like the Mugen, Kyosho and Cen. I don’t know much about any of those models, but I would consider any comments on them.

Thanks,
Scott

Mugen MBX5

[GO-RIDE.com]

David,

I've seen the MBX5 for a really good price, which is nice, but is there more to your recommendation?

You know, like how it handles, or is it durable, does it have good parts availability?

Thanks, Scott

[Cain]

I have the Mugen, and its quite durable for the beating I have put it through. I would say the conversion needs a tad more to it if you want to use the kyosho 46T spur gear. You will need a kyosho or similar center diff. Or you can use the MSR part that mates with the ofna 51T spur.

I would say so far, the cleanest looking conversion is the losi 8ight as you still retrain your receiver box.

[GO-RIDE.com]

A local buddy has a Losi 8ight he wants to sell, so that is a prospect at this time. I have noticed that the 8ight sets up very well brushless. My only hesitation is that I've read some reviews that it is not quite as competitive as some other buggies. Of course that might be splitting hairs?

The Mugen is bulletproof, the parts is all in stock at A Main Hobbies, and i don't know why Cain spoke about the Kyosho 46T spur gear You'll never have need it, just keep the stock Mugen center diff, and go to RCM website for the Mugen motor mount.

This buggy is a beast

[Cain]

Reason I mention the 46T spur is that its pretty common for conversions to keep things quiet, and in some cases more durable depending on the pinions you use. That is just one option to think of if you want the plastic spur setup. If not, its not a big deal.

As for what is competitve, I say give a few vehicles a whirl and see what you think.

[GO-RIDE.com]

I'd like to run the kyosho spur, but its low on the list of must haves. When running with other nitros you certainly won't hear the metal on metal of the stock spur. However, when I run my e-crt.5 at the local indoor electric track I do get some stares because of the loud blender sound it makes. I tend to drive with my ipod on so it don't mean nut'n to me.

Whoops, I just noticed that there is an mbx5"R" out that is about twice the price of the sale on the original mbx5. I don't know how big of a difference the "R" makes, but I hate to start with an outdated buggy. Still if the Mugen is that tough I'll keep it in mind.

[Cain]

The MBX5R has updated suspension geometry and bigger shocks, with the shock towers to go with it, as well as steering rack.

I have an MBX5 that has some of the R parts on it, and with the steering rack and R front arms, it can turn on a dime, almost too much steering.

If you are really concerned about that though, your best bet may be to go with an RC8 since it is the new kid on the block.

[GO-RIDE.com]

Well I've been doing some research and asking few experts and it seems it has come down to two vehicles. Either the Losi 8 or the Mugen MBX5. Why?

Losi 8 - I have a buddy with one that is supposed to be for sale soon/now. It converts very nicely and has a lot of local support.

MBX5 - This can be found new for about $300, and has a good reputation for durability and solid handling with a few minor tweaks.

Anyone else have any comments on the Losi 8 vs the MBX5?

[supralover72]

I'm going to say mugen because IMO the quality of the parts is much higher. Maybe Losi's new products are better, but I always chose ae over them because of they're quality. Just look at the MLST.

I would check the quality first, maybe ask around some forums to find out more about the 8t, but the mugen is superior in existing set ups since its older and a world champion more than once, has better quality aluminum upgrades, but the two handle SO different, so you really need to drive both. Drive the 8t, if you LOVE it, you probably won't like the mugen. If you don't really like the way it drives or only like it or think it's OK, get the Mugen for sure.

In the end, it all comes down to which one you think drives better, and parts support. Nothing else really.

[FG101C]

Is $319.00 a good deal for a new MBX5, not the R version? How much better is the R version.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...oducts_id/1817

[cart213]

Supralover, what is different about how the losi and mugen handle?

[GO-RIDE.com]

I'd like to hear more about how the two compare. I've been told the Eight has a bit of a push, but the MBX5 has a lot of a push. However, earlier in this thread Cain posted that with a few minor parts changes the MBX5 can be made to have lots of steering.

I prefer something with a little sharper steering especially since I plan on using electric brakes that make it a bit more difficult to swing the rear with the brake. In the winter I plan on driving indoors at a mostly 10th scale track, so again sharp turning is important to me.

I don't know much about the MLST, but Losi 10th scale buggy and truck tend to be more durable than the AE stuff that is until the CR stuff came out. However many feel the AE is easier to drive consistantly. Overall, I think both companies are very competitive at this time.

Originally Posted by supralover72

I'm going to say mugen because IMO the quality of the parts is much higher. Maybe Losi's new products are better, but I always chose ae over them because of they're quality. Just look at the MLST.

I would check the quality first, maybe ask around some forums to find out more about the 8t, but the mugen is superior in existing set ups since its older and a world champion more than once, has better quality aluminum upgrades, but the two handle SO different, so you really need to drive both. Drive the 8t, if you LOVE it, you probably won't like the mugen. If you don't really like the way it drives or only like it or think it's OK, get the Mugen for sure.

In the end, it all comes down to which one you think drives better, and parts support. Nothing else really.

[Cain]

If you have the chance, give both a drive at your local track. that may be the best way to really tell as everyone will have different opinions.