ATTN: Brushless Owners: Do you think it was worth it for your Maxx?

[redhatman]

Hey guys, I have been working the last few weeks to find good setups for brushless. Currently what I have is:

-Mamba Max ESC
-Feigo 8XL Motor
-5mm Bore, 32P 20t pinion
-RC Monster Heatsink, Silver, XL Size
-Hardened steel idler gear-Emaxx transmission (Single Gear)

I was planning on running all of that on 12 cells.

Now the question is, do you guys think it is worth it to spend over $300 to make a brushless Maxx? I have been told I will be looking at speeds in the 30's and possibly low 40's. I realize it would be better acceleration and all, but I cant bring myself at the moment to spend some $300 to gain a mere, 10mph?

BTW, I have upgraded the centers and outer shafts to Revo 3.3.

Thanks!
-Pat

[skellyo]

Don't forget the diff upgrade you'll need with that 8XL. Also, you need a UBEC.

[ozdave]

Redhat, I've just finished an upgrade to a 540C 8xl and 9920 in my Maxx and I have to say that the improvement is most certainly worth it to me. I put a bit more into it and ugraded the slipper as well, but didnt do anything more with the diffs than upgrade to the 3.3 version. I decided to deal with these when/if they break as I have a spare set.

The performance is better than I had expected running on both 12 and 14 cells. 10mph might not sounds like much but in a little car it looks like more than you may expect. Of course your mileage may vary but i think if you have realistic expectations of what you are trying to achieve then you will have a lot of fun with it and it might even be a bit better than you had expected :)

A lot of the fun for me comes from doing the upgrade, customising to suit and then getting it out to play with it. I had a few teething problems but i think i have them pretty much sorted, however i am sure there will be something else needed down the line after a bit more run time.

I also put in a strobe slipper and its been great, much better than the stock and i am confident the power of brushless would have eaten my stock slipper in seconds!

[captain harlock]

I can only say try it out yourself and feel the difference.

[redhatman]

Originally Posted by captain harlock

I can only say try it out yourself and feel the difference.

I dont know if $300 is worth it to "try out"

[BrianG]

Lets not forget the lack of brush maintenance and the increased efficiency of BL. :)

[redhatman]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Lets not forget the lack of brush maintenance and the increased efficiency of BL. :)

Indeed that is true, but runtimes and speeds would nearly be the same. Its like going from a 15 turn motor to a 12 turn motor as I see it. Not much difference.

I know what brushless can do, its just a matter of shelling out your money to get you there.

$300 is too conservative. With an 8XL, you will need some new diffs...back in the old days (3 years ago) when I did my E-Maxx, I paid more than that for just the UE SuperMaxx Diffs! Also don't forget CVDs...moding an E-Maxx is not cheap...unfortunately.

DM

[redhatman]

I have the whole 3.3 conversion for axles...I am covered there. I would spend $60 on the FLM Cups and use that if Mine break. Everything if I bought now would be about $375 shipped. I would love to have a 60mph emaxx running 6s lipo, but I dont want to pay for it. Hahah

[skellyo]

You need more than the cups to keep the diffs together. You'll either need 3.3 housings or aluminum housings.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by redhatman

Indeed that is true, but runtimes and speeds would nearly be the same. Its like going from a 15 turn motor to a 12 turn motor as I see it. Not much difference.

No, it's not much of a difference, but reduced drag from the brushes and the loss of power from the arcing means more power gets to the wheels. So, you are using less electrical power for the same mechanical power. That is what I meant.

[Klausen]

It is always difficult to say if it´s worth the money. My E-maxx have passed 2000 dollars + alot of transportcosts from the US to Denmark, Europe + additional 25 % taxes, before the stuff ends up at my frontdoor.

It is alot of money, and believe me the wife thinks that too ;o).

For me it is all worth it. I like the modifying and playing with my E-maxx, so I also want to put some money into it.

[crazyjr]

When i started with my 9XL i knew i wasn't going for speed (still running 12 cell 4400's) but i was gaining efficiency over the heavier two motor brushed setup. the 9XL has about the same KV as the titans, but more torque than four titans. I realize you are doing 8XL but this was my experience going from titans and hv novak brushless to unsensored. And yeah it was way worth it

[RCShocker]

Pat, keep in mind that if you have less than very deep pockets/are unsure/ or are weary about going BL, a more affordable system's can be found for just a bit cheaper.

I actually picked up a brand new "sealed" HV-Maxx 6.5 from a forum member for $225. I know that it is a considered a somewhat "mild" BL system, but it still has enough power to break/destroy many many many many parts.

Remember, the BL motor/ESC combo is usually the "cheap" part. Being able to afford ALL the necessary upgrade's that "come with" owning a BL set-up in an E-Maxx is where most of your hard earned dollars will be spent.

Is a Brushless set up worth it in an E-Maxx? I'll have to get back to you on that one.