Looking for professional advice to start a BL EMAXX

[monel_funkawitz]

I've officially started my first brushless project, and I'm ready to start getting some of the big parts. I need some info on what to get.

First off, I have a typical emaxx with a couple modded parts like integy bulks. Nothing special. I'll be running mashers for wheels. I'm going to be running 12 cells, probably 3300's. Here is what I know I need so far...

Driveshafts. The stock ones suck and will frag with a bl spitting out 1800+ watts I'm sure. What is the best/best value CVD to run?

Transmission is probably part #2 to fail. I'm going to be doing the single speed conversion/hardened idler/Gorillamaxx conversion.

UBEC

I'm getting frustrated on what to get. Too many options to start, and too expensive to screw up.

Motor (Still looking for recommendations here. Lehners are too expensive. How are the mambamax or Feigao? What size/kv do I need for my setup?)

ESC (Looking at the Mambamax combo, or a 9920. Good choice?)

Gearing

Clutch

Any other incidentals?

I'm ready to start this, but the only stopping point so far is what to get. I need someone to say "To start out, get this and this and this and you will be fine. Later you can upgrade." Everytime I start, I wind up with a emaxx that is going to cost me $4,000 cause I have the gold plated titanium unobtanium Lithuanian battery git'er-rid'er-of'ers and high speed muffler bearings, etc. and I just get carried away.

I want simple, raw power. Show me what the hype is on brushless. MAKE ME A BELIEVER! :027:

[Finnster]

First of I would say any project building a BL is going to be expensive bc the maxx is inherently a weak platform to build on, hence the multitude of upgrades "needed" and available in the marketplace. Its not the worst, ad still a great truck when finished, but you can get better for easier and cheaper.

Personally I dumped my maxx and converted a Revo and have not looked back. My maxx seemed like a constant frustration even with brushed motors and tons of upgrades. The Revo stock is a tougher and lighter truck from the beginning. Just for example, the revo has a full length 3mm alu chassis that is one solid piece, as opposed to the maxx that has weak connections between the chassis "dogears' to bulks to skidplat to chassis braces back to chassis. All the force of a front end crash goes into the bulks and the 3mm screws that tie them into the rest of the chassis. If the bulks don't break, all that force goes into lateral force that often shears the screws. If you now have alu bulks, you are left with bent, stripped and or sheared off screw holes. I could go on, but you know what i mean.

Brushless power is that good. Watch some vids if your not convinced. I will never run a brushed motor again.

If your married to 12 cells (even 14) you could go with a Felag/Bk wanderer 7xl or a 8xl for 12-16 cells. I have a 8xl on 14 and its very powerful. I also run a mamba max esc w/ a ubec and really like it. it has a 100A capability, so the 7xl might be a bit hot for it, but the 8xl draws around 85-90A, so its fine. The MM system is a 1/10 system, so the motors themselves are too small for a MT, the esc itself is a powerhouse tho.

The Quark 125 can handle upto 18 cells and 125A if you are thinking of going higher power than that later, but its nearly twice the price so... choose carefully if you are on a budget.

As far as ubecs go, theres not to much to it. Find one that matches the specs you need.

[Serum]

Why did you post two of the exact same threads with different names?

Please don't.

[neweuser]

LOL. Maybe he can merge those too?

[Serum]

Bytheway, the UE 8mm's can only be used in conjunction with the UE knuckles, which makes the project price go a bit up...

like i said, keep the front ones plastic and the rears solid, you have got some flex in the drivetrain. .

[monel_funkawitz]

Thanks everyone. I started this project awhile ago, but lost interest due to frustration. Revo vs maxx. nimh vs lipo. motor vs motor vs gearing... :035:

I'm probably going to stick to the maxx platform now because I have two of them and lots of parts. I'd love to get the G3 'Rillamaxx, but too much money for me.

Tonight I'm going to order a Wanderer 8xl and probably go with a 9920 or a Mamba. Quark if I get some more cash to spend.

How does that Novak GTX (I believe that is it) esc run? I never hear anyone talk about it. It has the clear plastic case on it, and runs brushed/brushless.

Also, is there really a difference from the Lehner 1950 series motors and the lower dollar Wanderers? Performance or quality wise?

[neweuser]

The LMT's are more efficient motors than the wanders'. Although they get the job done quite well.

[Serum]

while the Neu is a better value for the money.

[neweuser]

that is foresure!

[JThiessen]

How does that Novak GTX (I believe that is it) esc run?

Its for sensored brushless motors. Different league of motors. Apparently the new HV-Maxx runs pretty well, but not up to speed with a 7 or 8XL.

I like the idea of you using some 3.3 arms and center sliders. Stock emaxx centers will not hold up. The titans will twist those, let alone a brushless.

You're pretty much limited to an RRP slipper, as its about the only one still made. Mine is holding up so far.

Deans plugs or Andersons on all your batteries is a must.

I run a Fiego 10L in my Revo and I'm happy with it. It has enough power to make me a believer, and its not so fast that I need to worry my about temps. The Emaxx diffs have a different ratio than the Revos do, so when looking at gears, and what "we" run in the revos is going to be slightly different. I'm at 15/66 on my Revo - quite a bit different than what BrianG is running. I did not get a steel idler, as they have been out of stock for forever also. My tranny seems to be holding up so far (that may be one of those "upgrade later" items). You will likely want to order steel pinions from Mike when you order your motor (likely will be a 5mm shaft). Get several of them to try different ratios.

If you dont already have one, an infrared temperature sensor to check your temps.

Wheelie bar. Or a wing. You WILL need it.

They've covered the CVD's already.

[squeeforever]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

The Emaxx diffs have a different ratio than the Revos do, so when looking at gears, and what "we" run in the revos is going to be slightly different. I'm at 15/66 on my Revo - quite a bit different than what BrianG is running.

The Revo diffs and Maxx diffs have the same ratio...The tranny ratios are different.

[Serum]

i wasted the stock idler with 12 cells and the 7XL, that's why i don't put my money on the stock ilder anymore!

[neweuser]

I wasted the second gear in my girls truck a few weeks ago. Got the single speed and threw the steel idler in that baby and ZOOM ZOOM! No probs!

[Serum]

Did you ruined it with a stock idler or with a steel idler? The singlespeed takes away some stress from the gears as well. (less play, going from forward to brake and visa versa)

[neweuser]

I first trashed it with reg idlers, replaced the idlers with steel, then replaced the second gear...then stripped the second gear completely bald a second time, so went to single speed tranny. Never had luck with two speed tranny's with my BL stuff.