Mostly stock brushless MGT - RC-Monster Forums

cart213 · **Mostly stock brushless MGT -** 10.14.2007, 02:45 PM

Last Christmas I got an MGT. It was my first nitro, but I never really got into the whole nitro thing. So I finally got around to converting it to brushless. My goal was to keep it as stock as possible, in case I ever decided to put an engine in it again. I think I succeeded, because the only chassis modifications were the four holes I drilled in the mud guards for the gorillamax straps. Everything else is stock, minus the engine, tank, and rollbar. I used the engine mount holes for the motor mount, so the whole mount slides to adjust gear mesh.

Since I kept the mechanical brakes, I decided to go with a boat controller to keep the cost down. I bought a CC Barracuda 125, which has a 6s, 125A rating. So far, it has worked beautifully with my Neu 1512/2.5D. Zero cogging and no overheating on the motor or controller so far. The motor hasn't gotten over 140F, and the controller has peaked at 125F. I'm using 3 A123 2s2p packs (6s2p total), and my gearing is 52/16.

I've kept the 2-speed, reverse, and receiver pack, so the beast weighs a ton (14.5 pounds!), but it's just a basher, so I don't mind the weight. The 1512 still has enough power to flip the MGT on it's lid if I peg the throttle, even with the Swami bar I installed (which is made for Stampedes and Rustlers). The wheelie bar works great if I'm easy on the throttle, though. And I love the 2-speed. Listening to it shift sounds really cool, and that noise stands out with no engine noise to compete with.

Using my GPS, it has hit 44 mph, which is plenty fast for such a big, heavy truck. Anyway, here's some pictures of my setup.

jnev · 10.14.2007, 03:25 PM

Great conversion!! How is the Barracuda ESC working out for you?

suicideneil · 10.14.2007, 04:51 PM

Looks great. Would be nice if you could lay down that 2s pack, but space is a premium around the tranny as I can see, so whatever works is ideal.

cart213 · 10.14.2007, 07:15 PM

Yeah, it's impossible to lay down that pack due to lack of space.

I LOVE the Barracuda so far. It's a great option if you're using mechanical brakes, because it doesn't have any brakes, just forward/reverse. It doesn't have as many features as a Mamba Max, but it a genuine 6s controller, and that counts for a lot. Plus, it's cheaper than a Quark or MGM. Here's it's options:

1. reverse lockout
2. reverse throttle amount
3. cutoff voltage
4. timing advance
5. start power

jnev · 10.14.2007, 11:44 PM

Those are enough options for me since I only bash.

Do you need to use a PisTix (sp.??) adapter in order to use the car radio system?

cart213 · 10.15.2007, 12:47 AM

I guess not, since I don't even know what that is.

suicideneil · 10.15.2007, 11:59 AM

Its a little device that plugs in between the rx and esc, and does something magical to the radio signal from the pistol transmitter so that the esc can understand its commands (that esc is normally used in a boat/plane with a thumb-stick transmitter).

savagehaley14 · 10.15.2007, 07:56 PM

how much did you pay for the motor

10.15.2007, 11:04 PM

If you're talking about that 1512 2.5d, I think that's one of the motors that Mike stocks and he sells it for $240.

cart213 · 10.15.2007, 11:27 PM

Yep, I bought it from Mike, along with the pinion and gorillamax straps.

Superbasher · 10.16.2007, 03:56 PM

Awesome , there seems to be loads of conversions on this forum - I'd do one but i don't trust myself with a dremel

cart213 · 10.16.2007, 05:42 PM

Luckily for me, I don't need a dremel, or a hacksaw for that matter. I'm a manager at work, and part of my responsiblities is to oversee a machine shop. I've got access to a lathe, a mill, a grinder, a drill press, and a band saw. Lots of fun toys!

Unfortunately, I'm not supposed to use them for non-work purposes, so I can only slip in things like motor mounts every once in a while.