Brushless Motor Selection for XB8EC

[VintageMA]

I've been reading through the threads on the 1/8 buggies, and I'm still not sure what would be the best choice for my XB8EC conversion.

I just finished the build and I put in a Hacker B50-8L motor (3019kv) on 4S. Before anyone says anything - I know the motor is too hot to really be run on 4S - but that's what I have at the moment to test out the build and tweaking.

Current tested setup:
Ring/crown gear = 12/40 (stock 3.33 ratio)
Pinion/spur gear = 13/48
Battery = Maxamps 4S 5000mAh
Motor = Hacker B50-8L (3019kv, 0.0067 Ohms)
ESC = Castle MM
Peak Current = 98Amps
Peak Watts = 1148
Calculated top speed using R/C Calculator = 42mph

Now granted it is 20 degrees today in the northeast, but I took it out to a huge parking lot for it's first test run. Reason I love XRAY - my god this thing is sooooo SMOOOOOTH!!!!!

The heat on the motor wasn't bad (no temp gun) warm to touch but I also have the new LRP heat sink with fan attached to it. The ESC was definitely hot to the touch, but there was no vent holes cut in the shell yet.

Now I need to find a motor that is more appropriate for the setup and I have a few questions:

1 - Does everyone here feel that Hacker motors are better than or equivalent to the Fieagos? Are they worth their cost or for just a little more is it worth going to a LMT/Neu?

2 - Is a L can motor okay to power a 1/8 buggy? Or should I be looking at a XL can?

3 - With the same gearing and same voltage would L can and a XL can motor with the same KV rating draw the same power under load? (ie: 12L = 2013kv and 8XL 1973 kv)

4 Is it really possible on 4S to have a 1/8 buggy that is really fast and yet effcient at the same time?

4 - For now I am going to keep using the MM esc with 4S. Maybe when the MMM come out I wil upgrade to 5S packs, but no more. So my current thought is to get one of the new LMT motors with the forced air cooling a 1940/7 Hi-Amp (2239kv) with a 5mm shaft. How does this sound?

I've calculated that a 1940/7 with 4S will just about hit 40mph.

Or if I want something that is a little more compatible with both 4S and 5S something closer to 2000kv seems to be the sweet spot. Considering that would I have a more efficient cooler running choice going to a 1950/6 (2090kv) or a 1940/8 (1959kv)?

Ya see - that's were I start to get confused. I am running a 1930/6 on 3S in my CRT.5 and it is a beautiful combination. The XB8EC s considerably mor heavy so I don't know if the jump should be t a 1940 size or a1950 size motor.

Sorry for the long rambling - please help, my head is spinning.....

[VintageMA]

So - with the new release of the MM firmware, looks like the Neus might become an open option as well.

Which do you guys think would be better on 4S for a 1/8 buggy?

Neu 1512 2.5d - 2000kv
Neu 1515 1y - 2200kv

[jhautz]

Hey... glad to hear that there is another Xray fan out there. I just did an Xray XB8EC a few months ago and I love it. Huge upgrade from the CEN I was running, but the CEN is still the ultimate bulletproff buggy IMO (with the exception of the wing mount).

Anyway. Choosing between those 2 motors kinda depends on what you are going to be doing with it. For a basher and high speed run buggy go for the 1515/1Y its brutal fun power. For a track buggy I would go with the 1512/2.5d It will be more than enough power and give you longer run times.

As for your other questions...

1) I actually run the Hacker 10xl on 5s in my basher buggy and it runs smooth, powerfull, and cool. The Hackers are a giant upgrade to the Feigao based motors. I wouldnt quite put them into the class of a Neu or Lehner though, but for sure an excellent motor. If you can find one for a reasonable deal I say jump on it, but for full price Id spend the extra couple bucks and get a Neu or Lehner. You still need to run the RCM heatsink/motor clamp on the Hacker B50 series. Not because of the heat, but because the endbells can pop like a feigao.

2)yes you can run a buggy on an L can motor, but with those lower end motors you are better off with the XL for heat reasons IMO.

3) With the same KV and same voltage the L can would draw less power than an XL, but it will produce less power too so you could get faster speeds and better acceleration from the XL by gearing up.

4)Yes. Pick an efficient motor and gear it properly.

4) (yes 4 again) I'd skip the new LMT forced air mdel motors for a buggy. Itll just suck the dirt into the motor. Thoso are designed for airpalnes and Helis IMO. The standard can LMT will do you just fine.

A 1940/7 on 4s will easily run your buggy to 40mph. I runn a savage on that motor and can take a 12 lb savage over 40 on 4s with 20mph wheelie power to spare.

I have run my 1/8 buggy on a 1030/10 on 5s and it totally ripped. Its all a matter of gearing it properly. A 1940 should be planty of motor for a buggy and a 1950 is excess,but in a good way

Just get one of the Neus now that the MM appears to be able to run them better.

[bdebde]

Stick with the 1512 for a buggy; either the 2.5D (2000KV) or even the 2D (2600KV). I run a Lehner 1930/8 (2613KV)in my buggy for racing, geared for a little under 40MPH. I use a 1940/7 (2239KV) for bashing/speedruns as the 1930 can get a bit warm when throwing bigger gears at it. But for racing, I prefer the smaller motor as it weighs less, uses less power, and accelerates like nobodies business (spools up fast!).

[VintageMA]

Thanks guys - when I was e-mailing with Mike regarding battery trays his recommendation was also the 1512/2.5D. Taking into account motor weight, kv and gearing I think that will be my best choice as well for 4S now for some good fun and maybe 5S to throw at it down the road for some wicked fun.

Since I am running the 48T spur, it opens up a slightly wider range of gearing than the stock 46T.

Jeff - I knew the day would arrive where I would regret selling that 1950/7 you picked up from me. ;) Also - good point regarding dust and the air cooling on the LMT

[VintageMA]

Just a quick pick right now in case your curious.