KM Baja VS HPI 5B

[jhautz]

Maybe the HPI servo mount....? Just an idea. i really dont know cuz I dont have either car myself.

And the knock off drama begins.

[OldGuy]

You are right about the drama! LOL...........But everyone said the parts were an EXACT match for the HPI! Apparently not......LOL

So who knows a link to buy HPI parts.....not upgrades mind you, just parts.

Thanks again.

[Unsullied_Spy]

Originally Posted by OldGuy

You are right about the drama! LOL...........But everyone said the parts were an EXACT match for the HPI! Apparently not......LOL

So who knows a link to buy HPI parts.....not upgrades mind you, just parts.

Thanks again.

davesmotors.com, teamgonads.com, mmrlargescale.co.uk, etc. are all good dealers.

Would you rather buy an RC-Monster motor mount and support him or get a cheap knock-off to save a few bucks?

I have never owned a KM Baja so I have no idea if they're any good or not, but I am glad I supported HPI and bought the real deal rather than outsource to some company in China looking to make a quick buck by making a cheap imitation of someone else's idea. The HPI Baja is so far the TOUGHEST and MOST FUN RTR RC I have ever owned. I love brushless, but gassers are truly an experience. When you look at the big picture they aren't really all that expensive compared to a 1/8th (buying charger, lipos, ESC, motor, etc. costs a lot) and they are so much more fun and can run all day if you so desire.

[OldGuy]

Well, you are correct Spy, the gasser seems to be a GAS...pun intended. I really don't want to get into the whole moral issue of clones VS HPI because at this time it is a moot point. I opted for the clone so I could at least try out this hobby and see if it suits me. All help greatly appreciated.

Best regards

[Unsullied_Spy]

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Well, you are correct Spy, the gasser seems to be a GAS...pun intended. I really don't want to get into the whole moral issue of clones VS HPI because at this time it is a moot point. I opted for the clone so I could at least try out this hobby and see if it suits me. All help greatly appreciated.

Best regards

If your clone Baja didn't come with a tuned pipe, GET ONE! GBE pipes are the best, but they're expensive. I have a used rear dom that I'll let go cheap, needs the pipe bracket bent back into shape but it's a good pipe.

When the tires go out, Hostile makes the best. I have the big, blocky Nightmares on mine and it hooks up great in the loose stuff and not too bad on dirt.

If it has a plastic diff case, get an aluminum one or your diff will rip itself apart really fast. I upgraded from the plastic one to the HPI Baja SS diff ($26 IIRC) and it has held up great so far.

Clutch shoes last a long time, but if you get a better CB carrier and a CB that is machined more true they last even longer. If you can afford a Turtle Racing HD Clutch system your clutch shoes should last a very long time and will be sealed from sand and dirt.

Out of the box you'll probably want a TGN Redneck pre-filter and Outterwears filters on the air filter and over the pull start cover but they're really good right out of the box.

I run 88 octane in mine but that's at 5,500 ft. elevation, not sure how that will work at lower elevations. I run Motul full synthetic 2 stroke oil at 25:1 and have got 3.5-4 gallons on this piston ring and it's still going strong.

I would start an account with HPIBajaForum, great wealth of knowledge over there. DO NOT post pictures of your Baja until it is customized a bit though, the people over there can spot a fake a mile away and they all take offense to them.

[OldGuy]

HEY SPY Thanks for all the great information. I really need to upgrade the steering servo. I have bought a Futaba S 3306 in which I plan to put metal gears. Do you happen to know if this will this work in the Baja?

Best regards,

[scarletboa]

Originally Posted by OldGuy

HEY SPY Thanks for all the great information. I really need to upgrade the steering servo. I have bought a Futaba S 3306 in which I plan to put metal gears. Do you happen to know if this will this work in the Baja?

Best regards,

you will have to dremel the stock servo mount a little. my km baja stripped the stock servo after a small bump into a sidewalk. i got the Hitec ~$70 metal geared servo and LOOSENED THE SERVO SAVER and it runs like a champ. (except for the fact that my baja has collected dust for 6 months due to destroying my diff by doing wheelies using speed bumps, WOT, and the tuned pipe)

[OldGuy]

Originally Posted by scarletboa

LOOSENED THE SERVO SAVER and it runs like a champ.

When ya get a chance, please explain this procedure...........Thanks!!

[scarletboa]

Originally Posted by OldGuy

When ya get a chance, please explain this procedure...........Thanks!!

in the steering assembly, you will see a little spring. there is a little thing you can turn to loosen or tighten the spring. most of them are way too tight from the factory.

[Unsullied_Spy]

Originally Posted by OldGuy

HEY SPY Thanks for all the great information. I really need to upgrade the steering servo. I have bought a Futaba S 3306 in which I plan to put metal gears. Do you happen to know if this will this work in the Baja?

Best regards,

If that is a large scale servo, give it a shot. The Multiplex Digital Rhino is the most popular upgrade for the Baja from what I've seen. Good speed, torque, and great holding power.

[OldGuy]

Thank you one and all for all the help. I installed the Futaba servo and have metal gears on order. The Buggy seems to be running just fine. Would never have been able to get her going without your help THANKS! Here's a video of the Buggy without body panels which I am still painting.

[Unsullied_Spy]

Sweet! Large scalers RULE, once you go big you don't go back.

[OldGuy]

Thanks for all your help gentleman. The Baja is painted and the steering servo is fixed!