Project updates will be posted on the thread as comments so we can try to keep this a "linear timeline" BBS conversation.....

We thought about a 1/10 scale Jammin XRT.5 stadium truck chassis, but as we intend to race and there isn't a class for that we went all out with a 1/8 scale buggy. (Editors note, I feel this 1/8 scale buggy brushless conversion racing head to head against Nitros to be the most excting thing going in RC racing, and predict this summer will see LOTS of RC media attention).

See the 1/8 scale buggy and truggy results here for our local peer group, which have been mucho helpful as we asked a thousand questions during our project design, parts selection and test track phases. THANK YOU GUYS.

http://www.rcproductdesigns.com/washtenaw_track.htm


The project: Pick up a mint condition used Jammin X1CR, sans unneeded Nitro engine for a small fraction of retail. Then select and pick up some odds and ends spare parts for motor mount and battery tray. Start working on a plan for battery, speed control, motor, other control devices, cooling engineering, and "additional" ancillary equipment.

Choices to be made RE motive power: Since we already have a pair of 7.4 volt 4000 mah MaxAmp LiPos, we plan to run them in series for 14.8 volts and 4000 ma. The ideal motor seems to be the NEU but they also seem to be hard to come by, so we're starting out with a Feigao 540 7XL. Most folks we know are running the Castle Mamba Max (MM), but since we already have a Traxxas VXL it might be fun to use it if it will work, the primary concern being the "Over voltage" feature crapping us to "failsafe" mode. With the 3 cell LiPo rating of the VXL giving us 11.1 volts and the spec rating of 200 amps the VXL should have wattage handling capability of 2220 watts. If we can run @ 14.4 volts, the Feigao runs at 95 amps max, which would only tax the VXL to 1368 watts which it might seem we have some power handling breathing room.

With the rumored Castle Mamba Monster Max (MMM) on the horizon it would seem pointless to spend the money now for a current MM if the VXL will do the job.

The folks on the track seem to run with the MM ESC now with some success but they also do have to manage heat carefully with little room to spare. They also prefer to run the NEU motor rumored to run more efficiently than the Feigao (4 poles vs 2 poles).

Some cooling engineering with heat sinks and fans of course needing to be part of the master plan.

Numerous trade Mags have done "reviews" of prototype set ups, one even including wood parts!

Numerous vendors are selling various conversion parts at various price points, some ESC / motor vendors are selling "systems" although this market seems to be underdeveloped and in its infancy.

I'm most impressed with the engineering and proving ground efforts of www.RCProductDesigns.com although many others have also worked on developing this new frontier.

Anyone care to discuss the various pros and cons of the various motor options in this higher power range?

Experience at pushing the Traxxas VXL to higher performance ranges? Other ESC options?

Experience with running multiple fans and devices with a BEC?

Gearing experience with various size and surface characteristic tracks?

Experience with various LiPo sizes working for the duration of various time length mains?

Experience with optimal steering servos for the heavier vehicle?

Other racing issues such as ROAR sanctioned or exhibition events?

Links:

www.RCProductDesigns.com *

See RC Driver January 2008 edition, "Projects" (not available on line). http://www.rcdriver.com

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_69...tm.htm#6987110

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=953

*Not affiliated with RC Product Designs (other than occasional customer)


Pictures / performance testing as the project develops.......


(Spell check and minor sentence structure edits as follow up)