This is an intriguing topic and I decided to pick up a used XTM X-Terminator to try this out on. So... for $80 for the buggy I picked one up and picked up about $25 in parts to get it running smoothly. Lot's of fun (I've never owned a 1/8 buggy before). It's SOLID and carries some decent weight. Man this thing screams and works REALLY well. I have a 1/10th scale from many moons ago (Losi XXX-NT) and that's a lot of fun too.

Anyway, the pics below describe what I did to convert my 1/8 nitro buggy to brushless. I ordered an 11T hardened pinion (MOD1) from RC-Monster. I'll order larger sizes as I learn more. The aluminum for the motor mount was from the "hobby" pile at the local metal supply company (0.25 per piece - what a deal!).

[hr]
(update)
Here's the chassis after removing the nitro-engine related components:




Here are the "nitro parts" that got removed... time to put these on Craigslist San Diego Btw, in the background you can just see the electric scooter that I've "upgraded" to 36v @ 20AH & 750W. I'm adding a beastly relay to it this evening. My daughter and I burn rubber on that thing! [:-]


Servo tray cut apart to remove the excess metal since I'm not going to use the standard braking system (we'll see if this is a good idea or not since braking via the motor will definitely add to the work/heat it will have to deal with. Also shown are all of the parts of the brake assembly.



Now that I've gotten that all out of the way, I remounted the center diff.


[hr]
Okay, now we get to the really fun parts!

Let's start with the 38mm x 42mm piece of pre-cut aluminum that I picked up at the local metal supply company...



Threading aluminum is "interesting". With the previous motor mount I broke the same tap ~twice~ until I learned to have patience and tap this differently than ferrous/harder metals.


Even though you can't tell from the pic, the threads are excellent!


I'm using an existing motor that I had from a T-Rex 600 (1620kVm). I know, not many kVm, but it didn't cost me a penny, so I'll test with this for starters. It will definitely be slow... even at 22v


New mounting holes. I'll countersink later - remember, this is a proof-of-concept for myself...



Everything fits well and gear mesh (backlash) is exactly as measured!





Esc mount sizing and finished product



rx mount layout and finished look




So, here it is... I'll be running 4 batts for 4200mAh and 22.2v



Next and final step, pick up an ESC that can handle 22.2v (for my 6S2P) 100A continuous and peak over 12A.

Any observations, comments and suggestions are appreciated. By the way, this project cost me 1 hour and about $18 (for the pinion and the 4 aluminum "hobby" pieces.

I'll follow up after I get the ESC and install it. From there I'll work on the gearing and final motor selection.

Jeff