Upgrading To New Engine
 

I have a Volcano SV made by Redcat Racing and from the factory it comes with a VX .18 engine. Its a decent running engine, Performs pretty good for the most part. I am interested in buying a new motor to put in this fun truck. I was just wondering if i would have to stick to a .18 engine or if i could go a little bigger than that without having to modify the chasis or body. Ive already figured out that i can use a back exhaust port so i dont think thats gonna be much of an issue. I was just kinda hoping somebody here has already done the same thing or had done alot of research. Im pretty new to the hobby so i have alot to learn and dont know exactly what to search for. Any help is greatly appreciated! :)

One last note: Ive been all over google all night and i cant find the specs for the VX .18 to compare to a potential upgrade. Anybody know where i might be able to find the right specs?

RE: Upgrading To New Engine
 

Im not sure where you can find the specs to you engine. They can probably tell you in the redcat forum on here though.

Id say the O.S. .18 cv-r would be a great engine for that truck. It will bolt right up to the stock exhaust system too. Or a 2.5 traxxas engine would also be a good upgrade that would make that thing scoot i bet[8D] Its only a .15 engine, but they are strong.

I had a 2.5r traxxas engine in my old t-maxx and it tuned good and had great power. I couldnt keep the front end of that t-maxx on the ground hardly:D So im sure it would be plenty in the lighter redcat. It is rear exhaust so you would have to get a different exhaust system.

Either of those engines would probably give you what you are looking for without tearing up the driveline. The next step up is a .21, and they use a larger engine mount, so that would require some extensive modification. If you are really wanting a lot of power and dont care if it tears up your driveline, look into an O.S. .18tz. They are mean engines. [8D]

Eric

RE: Upgrading To New Engine
 

Well as far as my driveline is concerned, Im not so concerned with it as much as other people might be. This truck is going to be a beater, Something i just try to have as much fun in as possible. Driveline parts dont seem to cost a great deal either so thats not biggie. I also ordered a direct-drive for this truck so that might help keep costs down a bit. Someone told me to try this motor: 5407 Traxxas TRX 3.3 IPS Shaft w/Recoil Do you think it would power better than the O.S. .18tz, the same or not as much? I dont want to do extensive work on the car so i would like to get the best with as little work as possible. lol I know about having to change a part here or there so it will all work together but when it comes to measurements for drilling new holes or cutting new slots, Thats where i dont want to go really. So once again, thanks for the help! :)

RE: Upgrading To New Engine
 

The .18tz should be more powerful than the traxxas 3.3, but the 3.3 traxxas is a strong motor also. The 3.3 will be a decent bit cheaper. O.S. engines are knows for great longevity though. The O.S. is rotary carb, which is what yours is stock. The 3.3 traxxas is a slide carb, so the linkage will have to be modified for the 3.3, and you will have to probably buy some linkage parts to make it work. Same with the 2.5 traxxas. The O.S. .18tz i think would drop right in other than swapping to rear exhaust. It would be crazy fast with the .18tz if the redcat will hold together:D

Eric

RE: Upgrading To New Engine
 

The O.S CVRX .18 will give you all the power you need. If you went to a larger engine ( other than the traxxas ones ) your gonna have to do a pretty good deal of modifying to fit a BB engine in a volcano. I know, I have the tsunami ultrawide and I've looked at other engines to upgrade to, and so far the CVRX is the one I'm mostly drawn to. The BB like .21s and .25s and larger are gonna require you to completely rearrange your entire drive train. Yes it can be done, but your gonna have to work for it. The O.S .18 CVRX should just drop in and offer more power than your stock drive train will probbably be able to handle. You will break dogbones much more often, and you'll definetly wear out your drive cups in no time and don't forget your diff gears. So, if your gonna be adding power to a volcano, make sure your ready to do the upgrades to the drive train to handle all that extra power. But it'll be fun working on it and fixing it too. So anyway that's my 2 cents.

RE: Upgrading To New Engine
 

Well from what ive heard from a few other people, If i went with the O.S. motor i would only have to mod the trottle linkage. The motor should mount up to the old holes on the chasis and everything. Its also proclaimed itself as the fastest small block .18 motor to date so hopefully it will be all the motor i need. I think this is the motor im going to buy, Now i just have to find the cheapest place to buy it from. lol