loaba

My 11 yr-old has a 20t brushed ECX Boost 2wd buggy. Car is a year old and has zero issues. Shocks are perhaps a little lacking, but the car seems fast enough.

Question 1 - Is it better to do little things like rebuild (or replace) the shocks and maybe run a LiPo battery (meaning I might need to replace the stock ESC as well), or should the car be shelved in favor of a "real" car?

Question 2 - Track costs being what they are and considering time restraints, I figure we can do 2 days of practice and one novice race per week (maybe stretch things out to every two weeks). With that in mind, again, is it worth it to upgrade?

Question 3 - Time and again, I hear people say 2wd short course is a good starting place (if not 4wd) - kid's been on this car for a year and he knows how squirley it is. If we do elect to upgrade, should I just keep him on 1:10 2wd buggies? I kind of think the answer is yes.

Thoughts and input highly welcomed - thanks in advance.


/ - I like short course, but the kid probably has his own ideas... funny that. :-)

RustyUs

First, go to the track, or call/email, and find out what classes are being run. If there is a novice class, start there.
[h=3]ECX Boost Racing - Practice Time on the Track[/h]

RustyUs

I wouldn't say you can't race a Boost, but you will need to upgade at least the motor and ESC and battery from stock. Maybe some adjustable turnbuckles of some sort for fine tuning. For the motor, you would have to know what classes are available. Something like 17.5 Spec Class motor? I know the track around my parts has practice during the week (for a price of course). This is where you can get a good idea (with the right tires) if the buggy can handle the track; clear the jumps. Putting some laps in will tell you whether or not you should go all out and upgrade the Boost .

loaba

They do race 17.5 spec at our track - so I'll need to price out a suitable motor and ESC. Suspension adjustments don't immediately worry me, I figure I can cross that bridge when/if he breaks something. As for the motor/ECS, I'd want to keep that right around $100.00. Think that's feasible?

loaba

http://www.horizonhobby.com/CSE01001...U3UaApHj8P8HAQ

Sidewinder ESC and a Castle 17.5 motor - I think this is very similar to the setup from the video. All for $120.00? I guess it's probably worth it... I certainly can't pick up a new car for that.

RustyUs

Check what classes are the "norm" at the track. I just check the Bumps and Jumps track were I used to race, and the only buggy class is Mod Buggy... If I showed up with a 17.5T motor, I'd be left in the dust, so to say.

Speed Passion combos on eBay can be an alternative for ya and they also have 17.5T combos. That first one in the link is pretty powerful and a upgrade to tranny will probably be needed.

loaba

Full Throttle generally races "open" buggy, 2wd "spec" buggy and modded 4wd buggy. As it was explained to me, standard "spec" is 17.5.

collector1231

My Feedback: (1)

I think you'd want to race spec. I would buy this motor and ESC. These are professional grade electronics on sale for an amazing price. I'd go for it!

loaba

Looks good and the price is nice indeed. Leaves room for a shock or tire/wheel combo upgrade too.

RustyUs

If the shocks don't leak (if they do leak...just rebuild them) and the caps stay on after hard landings, I would opt for the right set of tires over replacing the shocks.

Maybe check back in or update a thread with how you make out racing.

I'm routing for your 11 year old.

tmaxxtrucker

My Feedback: (7)

I race an ECX boost, I am running a Dynamite tazer system 4000kva $100, I use proline electron tires and wheels to fit an AEb4.1. Body is the clear unpainted stock body, shocks are the aluminum upgrade parts from horizon, axles are traxxas rustler axles. Adjustable links are traxxas bandit and rustler ljnks with traxxas erevo rod ends. car is fast and handles well. I run with the big money guys every other week.