Noah Way

Running Slash 4x4's with 3S LIPOs (35C) on a large grass track. Temperature ramps up quickly, and we've fried more than one motor and ESC.

What I'm looking for is a reliable setup to replace the VXL system that will run fast and cool on 3S. After looking at all the motor and ESC options available, I am more confused than ever.

540 or 550?
Novak Havoc Pro SC Brushless ESC/Ballistic 550 Motor Combo 4.5T? (made for the Slash, available June)
Novak Ballistic 550 5.5T?
Castle Creations Mamba Max Pro 1/10 Scale Brushless Car Package (4600kV)?
Mix and match controllers?

All comments greatly appreciated - thanks.

strtzpmp

well if you have the money...which i dont and want a good system i would choose the xerun 150+xerun 2200KV combo...more than enough power, run up to 6s, low temps and is the most durable/strongest esc people are using with little to no complaints....i have fried 5 Escs and 3 motors, all different brands...the best running esc ive had was the xerun 80a...not upgrading to the 150a for a little more insurance and more options. The motor will push the slash like a 572 supercharged will a mini cooper, BUT the temps will not melt ice cream, so its a all over best IMHO Combo for the slash 4x4

pics of my 80a xerun and the ezrun 3665sl motor...motor is dead...which is common for this model...i would get a Castle/Neu or Xerun motors.bhavent tried novak or tekin or other brand motors besides the vxl 3500 and the ezrun 3665sl

Dialed_In

You've got to keep that grass cut short as the Slash 4x4 only has 2.5 of ground clearance if I remember correctly. Grass will create drag that stresses your system. The Castle 4600 motor will run hotter than the VXL motor so scratch it off your list. This was suggested to me when I bought my 1/8 buggy and it may work in your situation. http://www.hobbypartz.com/07e-c-combo-m1a.html

If you want even better then have a look at the Castle Creations 1/8 Mamba Monster setups. They should work with optional Traxxas parts such as a heavy duty motor mount, ESC mount and larger slipper. The Monster systems will run you about $217 if your a TowerHobbies SuperSaver member and use their coupon codes. Here is what it looks like installed. http://www.traxxas.com/products/elec...#/portfolio-11

You still need to check your temps often and experiment with gearing. You'll also need to make sure you have no binding and make sure you tranny runs smoothly. Also, if you don't already have one then you need to get a temp gun and keep your temps well under what is recommended. Once you overheat a brushless motor then it's game over.

Hopefully others will chime in here if not check out the official traxxas 4x4 thread and have a read or post their if you like. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9157149/tm.htm

Edit: Probably the minimum you can run with the Mamba Monster systems is 3s lipo. One of them (the 2200kv) prefers 4s - 6s lipos. The 2650kv motor runs up to 4s lipos.

strtzpmp

but then you have to worry about the magic smoke....

Noah Way

Been trying to do power calcs to balance the system.

35C 6500 mAh battery  = 227.5 Amps = 3024 watts

Novak Havoc 3S ESC, rated 120A continuous @ 11.1V
120A x 11.1V = 1332 watts

Novak Ballistic 550 4.5T rated 890 watts
890W  / 11.1V = 80 Amps

The motor draw will likely far exceed 890 watts, and the peak amperage of the Havoc ESC must be considerably higher than 120A. Yet based on specs as printed this seems to work.

The VXL 3S is rated at 200A / 320A peak and the Velineon 3500 is rated 65A / 100A peak. The Traxxas ESCs seem to be rated ridiculously high - nearly on par with Mamba Monster - considering their failure rate.