Jorako

New to nitro R/C and had a question on the EZ start system. If it's replaced with a pull start, what other parts would be needed? I heard mention once of a "Glow Plug Igniter", but not sure if thats needed. Also, being as the engine is new, the pull cord would be installed before break in. Is this reccomened? I just dont want to spend all that money on the battery pack and charger.. better spent on tires and fuel, I'd rather just rip a cord. Thanks.

CarGuy7a

Yep you'll need a glo ignitor. You can find them cheap. I've got a Tower hobbies brand AA glo ignitor for like $10.

It won't hurt a thing converting it to pullstart right off the bat. IMO I wish they would only offer pull start or roto start on traxxas vehicles. Just like you said having to buy batteries and chargers is a pain. Plus it's one more freakin battery you have to charge.

As long as you are decent at tuning you shouldn't have a problem with a pull start.

Go for it. Pull the EZ start and sell it and the wand on Ebay while it's still new.

Jorako

Awesome, thanks for the reply. Also, based on your experience, how long does a set of batteries in the car and the Radio Controller last? IE: 2-3 tanks of fuel, or a whole day.. Trying to decide if i need a DC inverter for those long days bashing at the park.

CarGuy7a

Well the batteries in my Transmitter usually last a pretty good time. Usually around six tanks. Just check it frequently while you are running. When the batteries get low the red light on the TQ's will blink.

As far as the reciever batteries mine usually last about 4 to 6 tanks.

The best thing I would recomend is a failsafe unit like the duratrax micro failsafe. It's a direct plug in failsafe that helps prevent run aways and dangerously low reciever batteries and prevents a runaway due to radio signal loss.

The good thing about it is when your batteries get really low it will apply the brakes to the value you set it to and hold the brakes until you change the batteries.

Here's a link to the failsafe. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHLV3&P=ML

For batteries I use these they are rechargeable but you'll need a peak charger and battery holder to charge on the peak charger. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFE07&P=MLhttp://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLZJ9&P=7or you can use any rechargeable alkaline or NIMH such as rayovaks that you can find at like WalMart. You'll also need the rayovak charger. It'll save you money in the long run using rechargeables instead of throw away alkalines.

I would say get at least 3 sets of 4 AA's for the reciever and 8 for the transmitter. As long as you have them all charged up and ready to go bashing you should be Golden.

quietnas1

Great advise from carguy. He covered all the bases.

Jorako

Indeed, Thanks for all the advice CarGuy, looks like a trip to my LHS is in order for some of these. Hopefully, i can give them the business.

Jorako

Well I'm a little disappointed. I went down the the LHS this morning for some odds's and ends, and had to walk out w/o purchasing anything. First off i am big in supporting local buisness, but in a situation like this, (and economy to boot) i had to order online. I went down to pruchase a extra glow plug, and ignitor, glow wrench, fuel filter, thread locker, tire glue, and some after run oil. The prices on the left are that of the LHS, and the right, my online retailer.

Glow plug (std traxxas)
$8.49 LHS        $4.69 TH

Glow Ignitor (obviously diff)
$34.99 LHS    $9.99 TH

Glow Wrench
$4.49 LHS     $2.00 TH

Fuel Filter (Great planes 4150)
$6.99  LHS    $3.29 TH

Tire glue (Duratrax)
$5.49 LHS       $3.99 TH

Threadlocker (Duratrax)
$3.99 LHS       $2.99 TH

Afterrun Oil (Blue Block)
$13.99 LHS    $4.99 A


Guess i will be shopping online from now on []

dittch

I checked tower and if you're going to pullstart just to save money, you might want to see this:

Cost for Pullstart Conversion ($30):
pullstart ($17): http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJL95&P=Z
glow ignitor ($13):http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLN89&P=7

Cost for EZStart Accessories ($23):
battery ($10): http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJA83&P=7
charger($13):http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJC33&P=7
my brother has been using the tower battery and charger with his truck for over a year with no problems

CarGuy7a

That's true, but if he sells the EZ start system he could break even or if he's lucky enough he could come out ahead a few bucks.

CarGuy7a

I hear you on that one. My LHS hardly ever has anything I need for Traxxas vehicles except the fuel I run and Glow plugs. Well I say glow plugs but they did even have TRX brand glow plugs I had to get McCoy plugs which I actually liked better than the TRX ones they lasted almost 3 times longer than TRX plugs. As far as parts, I'm better off shopping for my Electric Rustler parts I need at the local PepBoys than trying to find them at my LHS.

I order almost 99% of my stuff online. By the time I drive to a good LHS in Cincinnati, the cost of Gas, I'm better off making a decent order from Tower and pay the $8 shipping.

dittch

Ah, you do have a point there. I didn't consider the resale of the EZ start. That would definitely help.