NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
11-08-2005, 05:07 PM
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NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
I have a very nice little RS4, which unfortunatley happens to be a nitro. I'm thining about getting into the indoor carpet racing, and I need a a car for it. So I can either trade or sell my RS4, or I can convert it to electric power. Anyone done this? Or know where I need to start? I've been 100% ST and MT so far, and all traxxas models until this car happened upon me for a very low price.
(I posted this in the electric side also, to see if they have any views on it)
(I posted this in the electric side also, to see if they have any views on it)
11-08-2005, 08:14 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
Yes. Ive seen seen rides like brushless Revo's and such. You pretty much have to add an ESC, a moter, battery holder, and a tranny/motor plate. I dont have a lot of HPI experieince, so I thought I'd ask around about the conversion and if there are know kits for it.
11-08-2005, 09:30 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
Yeah, they're sweet. I'm thinking of trying that with mine also. But my immediate need is to figure out what to do with this car.
11-08-2005, 09:49 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
converting to electric would probably be a bad idea..these have an aluminium chassis? ... most electric cars have carbon fibre or somehting similar so weight will be a big issue if u convert it to electric.
I suggest you sell this car, and buy an electric car.
conversion costs won;t be worth it - and you'll just get beaten by having a really heavy car.
I suggest you sell this car, and buy an electric car.
conversion costs won;t be worth it - and you'll just get beaten by having a really heavy car.
11-08-2005, 09:54 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
So the carbon fiber is a heavier material? I didnt realize that. But...maybe it would be better that way so my bad driving isnt so obvious!
11-08-2005, 10:21 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
no, I'm saying the current chassis you have (alluminium) will be much heavier than most other electrics which have crabon fibre ect.
11-09-2005, 10:41 AM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
very nice little RS4, which unfortunatley happens to be a nitro
Unless you can figure out a way to adapt an electric motor to work with the two speed transmission. That would be very, very cool. All you would really need is a adapter to fit two pinions and an ajdustable mount to get the right mesh.
11-09-2005, 01:26 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
you would have to modify the engine quite a bit though...Do you know how small that thing is? It is really small....I doubt a clutch would fit and most likely it wouldnt produce the results of a nitro 2 speed. sides whats the point? electric acclerates fast enough and brushless has some nice top end as well. 2 speeds are ment to give the nitro car good accel with the first gear pinion sets and beater top end with the second sets. Cause we all know 1 speed nitros cant be both they can only be one or the other.
all the way with selling it....
all the way with selling it....
11-10-2005, 10:38 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
the reason why electrics don't need two gears is because of their flat torque curve over most of the their operating range. while nitro's hit peak torque just shy of where they hit peak hp (very high RPMs) the brushless will allow for peak torque from very low rpm. so you can eliminate the 2 speed for all intends and purposes.
as to how to convert it? should be relatively simple. instead of the two speed, removed the second gear. fabricate a engine mount to bolt the brushless on so that the pinion is directly on first spur gear. the toughest thing is finding the right gear.
personally, i think, while easy, it won't be competitive with other carpet racers. carpet racers are not only graphite chassis (as others have mentioned) but their entire setup is simplified to suit the smooth surface. this means that they don't have to be so robust and can be just that much lighter.
so if you want to just have fun, it would be interesting to do the conversion. if you are really going to race, get another car!!!
as to how to convert it? should be relatively simple. instead of the two speed, removed the second gear. fabricate a engine mount to bolt the brushless on so that the pinion is directly on first spur gear. the toughest thing is finding the right gear.
personally, i think, while easy, it won't be competitive with other carpet racers. carpet racers are not only graphite chassis (as others have mentioned) but their entire setup is simplified to suit the smooth surface. this means that they don't have to be so robust and can be just that much lighter.
so if you want to just have fun, it would be interesting to do the conversion. if you are really going to race, get another car!!!
11-11-2005, 06:34 AM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
I've seen a thread here on rcu about the rs4 nitro to electric the person actually did it so if you search im sure you will find it
05-11-2010, 08:55 PM
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RE: NItro to electric conversion: HPI RS4
I was searching for info on this subject as I am doing an electric conversion. Not sure if you went through with it or not but here's mine which is almost complete:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_91...tm.htm#9727400
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_91...tm.htm#9727400
