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Best engine for Savage 25 RTR

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BlueRidge1

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Hello,

I'm going to be receiving a Savage 25 RTR in a few days. I'm looking for the best engine hop-up value. I realize the engine that comes with it is no slacker, but it sounds as if the typical picco .26 is still faster.

As a result, I am interested in the Picco or even the WASP - which looks to be the same engine. I have a few questions, is the Picco/Wasp hard to tune? My only experience with hard to tune engines (my opinion only) is the 2.5 on the Tmaxx. If it is as touchy as this motor, I'm not sure I would want it. Also, do the roto starts work with these engines? Finally, any other engines worth looking at?

I looked at Tower last night and the WASP .26 was around 150 bucks. Not a bad deal if they are everything I hear that they are.

Thanks,

BlueRidge1
 
From what i hear tuning takes a little time but its worth it the engines put out nice power low and top end not sure about the roto but i think it works but if your willing to spend the money get the sirio 27 :hehe: its got 3.1 hp 41,000 rpms and 11 ports

But if i were you i would use the stocker first..... or sell it....
 
I just looked at the Sirio 27. It looks to be a fine engine. I know that my buddie's T runs well with the Sirio .18. Plus, it seems relatively easy to tune. I would have to guess that this is the all out, radical motor to buy. With 3 kids and a mortgage, I will opt for the better value - which still appears to be a WASP/PICCO .26 - unless of course, no rotostart and/or just horrible tuning.

And yes, if I do get the Pico .26, I will opt to auction the new .25 and come in with a WASP/PICO at around 50-70 bucks extra - seems like a good starting place performance/value-wise.

Hopefully this combo will fullfill the need for speed after driving electric stampedes and minivans the last 3 yrs!
 
i can honestly say that now that i'm getting my picco 26 tuned the way it should be, this engine is way too much for casual driving around the house/sandpit. tuning is a nightmare, but once you finally get it figured out, it's a pure beast. but then you have to deal w/the power and the torque, front wheels popping off the ground, it seems that mine spends more time on its back than it does on its wheels. don't get me wrong, i've done some tuning to the suspension to minimize the wheelies but regardless, you get this thing in the dirt, you spend more time spinning your wheels and flipping it on its back than you do driving. by all means i'm not saying not to get one. they are a beast of a power plant, but i think i'd be more happy w/a hyper8 port. or an hpi .25. and keep in mind i got my savage weighing more than most w/all the after mkt parts. and still can't keep it on the ground w/out burning slippers. just a litte something to think about.


and yes the rotostart will fit. you just need to put a 6x12mm bearing as a spacer between the back plate and the shaft.
 
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Honestly...you should just stick with the motor it came with it... the S-25 is good enough... only reason I got a WASP 26 is because I got my savage used.. Tuning is hell on these motors but my LHS told me that OFNA is coming out with the new carb for the Outlaw/Wasp 26 that would be perfect for these engine.. i too have problems keeping all 4 on the ground... flipping the truck is easy with a stock chasis...

as for the roto... the one way bearing is internal... when you do take of the pull start there is a spring in there.. what you need to do is get a hex wheel nut from a 1/10 car and use it as a spacer and put the spring back in the roto start plate... DON'T LOOSE THAT SPRING...
 
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I'd like to thank everyone for their input. Since it sounds like the tuning stage is a bear AND I'm a mostly a Nitro Newbie, I will opt to stick with the stock 25. Glad to hear the rotostart can be made to work. I may entertain the picco/WASP motor in a year or so.

Looking forward to getting this truck!
 
Yes, I agree with anyone who says to stick with the stock 25. I can't see much of a gain switching to a 26. It's already hella-fast!
 
BlueRidge,
The .25 is pretty fast. If you want to “upgrade” the engine, there is a guy I know that modifies engines for a living. He started way back in the day with motorcycle engines. He said the first thing he did after he got his first nitro was the rip the engine apart. Today, he’s been racing and modifying engines for over 5 years. He started by doing engines for people around here locally. Then he stepped up and started his own website:

http://www.ebmods.com

He now supports himself by moding engines for a living. The other day he was in there moding a huge 10cc heli engine for a “tether” car (from Washington I think).

When I get my Savage SS or 25, I’m going to have him “upgrade” the engine first thing. (not a bad deal for $40).

-Rob
 
Rob,

Thanks for the link. This may be a great option after I get used to the power of the .25. From the sounds of things, a newbie like me doesn't need any more than the stock .25 for getting started.
 

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