HPI RS4 MT Conversion

[Monkey Wrench]

I'm mulling the idea of converting my HPI RS4 MT into a 2WD road rig. I'm assuming you basically just have to remove the center dogbone to the front diff, but I also believe it's not just that simple!

Would very much like to hear any suggestions on doing the conversion. Is it possible? What other changes/adjustments are suggested? What pitfalls should I be on the lookout for? Has anyone done this and regretted it later?

Just so you know, I've installed the optional 2-speed transmission in yet, although I have yet to get it to work right (still monkeying with it). I'd like to keep it for the conversion, if at all possible.

If you need other details, let me know.

Thanks!

 

[.21Rc10GT]

Why would you want to remove 4wd for on-road use? I would think it would handle better with 4wd... Most onroad cars had 4wd, and they are winning races like crazy...

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Thanks. That's the kind of insight I am looking for. I wasn't sure if by making it 2WD I gain some speed or not.

 

[racin_38]

been there with the mt ,and trust me the 2wd thing sux
it just spins and does awsume donuts but will not drive worth a damn keep the 4wd
and also what problems you having with the 2 speed ?
its been a while since i had mine but i may be able to lend a helping hand so to speak ,

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Racin: I can't get it to shift, no matter how much I adjust the grub screw. To be fair, I had the conversion kit for some time, opened it and began putting it together but set it aside and never got back to it until recently. I'm confident it's not missing any parts, but I could be wrong. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Plaidfish]

just drop the towers (custom low ones maybe?) and put shorter stiffer shocks on it...slam it as low as possible and you should be good to go.....unless those items are included in your kit......what kit are you reffering to anyway....

 

[kwong2001]

The conversion would be simple, just pull the right and left front dogbones, front differential, and center/front dogbone. Basically removing as much of the drivetrain components that power the front. Note: i'm sure there's a few more components that could be removed, but i'd have to to go through the assembly manual to figure all that out.

You'll need to re-gear the truck, mainly get the best top end gearing. Also, could look into getting different tires, 2wd and 4wd stadium truck i think run different front and rear tires.

 

[racin_38]

honestly sounds like you have the clutch that activates second gear in backwards
try taking it out and just turning it around and reinstall .
trust me not hard to do
i just did the same damn thing to my tmaxx and i could not figure out for the life of me why it wouldnt shift and that was the problem ,

1 more thing if you are going to convert it for sure ,try checking into hpi's rally car too for different diff gearing and the tires i know with the rs4 onroad i had i geared it for all around fun with 13/16 bell and 41/44 spurs,
if i wanted speed then i regeared to 13/20 bell and 37/44 spurs ,fast as all get out
but thats a onroad i can not remeber the 2 speed gearing i used on my mt ,i will try to remeber if i do i will let you know

 

[Monkey Wrench]

I'll give it a shot, Racin'. Thanks for the tip!