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my first savage

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T

thebenman28

RC Newbie
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Location
Burlington WI
RC Driving Style
  1. Bashing
Hi everyone!! So the Savage X that I got on eBay finally arrived, and being my first non traxxas truck, I have two questions right off the bat. First off, I'm planning on switching the motor, so I'm not worried about this, but for future reference, how can I tell the difference between the 4.1 and 4.6 engines? The Guy who sold it to me swears up and down that its a 4.6. I'm doubting him and think its a 4.1. I see no marks on the engine other than the HPI logo. I tried Google searching it only to find conflicting answers. I'm planning on changing this truck into a two wheel drive streetrod, built for get up and go on the blacktop. I am looking at the Axial .32 engine, based on recommendations from two different hobby stores. What are your opinions for a good motor to drop in this thing?? Any help is appreciated, as I only have traxxas small block experience.:hehe:
 
My 4.6 is black with a purple head. Post a picture of yours, it will help. Also, check your diffs, if they are plastic casings, toss them, either get the metal casing diffs for the X4.6. or get the bulletproof diffs. Make sure you shim them properly.
 
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I Put in the AXIAL .32 rr-1 and let me tell you, Boy does she ever **** off now!!!!! The only downside to them are some carbs seem to be a biatch to tune. I must've gotten lucky as mine is holding for now. Do your research and pick what is best for you and your budget. Post some pics of her when she's done, we'd love to see it
 
I certainly will. I just got it put back togeather this morning, took the engine apart and cleaned it because the Guy I got it from apparently drove it on the beach in Florida....the engine was full of sand. Planning on finally firing it up right after work in the morning. Do all savages use Phillips head hardware? I'm looking at the axial. 32 engines, the force 5.9, or maybe just an hpi 5.9. I got plenty of time to decide, as this is a project to last all winter and be ready to rock at the first signs of spring.:)
 
thebenman28 said:
Thanx for the info, I was right, its a 4.1. Now just gotta decide which aftermarket motor I want.....:D
Click to expand...

Tbh, getting a bigger engine will just be a waste of money, you dont need the extra power and besides, 4.1 to a 4.6 wont do much, if your gonna upgrade, upgrade to the meat-eater K5.9 engine! thats what I would do :)
 
I'm turning this thing into a two wheel drive streetrod. I'm 90 percent sure I'm goin with the associated (LRP) ZR .30x comp. I've seen very few bad reviews about it and the vids I've seen of it in a savage are pretty impressive. I'm going to the ihobby expo in Chicago today, planning on scoping it all out there as well.:D
 
I have to disagree that going bigger than a 4.1 is a waste. There is actually a pretty discernible difference in power between the 4.1 and 4.6 engines. The LRP .30 is a very good choice for engines. I have one in my Savage, great engine tons of power and quite easy to tune. However it is a bit picky on pipes. I was using a JP-4 and the engine would not run for crap. I switched to a JP-2 and it was night and day difference. I then went to a custom side bleed by Extreme RC Mods and have not fully tested it with that yet. I have had 4 LRP engines and they were all great powerhouses. However one problem with your choice...you will have to get the pull-start version. You can't get a starter box to the flywheel on a Savage so you would not be able to use the comp the truggy version. I would also steer clear of both the 5.9 engine and the Axials as well. Both have quality control isssues and become hard to tune after a couple gallons. This is from personal experience not second hand info too. Another really good choice is the Picco P3 .28, one heck of an engine and very well made. Has the best quality parts. I figure that will be my next engine I throw in something.
 
Very good to know about the pipe, what are using for a header? I plan on getting a spin start adaptor made by Sullivan products. Already found it on tower hobbies :D
 
I an using the header from a Ofna Mutilator since it is a custom pipe. My .30 really liked the JP-2 though. It is a top end pipe so it has some good high flow. The other pipes were too restrictive and cause the engine to run hot. I am pretty curious what spin start adapter you are going to be using...you have a link to the product? The pipe I am currently using is here. ERCM.
221T-side-bleed-polished.webp
 
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Yes that should fit the pullstart version but the version you were referring to was a bumpstart engine. In that case it has no one way bearing (OWB). You can ask for a second opinion but you are not going to be happy when you get the flat bumpstart back plate and have no-where to hook up the Tiger drive. I just don't want you to spend $200 to find out you can't use it.
 
An engine that is setup for bump start cannot easily be changed to ANY type of starting that works from The rear of the engine,whether its pull.start or rotostart. This is because of the design of the crankshaft itself.
 
So if I just make sure to order the pullstart version of the engine, I should be fine? Anything else I need to look out for before ordering one of these to bolt into my savage?
 
If you get the pullstart you should be good. I looked up the Sullivan reference and the S704 starter was for the pullstart version. You could make the X Comp work but it would take more parts...not sure but maybe a new crank and a $30+ new backplate. To be safe I would go with the pullstart version. I left it on mine, I am not sure if it has ever taken more than 3-4 pulls to start. I am really happy with mine.
 
My problem is I'm just not used to a rotostart, or pullstart. I got very spoiled with the traxxas ez start on my revo, but I'm sure once I get used to a spin or pull start, it will be fine. Maybe....
 

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