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New engine.....Epic vs. Fantom.....

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chrisexv6

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  1. Bashing
Looking to replace the 2.5 in my 'Maxx, but I'm stuck between these two engines.

Any opinions either way would be cool.

I've heard a couple people mention possible issues with the Fantom carbs and the needles coming loose, but on the other hand if I got the Epic Id need to get a side exhaust header which I dont have right now. They both end up the same price either way, so money isnt an issue. Basically I'm looking for power and reliability (go figure, two opposites :) ). I know the Fantom is rated for more power, but I've read a lot of stuff saying that the Epic may be underrated.

Thanks in advance!!
-Chris
 
I can only speak to the Fantom engines. I have been running a Fantom .15FR in my T-Maxx for the last couple of years. It is now ready for a rebuild. Never had a problem with the carb. Broke the pull start a time or two (operator error...pulled to hard a couple of times).

If you are going to get a Fantom, go for the .18. They are drop in replacements and a world apart from their .15 brethren.

BTW, when you say you are stuck between two engines it would be good if you posted the actual engines. I know Fantom has a few that would work in the T-Maxx. I am sure Epic is the same way. If you want better answers, be more specific in your post.
 
Oops, my bad!!

Thanks for the info though. Its between the Fantom FR 18
(here: https://www.ssl-stormerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/seekpart.pl?pn=FAN01024)

and the Epic Big Bore 18

(here: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXERB7&P=0)

I'm only un sure because I've read a lot of stuff saying how much power the Epic has down low. Not that the Fantom doesn't have the same power, its just that every Fantom vs. Epic thread I've seen seems to get taken over by Epic fans. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I'm not even sure what gen 'Maxx they were talking about (like I said, the Epic needs a side exhaust header, only has a pull start, and you have to chop the crank. The Fantom requires no such mods). The Epic seems to be the best choice if you are upgrading a Pro-15 Maxx, and the Fantom seems to be the best choice for a 2.5 Maxx. But since I'm mainly planning on bashing, I want more low-end power (granted, I can get that from any engine with different clutch/spur combos). And I find the 85.00 "professional rebuild" from Fantom to be almost unbeatable.

Maybe I just made up my own mind :)

-Chris
 
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Sure sounds like it to me.
 
One of the things I really enjoy about the Fantom's is that they pack quite a bit of punch from an unexpected engine. A lot of people don't give them half a chance. There is great power and technology that has gone into them. Can't say much about their pull starts, again most likely my fault as pointed out by the master pull start rebuilder. Newayz they do in fact offer cheep rebuilds and are over alll a great motor. I definately recommend them.
 
Originally posted by newnitrofan
... again most likely my fault as pointed out by the master pull start rebuilder. ...
Click to expand...

I never said it was your fault. I just said that it could be over pulled in response to someone not believing there was such an issue.
 
Hey, If I were you i would get the Fantom for the T-Maxx. Just a few reasons because Epic is a new company and there not the easiest to tune. Fantom carbs stick to a tune and they run forever! I would definatly get the Fantom .15 or the new .18 for the maxx. Either way you wont go wrong. If you go on Fantoms website they have whats called "Buyer Comments". I was looking through them and i was seeing nothing but good ones. One was a guy that said the Fantom .15 powered his Maxx 2.5 to 50 mph. No Lie! So I would look more into the Fantom over the Epic. Later man And Good luck with your search. -Colton :ball:
 
Originally posted by SkyMaxx


I never said it was your fault. I just said that it could be over pulled in response to someone not believing there was such an issue.
Click to expand...

LOL no worries sky. The first one Couldn't possibly be my fault as I only took off the pullstart to look at the back plate and it just came unsprung. The second one will very well be my fault. I know you weren't blaming me brutha it's all good. I didn't post that in this thread to say that at all. Newayz back on topic I still say Fantom. They offer cheep rebuilds compared to other motors. I can get a piston and sleeve for my engines for $40.00
 

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