New nitro buyer questions.

[Cummins97]

I'm looking to get a monster 4x4. I'm pretty much set on the revo 3.3, is that a bad choice?

I'm a mechanic by trade so I love the build aspect of the nitro's. So therefore I'm thinking of buying a used truck so I can make it how I want it. I'm not looking to build the best truck right off the bat.

Where's the best place to get parts for the nitro's once I get one picked up?

 

[chickenman242]

I would say if the funds allow buy new, less hassles
As for buying the truck and parts try amain or tower hobbies

 

[hamz9561]

The Revo 3.3 was my first nitro. It's a great basher and is the best handling M/T on the market. I recommend trying to get the parts at a local hobby shop (lhs) that can also help answer any questions you might have in person. That being said, I tend to use Amain.com for a lot of my parts.

 

[Sixtysixdeuce]

I'm no Traxxas fan, but they did a pretty decent job with the Revo. Couple of weak OEM parts, but overall a pretty good bashing rig.

Having said that, there are quite a few MTs I would choose over a Revo for straight-up bashing. Brand new, my first pick would be the Associated MGT 8.0. Pretty much the biggest and baddest of the RTR trucks, more than twice the engine of the Revo (.21 vs. .50). Second choice is a tie between one of the Losi XXL class (LST XXL, Aftershock, Megabaja) or the Savage XL.

The only larger 1/8 MT is the CEN GST 7.7, but I was not at all impressed with the NX76 engine they use. There are .28s that would walk all over that .46.

The Revo is kind of a hybrid monster truck/truggy. It is smaller and lower than the above mentioned 1/8 scale trucks; not quite as tough or capable on really rough terrain, but more nimble on the track. Decent dual-purpose machine. Of course, it's not legal in any typical racing class.

New vs. used, well, it really depends on your aptitude, if you have anyone to show you the ropes, and if you don't mind spending some money figuring it out. Kind of a steep learning curve, but it is fun. Do remember, when buying a used nitro kit, treat it as a roller. 4 out of 5 used engines I've bought or had included with a vehicle purchase were toast.

 

[chickenman242]

Parts availability and ease of use revo hands down
I'm sure those other trucks mentioned are plenty capable but there is nowhere near the support that is offered for traxxas rigs

 

[Greywolf74]

Revo isnt a bad place to start but i wouldnt buy used. Not knowing RCs if you get one with some kinda transmission or driveline problem it can be very difficult to pinpoint the problem. I bought my first kit used and kit was a great kit except for one problem...several of the bearings in the transmission were seized or if not seized they were not spinning freely. Took me two months and about 8 spur gears to figure this out because the problem was manifesting itself in the form of stripped spur gears. Not knowing enough about the hobby and despite being somewhat mechanically inclined it still took me awhile to figure it out. Save yourself the possible trouble and just buy new IMO. I almost didnt stay in the hobby because that kit drove me nuts.

Either way though, Tower Hobbies, Amain Hobbies, and ebay are the main places I look online for stock replacement parts. Also your LHS if you need a quick fix.

 

[Sixtysixdeuce]

Parts availability and ease of use revo hands down
I'm sure those other trucks mentioned are plenty capable but there is nowhere near the support that is offered for traxxas rigs

That depends on your LHS, and if you even use them. I'm 30 miles from the nearest hobby shop, so it really doesn't matter to me if they stock an item or not, as it's far cheaper and easier to get it on Amazon or eBay. I damaged a couple things on my Prolite Sunday at the track, the replacements I ordered will be here before the weekend. Even if the LHS has them, I wouldn't burn 4 gallons of fuel and spend an hour and a half driving to pay 50% more for the parts.

Yes, most hobby shops seem to carry more Traxxas than anything else for surface vehicles. If that matters to you, factor it into your decision. But it's also not always the case; Of the three nearest shops here, one is primarily TRX and Losi, one HPI and Losi, and one AE almost exclusively.

 

[jose.28]

The 3.3 engine is quick but truth is you will spend more time tuning it then having fun.
Id stay with something with a big block.

 

[Sixtysixdeuce]

The 3.3 engine is quick but truth is you will spend more time tuning it then having fun.
Id stay with something with a big block.

TRX motors are actually pretty easy to tune. Like most other RTR engines from decent makers, they score about a 5-6 on the performance scale versus engines of the similar displacement, and like other RTR engines, they're fairly durable and hold a tune decently. As a rule, the more wound-up a motor is, the more finicky it will be. True of 1:1 scale gasoline engines and tiny nitro engines alike.

You want a tuning nightmare, try playing with a Picco P-Zero .06. Little screamers they are, but even a small change in temperature, altitude, humidity or barometric pressure plays merry hob on the tuning.

 

[Nitro Nerd]

Have you considered the Savage X 4.6? Additionally, as noted be very careful buying used--especially if you are new. Even if the seller *thinks* he maintained it correctly, he might not have.

Ask to see it, drive it, etc. Also, when the engine is off...turn the flywheel by hand and check the compression. An yes--Amain Hobbies will have everything you need. ;-)

 

[Cummins97]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm gonna go ahead and get the revo. The more I read, hear and think about it I'm just gonna go with a new one. Like you guys said its not worth the gamble to get a used one.

I honestly don't even know where my LHS is, if there is even one close. Guess I should research that too haha!

Are there any parts that I should keep a stock of that cause problems?

 

[jose.28]

Are there any parts that I should keep a stock of that cause problems?

Lol one of everything! No just kidding. If your a new driver you may want A Arms for sure.
Its kinda hard for me because I'm in no way ez on my rigs and i break the most random things.

 

[Cummins97]

Lol! I've been seeing rod ends seem to be a common problem? That true?

 

[Sixtysixdeuce]

Are there any parts that I should keep a stock of that cause problems?

Slider axles (upgrade them when they break)
Turnbuckles and rod ends
Suspension arms (again, upgrade-use RPM)
Body mount posts (a given with any kit)
Wheel bearings
A quality replacement servo (I like the Savox SC-0252 for the money)


Other than that, what you break will be pretty random.

 

[Cummins97]

Slider axles (upgrade them when they break)
Turnbuckles and rod ends
Suspension arms (again, upgrade-use RPM)
Body mount posts (a given with any kit)
Wheel bearings
A quality replacement servo (I like the Savox SC-0252 for the money)


Other than that, what you break will be pretty random.

Great, thanks for the list!

 

[chickenman242]

I haven't had a problem with rod ends personally but if you did rpm makes them
as for spares for start I would get a few spare plugs and airfilters would be worthwhile

 

[Cummins97]

I haven't had a problem with rod ends personally but if you did rpm makes them
as for spares for start I would get a few spare plugs and airfilters would be worthwhile

Good point chickenman! I was thinking plugs but I forgot about em, thanks!

 

[mike_inwood]

The revo is a great choice. I had a mgt 8.0 and personally like the revo better. But that's just my opinion. My wife has a e revo. She's not into fiddling with the nitro aspect of it. But to me that's the greatest part. I have three motors all new for the 3.3. The stock, a picco .26 and a JL . 28 max. Extra transmission, aluminum tranny case and some rrp idler and 1st gear. Ths 146h and a ths 146b pipes. But some good after run oil too. You can use wd-40 but I prefer the real deal. Also to aid in cleaning get some non-chlorinated brake cleaner. And also pick up some air filter oil.

 

[Cornholio]

I haven't had a problem with rod ends personally but if you did rpm makes them
as for spares for start I would get a few spare plugs and airfilters would be worthwhile

I haven't had an issue with them either. I agree on the spare plugs, air filter, after run oil and wheel bearings.

 

[hamz9561]

If you can afford it a good set of hex drivers is a good buy for your pit case. Shoe Goo is another good tool for quick fixes to bodies to keep in your tool box. A decent glow plug wrench is great, too.