Project "Upgrade T-Maxx With Least $$$"

[X_Gamer7]

Hey, I just broke out my T-Maxx again from a long winter, and I have some extra spending cash to upgrade and enhance it. I am going to try and take the cheap way out, and try to make my money last a long time, while not skimping on performance. The goal in mind here is performance, not looks.
So far this is what I've bought
1) Wasp .18 Engine - $80.00
2) Dynamite Terra Crusher Inline Tuned Exhaust - $50.00
3) Dynamite Fuel Filter - $5.00
4) AE Monster GT Steering Servo - $22.00
5) Kimbrough Heavy Duty Servo Saver - $6.50
6) Traxxas Forward Only Conversion - $10.25
7) Kimbrough 64T 32P Spur Gear - $3.75
8) Aluminum Throttle/Brake Servo Mounts - Free

Total so far - $177.50

I do admit, I paid a bit mich for the exhaust and the engine is crap, but I bought it last year when I was just a stupid Freshman... I am going into my Junior year now, and I am much, smarter (I hope). Anyway, I got the servo mounts for free because my dad works at ford (CNC Operator). I am very greatful for this because $20 for that much aluminum is a complete rip-off. The Associated Monster GT Steering Servo was a steal for the price. If anyone was wondering, here are the specs:
Length: 1.59" (40mm)
Width: .79" (20mm)
Height: 1.42" (36mm)
Torque: 111 oz/in
Transit Time: 0.20 seconds at 60 degrees
The only place they sell them at is at Towerhobbies, and they are $61.99. I got mine on ebay for 1/3 that price, and if anyone is interested, he still has one left. I plan on doing a lot more things to improve the performance, from doubling up on the brake pads, strengthening the stock shocks with some big bore caps & trinity black springs, etc. I can't wait to see if all these enhancements hold up : ).
If you have anything to add, I am always open to suggestions. Just remember, I'm trying to keep this project on the downlow as far as cash goes
Later

 

[racin_38]

IMO dont go with all 8 blacks
try 4 at each corner and that may be still too stiff ,suspension will not give enough and you will constantly roll it
i used 8 trininty light blues and it works excellent
if you want to see it lemme know and shoot me a email and iwill send ya some pics ,

 

[4u2nv]

engine is crap,

The wasp 18 is a good mill. Well worth the money and is a nice upgrade from the 2.5.
Sounds like ya got a good start.

 

[.21Rc10GT]

From what i have heard, the wasp .18 is a pile of crap...

 

[racin_38]

i ahve heard that also ,but not from experience ,
i install the OS.18 cvrx and went buy misbehavin's how-to section and got it installed and it is totally awsume ,
well worth the 100 bucks

 

[X_Gamer7]

The blue's work better, eh? Alright, I guess my revised shock plan is to go with 8 blue springs. By the way, the OS .18cvrx looks so awesome. 2.3 some odd horsepower in .18 size is incredible. The Sirio .18 only puts out 1.9hp, and people complain about that being too much! Then you got the wasp....poor, poor wasp.... 1.35hp, side exhaust. I definitely cannot do a wheelie from a standstill, that is unless it is sitting on a 45 degree angle, haha. I guess it is an improvement from the trx.15 pro that I used to have. Yes, I had the old t-maxx, but I upgraded the arms and stuff to trx2.5 settings. So, now as soon as this one dies, you can bet your ass I am investing in a nice OS engine. And of course, when I do get the OS engine, I'm gonna install a nice 74T spur on there because I'm sure it will flip on it's lid with almost anything (perhaps it may be more controllable with 72 teeth though..)
later

 

[racin_38]

with my .18 i have a very hard time keeping the fronts on the ground it either spins and goes or wheelies and rolls itself over thank god ffor wheelie bars..lol
and if you want raw power try the 16t bell with the 72t spur ,helluva combo for lowend power ,

 

[4u2nv]

From what i have heard, the wasp .18 is a pile of crap...

Really? Thats weird. When I had my maxx, and was doing a engine upgrade, this was one of the best mills to get.(this was like a year or so ago) I know Olds had one in his max, and I think he liked it. I got one, but shipped it back because I did a big block conversion instead.. So I dont know off hand personally, but I've always heard good things. Honestly these comments are the 1st neg's I've heard.. :shrug:

 

[.21Rc10GT]

By the way, the OS .18cvrx looks so awesome. 2.3 some odd horsepower in .18 size is incredible. The Sirio .18 only puts out 1.9hp, and people complain about that being too much!

Well, it isnt the CVR that makes that power... It is the OS TZ.. they are about $180... The cvr puts out about 1.3hp or so...

 

[wdavidhicks]

As far as springs go I had blacks in the back and half black/blue in the front. It's extended and relatively heavy. It's a good bashing setup but it was still kinda squirrelly over the bumps because the shocks didn't articulate very well.

Good luck on the project!

 

[Tarant]

I use RPM 2 stage pistons, and 45 wt oil, with one black and one stock red per tire. it works awsome great for my style of bashing and racing

 

[X_Gamer7]

UPDATE
I just bought this charger, and I just realized it said Ni-Cad... Will it be able to charge a regular 6v reciever pack?

 

[BrowneR]

I just use a standard 7.2v race pack charger for my 6v NIMH (2400mah) pack. Works fine as long as you use trickle charge overnight rather than the fast charge. The output on the charger you have bought should work fine also (mine is 180mah and so 100mah should be easily ok). Just make sure you dont overcharge the pack.