Savage X restoration.

[easy rider]

I just bought a savage x a couple weeks ago. In the process of converting all the Phillips head screws over to hex bolts. Already ran into a problem. Was putting on big bore shocks and stripped the lower shock mount bolt.


Anyways, here’s what I got and still saving to complete it. I’ve got a roll cage, engine, wheelie bar, big bore shocks, fluky gt2 receiver plus transmitter, and a bolts package from Jenny’s RC. I need a motor mount, brake pad kit, and exhaust and header,

Hopefully have it running by Christmas. One thing I’m certain of is savage x parts are a lot more expensive than tmaxx parts.

In the process of removing the bottom an arm so I can drill out the bolt I hack sawed off.

 

[easy rider]

So, I have changed out one side of bolts and all the bottom. I found the set of an arms were already together and just needed installed. That made changing those bolts to hex heads far easier. So, I’m going to complete it tomorrow. I need to go through the diffs anyway.


I messed up one hole and drilled it out to accept the big socket head bolt. Other than that I didn’t have an issue matching up a bolt from the Jenny bolt kit.

I got the big bores on it too. Running 30 weight in the front and back.

Here’s how it sets.

 

[easy rider]

The things you do when you are needing parts and got no money to buy them.


I was thinking about the 3 mm socket head I put in the one chassis hole. I liked the idea of it being a 3mm socket bolt. So, I changed all the chassis bolts to bolts made of 1294 alloy.

Extremely strong. Well machined too. Every chassis bolt now contains a hardened bolt with a socket head. There are none smaller than a 2.5 mm bolt head. Most are 3. I love that. A lot harder to strip and they just look cool.


Tomorrow, every structural bolt will have been changed to a mm head. I’m just going to swap out the old arms for the new set. All bolts are metric headed in the new set.

Then the wait for more parts.

 

[easy rider]

Parts are trickling in. Received a new servo. I’m replacing the stock steering one. I replaced the throttle one already. Brake pad kit came in. Going to order the exhaust and such Friday.

I’m putting the aluminum pipe on it.

I plan to run this truck. So, I’m not going to put it together just to get it running. No short cuts. Build it and run it.

I’m getting pumped!!!

 

[easy rider]

I received the exhaust, manifold, and power switch wired for a hump pack. When trying to install the motor I realized the pinion on it must not be stock. Since it wouldn’t mess anywhere close to proper with the 17 tooth clutch bell. I removed it and found it’s a 49 tooth pinion instead of a 47. So, I ordered a 47. It came today. I was giddy. Already planning on getting it broke in tomorrow.


However, When I was installing it I came to realize the older x models had a different slipper clutch setup then the newer models. Not sure when hpi changed it but, I could not find schematics online of the setup this truck had in it. The problem is the new pinion will not tighten down with the older slipper system. It just free spins not engaging the transmission when I bottom out the spring.

So, instead of ordering a new slipper setup, I bought a slipper eliminator kit. I like the idea of not having to fool with slipper clutches. Plus, it was cheaper then going with the updated slipper setup n

It’s supposed to be here next weekend. And, as far as I can tell, it’s the only thing I’m waiting on in order to complete this thing and getting it running.

Hoping to get it here and installed and broken in so my nephews can drive it over Christmas.

 

[easy rider]

I finally got everything in. And put together. I had a bit of modifying I had to do. The slipper clutch eliminator required the motor mount slots to be filed a bit deeper. So, the clutch bell would clear the metal spur that came with the eliminator kit once tightened down.


I wired the exhaust to to the holder. The wire needs to be heavier gauge but, this is all I got right now. And, it works. I’m happy with the gas tank. I put some fuel tubing under it and used the washers that came with the new tank. It’s rock solid.

The only thing left to do is set the linkage tomorrow evening. Then I’ll break it in and yell 3 SPEED BABY!!!!!!

 

[easy rider]

Welp, I broke the pull start. I knew better then to do this with a motor this big. I almost always use the engines automatic starter during break in.

I did everything right. It hit a couple times. Acted just like a new engine does. So, I’m ordering a starter wand next payday. I did order the proper backplate. So, it’s going to be a couple weeks.


I’ll put a pull start back on it after a gallon or so.

 

[easy rider]

Roto start had to wait. I found a deal on Amazon for master basher 20%. I like the fuel. 3 gallons worth. At $10/quart pricing. So, I cured my need for fuel getting these savages up and running.

I’m pretty pumped.

 

[easy rider]

Welp, I’ve pondered this for about a month. And decided to do it.

I’m going to build this into an xl. It’s got the 3 speed already. Now it’s got a big motor to go with it!!!!

I bought this on Christmas Day. It arrived today. I’m pretty pumped. Got everything in to complete it except the tvp’s. Plan on fixing that come Friday.

This motor is beautiful. I hope it runs as good as it looks. I bought this on a hunch. It’s supposed to be a torque monster. That will run high rpm’s. It’s listed as 38,000! Don’t know if that’s true or not. But, I liked the idea of a motor that is strong on torque with a lot of top end. Time will tell.

I saw previously on you tube the motor wouldn’t fit due to the large pull start housing. But, the rotostart back plate is about 3/8” thinner. It’s going to fit nicely.

 

[easy rider]

Well, it’s been a bit but dang it, these savages are expensive to work on.

So, in the pic is every thing I’ve bought to convert this savage x into a savage xl. Except an aluminum servo post and horn to replace the stock plastic one. It’s just one of those parts that needs to be tight and still remains fluid in its action. Instead of snugging right up to to tight with the stock plastic one.

I’ve misplaced that one. I think it’s in my parts tote.

Anyways, there is close to $300 of parts there. I put $275 in the rolling chassis. Which I now believe was a ss kit. It’s got hardened diffs too. And, it’s got a 3 speed tranny. All of which is put on any savage when the stock ones wear out.


It’s a good truck. Solid. I’ve been through it all except the tranny. It does have the 3 speed plumbing though. But, it wasn’t cheap. On top of buying a x 4.6 that I have put some live too and now have a dynamite ride.


I’m going to put it together tomorrow. Try to get an idle tank with heat gun to get it to 215 or so for a couple minutes. I got one more break in tank for the x 4.6 as well. It’s going to be a fun spring.

 

[easy rider]

Also, I’ve got some erevo 2.0 10mm extended hubs that should come tomorrow. Going to run some Traxxas sledge wheels and tires. Should help get more top end out of that torqy motor. M

And, a roto start and roto start hobao back plate. So, this truck has gotten expensive. I ain’t complaining. Just certain these two trucks are all the savages I plan on fooling with.

 

[easy rider]

I decided I need to assess which I was going run before I spend one more dollar trying to get these sledge tires going. They look better but, I’m done buying wheel kits and trying to piece one together.

So, it’s going to be the ARRMA big rock fires. It’s the one on the front. The backflips are in the back. Got an old gen 1 body shell. Probably going to go metallic grey and black trim. All high gloss. I’m going to take my time and do it up nice as I can.

 

[easy rider]

Couple things. I got zero talent in painting an rc car. I suck. Bad. I sick at cutting it out. I suck at painting it. It just never turns out like the pic in my mind I dream up.


Second and a good thing is it’s coming along. Saturday I intend to install the linkage. Electronics. And get the tires on it. Still waiting on a revo tank kit. Going to run it instead of the hpi tank. And, I’ve bought a roll cage I’m going to put on it. That won’t stop breaking it in but, I suspect I’ll be next week on the tank kit.

Here’s how it has progressed and how it sets now.

 

[Crazybajabuild]

nice man its looking great. your giving me some motivation lol

 

[easy rider]

It’s getting close!!! Just waiting on the tank adapters!!!!

 

[Crazybajabuild]

anxious to see how you like this engine. theres not much for engines right now with the pullstart. i used to buy lrp but looks like theyre out of stock.

 

[easy rider]

Yep. It’s the only reason I bought it. Couldn’t find anything else except unknowns off of AliExpress and temu. Didn’t see the sense in dropping the same money and likely getting something besides what I was trying to buy.

I hope this engine does well. Time will tell. I received the revo adaptor yesterday. It’s all together. Waiting on a day warmer then 9 degrees with a 25 mph wind to start break in.

 

[easy rider]

It’s finished. Just got to get the time to break it in.


I like the revo tank adaptor. I like this truck without the wheel extensions. That might come in time. But, as long as this thing handles decent, I doubt it. Looks weird to me with anything but the terra pin tires and wheels. If I get the extensions, I’m going run that tire.

Everything come together nice. Looking forward to getting some fuel through it. I did remove all those stickers and went back with revo decals. If I’d known the window stickers were grey, I’d never painted the truck that color.


I’ll get a video up once I get it broke in and tuned right.

 

[easy rider]

It’s alive!!!! I couldn’t help it. I had to fire it up. I always do if I’ve never started it before I ever leave the house for break in. Now I don’t have to do it the day I’m trying get it somewhere to break it in.

It fired really quick. Died after a second. I hit it again and it fired right up. It ran for about 5 seconds and died. It’s ready to get running and broke in!!!!!!

This thing sounds mean with that dynamite pipe.

 

[easy rider]

Welp, I got to start breaking in today. I’m a couple tanks from tuning it right and letting it run. I got three and a half through it now.


My impressions of the motor are good. It has incredible It’s very sensitive to adjustment. Reminds me of ann OS carb. And, Even a long ways from tuned it has a ton of power. Any of you xl guys want a wheelie machine, this motor is your best bet.

The power is really hard to believe. I never got it into third but it breaks loose or wheelies when hitting 2.

I’ll get a video of it this weekend Lord willing.