Sky wants a buggy...

[SkyMaxx]

Yes, that's right...Mr Monster Truck or nothing has seen the light (so to speak) and is very interested in getting a buggy. The problem is which one? I know...perform a search. Well, bite your tongue...I already have. I've been researching buggies for almost a month. All roads lead back to the Mugen MBX-5. The problem is that all I have heard leads towards it being a great racer, and I am not a racer.

I have the money. What I need is information. I can get an MBX-5 at my LHS for a reasonable price. I can get most any engine and pipe I want, also.

So here are my questions:

1. To Mugen or not to Mugen? Persuade me, otherwise hold your tongue.

2. Engine...looking at the Picco .26 Outlaw. Any other bright ideas? I want huge power so I can fly this thing.

3. Exhaust...haven't a clue. I must say that the set up I saw on Flyin's looked nice.

4. Everyone I've talked with says get a starter box...I'd like to stick with the pull start. Any differences of opinion or suggestions welcome.

5. I want to bash the crap out of this thing...tell me what I need to make it worthy of the SkyMaxx offroad flying program.

6. Any ideas on shoes are also welcome.

I know a lot of questions for someone who did the research. The bottom line is I value this site's opinions and want to hear from you guys before I go and drop some coin on a new flying machine. Thanks for your time and input.

 

[Nitroaddict]

sky - here are my recommendations based upon what i have seen.

Buggy - I would tell u to go with the kyosho. do some research as to what the kanai comes with, ,as i am unsure. if the extras are more for strength, and not just for handling and looks, upgrade, ,otherwise stick with the 7.5 model. I have seen Chris;s 7.5 do some pretty incredible things and keep on going.

Engine - Sincec u want a pullstart, i will pass the RZ model. The picco .26 was going to be my choicee before i got the OS deal. Everything i read about it made it a great choice. However, also look at the Orion .26 as it is the EXACT same engine, only less money.

Pipe - Find out whatever pipe RobH was using at the bash and buy it. not only did it have plenty of power, , but it was nice n quite, and looked to built better than a tank.

Reagarding the Mugen - i have yet to read anything bad about it, and it seems to be a great buggy, but i personally havnt driven it, nor do i know anyone that has, so i can't make an honest recommendation. hope some of this helps.

 

[HumboldtBlazer]

Good choice on the Mugen. I am pretty sure ther is a good deal on one right now in the 4-sale section. Buggies rock welcome aboard.

 

[mcvickj]

The only two that I have personally seen in action were Chris's 7.5 and Rob's Lightning Pro. Both took one heck of a beating at the bash. However Chris did manage to break an A arm while Rob's looked indestructible. (Sorry Chris I just had to get that in here. )

Just curious why do you want to shy away from the starter box? The difference between a pull starter and a starter box is huge. Rob's engine seems to be the exception to the rule. His Hyper 8 port started up on the first pull 90% of the time. I was very impressed.

If I remember correctly Rob has a THS Off-Road Racing pipe installed in his Lightning Pro.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Kyosho Inferno MP 7.5, Mugen MBX-5 and all other versions of the two if looking to save or spend more money.

McVick - Thanks! Werent you there to see why it broke? lol Now RobH will NEVER tell us when he breaks something lmao

 

[mcvickj]

Oh yeah....I won't be able to forget that jump for some time.

 

[SkyMaxx]

Thanks for the feedback fellas.

I'm trying to steer clear of the starter box, because it is just one more item to have to lug out to the field when I want to play. I have had great luck with pull starts...even when I break them, I manage a quality field repair that keeps me running.

So that was a THS pipe? That's what I thought. Does it come with the header and that sweet looking connection between the two?

So the Inferno MP 7.5 is a decent ride? I think I recall coming across it in my search. I think I had it as number three or four behind a couple (Lightning Pro and another...but I threw away the list when I kind of settled on the MBX-5).

Never quite got around to the Kanai buggies. Everyone kind of made them sound too rich for my blood...so I left them out of the hunt. Tonight I'll take a look see.

Again, thanks for the info.

 

[Team 17]

Personally I want the MBX-5. But I never seen one in action, only read about it. On The other hand the kyosho 7.5 lives up to the expectations of what u want out of a buggy. Especially the kanai version.

 

[uDi_MP7.5]

If racing is not in your plans, stick with the 7.5. Don't get me wrong, I think the X5 is a sweet-as kit, but I wouldn't get one unless all I was doing was racing.
Durability wise, the Kyosho buggies still take the gold. The Kanai2 version can be had from $550 upwards depending on where you shop (hong kong is the place to buy, unless you want to pay 700ish in US), and is as close as you can currently get to indesctructable.

If you can't afford a KE2, then a regular or KE1 contain most of the same gear, but you might have to upgrade a few things to KE2 spec to get up to that indestructable stage.

Engine - RB C5 if you got the money.
Pipe - any 086 or 063, get the stongest one you can find, preferably hard-coated not polished, the polished ones crush like plastic (I know first hand..:depress: )

 

[1meathead]

I think this is the pipe Rob has? http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCPX0&P=K

 

[FlyinRazorback]

Can't go wrong with either the 7.5 or MBX5. If you got the dough, spend it on one of these 2. I have a MBX5 and I love it. It has held up well on the track, as well as the other guys running the buggy. I can't offer you any insight on hardcore bashing, but we have been racing these for a couple of months and so far only one a-arm has broken on one of the guys car. And several of us have taken some licks with it. If you've ever seen a 10 eight scales on the track at once you would know what I'm talking about. I am partial to the x5 but you can't go wrong with either buggy.

I would reconsider getting a starter box. They make life easy. Just bump it on there and you're off and running. One thing to consider, if you want the MBX-5 you will have to do some modification because the engine mounts are low, which makes it very difficult if not impossible to mount an engine with a pull start. Remember, it's primary purpose is to race and everything on the buggy is all about low CG.

The only engines I am familiar with are the .21's since anything bigger than that is illegal to race (ROAR rules). RB WS7 II or C5 and Novarossi P5's are strong engines. The Sirio engine is strong if you get a good one. I like my OS v01b but it has been discontinued and replaced with the VZB which from what I have read seems to be just a bit better thant the v01b. I don't want to recommend it though since I have not ran it myself. If you want to get really crazy, check out the JP modified engines or something like a Medial Pro M2K. However, all of these engines are bump-start engines.

I would purchase the engine first, and then buy a pipe. Not all pipes work well with all engines and some pipes are made specifically for certain engines (i.e. the OS T-2050 is made for the V01b).

Shoes? Talking about clutch shoes or tires? If you want a good all around tire try a set of Proline Mugshots. They should work well in grass, mud, dirt, construction sites, etc.

 

[mcvickj]

Sky - Here is the post from Rob about his THS pipe. It looks like the same one that meathead posted a link to.

Originally posted by FlyinRazorback
One thing to consider, if you want the MBX-5 you will have to do some modification because the engine mounts are low, which makes it very difficult if not impossible to mount an engine with a pull start. Remember, it's primary purpose is to race and everything on the buggy is all about low CG.

Flyin - Couldn't you just buy a different engine mount to accommodate a pull start? Or is there not enuff clearance in the rear for it?

 

[uDi_MP7.5]

With the 7.5, you can install any compact-pullstart engine straight away (with the stock mounts). With the X5 you can't... and there have never been any PS mounts available I don't think, so you either gotta mod or make your own. Or simply not run a pullstart. Like Flyin said, these things are made for track-only use, its just that a large percentage of buggy buyers either primarily bash or bash alongside racing.

about engines..
I run a V01B too, and it is a great engine, but imo it lacks a little on topend, which is really something you want bags of when bashing and launching the big ones. The C5/086 combo, along with a 3shoe aluminium clutch w/1.1 springs..... will give you more than enough power under the trigger. (A sirio buggy 21 should put out similarly, but personally for the same cash i'd go w/C5)

Those 26's etc might not make so much on topend? that's my thinking. I'd stick to 21's. These are buggies, not trucks... so you don't need so much lowend to get things rolling, and those topend revs can't be beat for bashin.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

The V01B has plenty of nuts to go around. I still have to feather my throttle on the mid and it just plain GOES! I agree on the bump box. Its a must have. ESPECIALLY for break-in! Seems like a lot to carry around, but when you dont stall, the only time you need it is for initial startup. And of coarse when you run out of nitro.....

And I'm the one here who probably bashes his STOCK MP 7.5 the hardest. Honestly. The abuse I put this thing through is wayyyyyy beyond what I can put ANY of my other rides through. TMaxx, Savage, XXX-NT, and my TC3. And its only a stock inferno. I'm talking 50 foot launches and cartwheels galore! And to date, just one busted A-Arm which was rightfully so! At least that gave instead of the front of my chassis!

I run the Rossi pipe on mine, while expensive, is probably the only pipe I will ever need on there.

 

[SkyMaxx]

Please tell me that one-liner was relevant to something. Otherwise I might get to exercise my very first moderator privelege by removing it.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

I'm certain he was referring to my babble..... lol

 

[SkyMaxx]

But Chris, I liked what you had to say.

I've checked into it. The Kanai Edition II is a nice buggy (actually a very nice buggy), but it is a bit too rich for my blood and usage. $750 out of the box without, engine, exhaust, electronics and wheels. Built for racing, but strong enough for bashing. I like it; don't get me wrong, but I am not dropping that kind of coin for a buggy.

Yes, I know the MBX-5 is only $200 cheaper, but I can get an engine and pipe for that much.

So, it looks like the MBX-5 for me. Everyone seems to want me to steer clear of engines bigger than .21 and thinks that the starter box is the way to go. I'll have to give that some thought.

Thanks for all the input. Any other issues you guys can think of for this first time buggy buyer/runner?

Thanks.

 

[FlyinRazorback]

Originally posted by SkyMaxx

So, it looks like the MBX-5 for me. Everyone seems to want me to steer clear of engines bigger than .21 and thinks that the starte box is the way to go. I'll have to give that some thought.

Thanks for all the input. Any other issues you guys can think of for this first time buggy buyer/runner?

Thanks.

Remember, the X5 engine mounts probably won't allow you to put a pullstart engine on it.

 

[SkyMaxx]

No problemo. Modification or fabrication is not too difficult for me. I'll see what it will take, and decide accordingly. Thanks.

Originally posted by humboldtblazer
I think Christian has great input. The diareah refered to another certian someone, and it wasn't FRB because his input is good also. I sure with your keen skills you can cipher throught the diareah.

This is not like you. You are not usually so stealthy in your approach. Normally, you just call someone out and let them have it. Did someone smack your wrist or something?

Anyway...I got your meaning.

 

[Çh®i§tiªñ]

Bottom line, there is nothing better than an 8th scale buggy! :bling: :bling: :bling: