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SS or RTR?

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TurboDZL

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Hello everyone, first time poster here so I have a few (which may seem dumb) questions.

I’ve narrowed my choices down to the Savage but I’d like a little more insight on the SS version of the Savage. My brother just picked up a REVO but there’s something about big trucks that keeps me looking back at the Savage. The 3-speed tranny option that is soon to be released really sealed the deal for me though. I’ve never been one to leave anything in stock form, it’s in my blood I guess, so this thing will get a new motor as soon as I get used to it and the 3 speed is just icing on the cake. And now to the questions…..


With the SS I would need to acquire my own radio and servo(s) correct? What I’ve read through so far I get the impression that the stock radio/servo leave a little to be desired, correct me if I’m wrong.

What electronics would you get for the SS or is the RTR just fine? The $100 price difference between the two is not a factor, I just figured if I would eventually get a different radio and servo anyway; why not just go with the SS to begin with.

What else would you get for the SS if you had the funds and what is a necessity, other than the spider and servo saver mod?

This will be my first RC anything and it only made sense (for me anyway) to get the SS and learn how everything is put together and works. When something does break I’m that much more educated on how it’s put together and comes apart. I’ve always been sort of a wrench head so the “some assembly required” part doesn’t scare me. Thanks for any assistance.
 
No matter which you get there are a few things you should do right away. One is the 4-Spider mod, and the other is to get a new servo saver. HPI just released a Cam-Type Servo saver for the savage which I got and it really is a must. It works great.

You are correct, the Savage SS will need to have a radio purchased. A good, cheap FM radio will do you just fine. The one I would suggest is the Airtronics MX-3, seen here: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCHA8**&P=ML THe radio that I have linked you to comes with one standard servo. You can use that servo for throttel/brakes if you like, or you can upgrade. A good steering servo is a Hitec HS-645MG seen here: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUZ89&P=ML If you want to upgrade the throttel/brake servo the HS-625MG would be a good one to go with, seen here: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUZ87&P=M

That will take care of the radio department. I agree with you, the SS is the way to go, this way you learn how all the parts work, that makes it much easier to repair stuff. The SS comes with the diffs prebuilt, but since it is a kit it makes it A LOT easier to do the 4-Spider mod since the diffs are already out.

Oh, when you do get a new engine I suggest the Wasp .28, kick ass engine :D Good luck!
 
AC48 said:
Oh, when you do get a new engine I suggest the Wasp .28, kick ass engine :D Good luck!
Click to expand...


We think alike. :cheers:

I watched a few vid's already and yes, the Wasp .28 has caught my eye. :thumbup:
 
Why not go one step further and just get the new Savage SS Special Edition without the engine/pipe and drop in the WASP 28 with a cvec or tsais pipe? If I had to do it again that is how I would do it!
 
sd i was thinking the same thing when i was looking for a savage....but unless you know of a better deal the best i saw was like $250 - $260 on ebay for the special editition... for another $40 you can get the ss w/ engine & pipe from tower with the ad ...(good till dec 31)
and sell the engine on ebay for like $100
 
I bought my savage 25 RTR about 3 weeks ago. already wishing I got the SS special edition as I've already bought a wasp .26 and thinking about new electronics soon. rcboyz on ebay have the special edition for like $265 shipped or somethin like that.
 
retarded pilot said:
sd i was thinking the same thing when i was looking for a savage....but unless you know of a better deal the best i saw was like $250 - $260 on ebay for the special editition... for another $40 you can get the ss w/ engine & pipe from tower with the ad ...(good till dec 31)
and sell the engine on ebay for like $100
Click to expand...


An excellent idea! :cheers:
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the help guys. If I didn't need the practice I would probably just sell the SS engine but with this being my first RC I should probably keep it sane till I have a handle on it....at least for a couple weeks or so.

One more thing, how do aftermarket servos mount to the chassis? Is this a "custom" mod as far as mounting/fitting compared to stock servos?
 
nope, no custom mods at all, standard servos drop right into the savage.

As for the stock radio mine malfunctioned within 4 tanks, and I started using my old T-maxx controller.. which is also a cheap RTR radio..

What I am saying is that you have a good plan. the stock savage radio just doesn't cut it,.

One thing i might add. Even for one well off I would plan your mods and upgrades carefully. I have seen several who have dumped over $1500 into their nitros one or two parts at a time.. thats after the initial cost.

It's Completely addicting. Research like your donig here is your best bet. Just about any mod you can do has been discussed and or tested out here several times.. lots to read enjoy..

BTW welcome to RCNT!
 
OK fellas, I made a little wish list on the Tower website....let me know if I'm missing anything. Any suggestions for battery packs, charges, or anything else for that matter please let me know ASAP. I'd like to take the list to my LHS tomorrow and see if they can come close to Towers prices.

1 - HPI 1/8 Savage SS Kit w/.25 Engine (New version SS
should have 4-spider mod)

1- Hitec HS-625MG High-Speed 2BB MG (throttle/brake)

1- Hitec HS-645MG High-Torque 2BB MG (steering)

1- Ofna Servo Linkage Kit Purple

1- Golden Horizons Aluminum Servo Saver Purple Savage

1- Airtronics MX-3 3-Channel FM/1 94102Z Servo for the
reverse

I watched my brother break in his REVO today and after he was done I ran a couple of tanks through it. I hope the Savage is as bulletproof as everyone is hyping it up to be because that's what I'm going to need. With the truck coming at me head-on I'm a total retard in the steering department, it ranks up there with throwing a football with your weak arm :doh:
 
sweetdiesel said:
Why not go one step further and just get the new Savage SS Special Edition without the engine/pipe and drop in the WASP 28 with a cvec or tsais pipe? If I had to do it again that is how I would do it!
Click to expand...


Where can I get one of these???

I like to build my trucks so I would do the ss kit. These guy have you covered on the basic hop ups that will make your sav go good..
 
TurboDZL said:
1 - HPI 1/8 Savage SS Kit w/.25 Engine (New version SS
should have 4-spider mod)

1- Hitec HS-625MG High-Speed 2BB MG (throttle/brake)

1- Hitec HS-645MG High-Torque 2BB MG (steering)

1- Ofna Servo Linkage Kit Purple

1- Golden Horizons Aluminum Servo Saver Purple Savage

1- Airtronics MX-3 3-Channel FM/1 94102Z Servo for the
reverse

I watched my brother break in his REVO today and after he was done I ran a couple of tanks through it. I hope the Savage is as bulletproof as everyone is hyping it up to be because that's what I'm going to need. With the truck coming at me head-on I'm a total retard in the steering department, it ranks up there with throwing a football with your weak arm :doh:
Click to expand...

Turbodzl,

I'm pretty sure the new SS kits do not have the 4 spider gear diffs yet, this is something you will need to do so you'll need the hpi 4 spider kit, 2 of them. And some diff oil, you can start off light with 1K, 3K. Also, I assume you want reverse since you chose a 3 channel radio, so don't forget to get a cheap servo for reverse, and the reverse module. Unless you like blisters, I'd suggest the rotostart. You'll also need a 7.2v pack and charger for the rotostart unless you already have one. One more thing I would get off the bat is a 6v hump receiver pack. Those high torque servos need a lot of juice, and you'll find that changing the AA pack is a pain in the rear. If you have the 6v pack, you'll have enough juice to run all day, and be able to run a charging jack outside the radio box for easy charging.
 
wigsplittah said:
I bought my savage 25 RTR about 3 weeks ago. already wishing I got the SS special edition as I've already bought a wasp .26 and thinking about new electronics soon. rcboyz on ebay have the special edition for like $265 shipped or somethin like that.
Click to expand...

skip you can get it from there or ebay has it as well....but when towers selling the kit WITH motor and pipe for $290 why would you?

ohh i see sd beat me to it ...i was gonna say you need the reverse module itself and a 6v pack

i would also say a set of good hex drivers and good phillips screwdriver

I'm building the kit right now as a matter of fact!!
 
SKIP said:
Where can I get one of these???

I like to build my trucks so I would do the ss kit. These guy have you covered on the basic hop ups that will make your sav go good..
Click to expand...

I got my WASP 28 from Tower. You can get one now for $145 with their after Christmas sale discount. I got mine for $153 with the old discount and free shipping (super saver club). Stomerhobbies also carries them if you have something against Tower.

retarded pilot said:
i would also say a set of good hex drivers and good phillips screwdriver

I'm building the kit right now as a matter of fact!!
Click to expand...

yep, get a good set of tools, they will pay back in spades down the line....

Have fun building your kits, and don't forget the locktite!
 
sweetdiesel said:
Turbodzl,

Also, I assume you want reverse since you chose a 3 channel radio, so don't forget to get a cheap servo for reverse, and the reverse module.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. For some reason I was under the impression that reverse was standard on the SS. The MX3 comes with a servo, will that suffice?

Any links to a 6v hump receiver pack?

After adding the reverse, roto start and battery, and 4 spider gear my list continues to grow. While I'm at, are these worthy upgrades as well?

HPI Dual Disk Brake Set Stainless Steel

Golden Horizons Aluminum Brake Disk Hub Prpl Savage 21
 
I would leave the Roto off the list. I used to have the roto on my S25 motor and it worked great but then the switch went out at the worst moment and now i just use a pull start on it.
 
redneckracer1979 said:
I would leave the Roto off the list. I used to have the roto on my S25 motor and it worked great but then the switch went out at the worst moment and now i just use a pull start on it.
Click to expand...

i agree with you on this one. when i got my savage, it came with the roto start. first it broke my one way. then it jus a pain to have to lug it around and stick it almost half way through the truck to get it to the engine. this is just my opinion though. so i just got a pull start and that is way easier. :2cents:
savager
 

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