I have a maxx, and I run the dogs out of it. I also spend tons of time maintaining it.
If you get a maxx you will absolutely not be satisifed unless you get.
#1 a really hot fast .18
#2 A .21 (run of the mill will work)
They make maxx big block converions for a reason.
This subject has been hashed over for quite some time. If you like to spend time and money building and rebuilding get the maxx.
If you just want to grab the nitro, run it bash it, and store it. I believe the maxx is for you.
I just bought a savage (on it's way here). The main reason it's nickel and diming me to death. Everytime I take it out something is just a little off an needs to be fixed.
Everyone I ask is saying "maxx for speed and handling" "savage for durability"
The things is... as stated above..
The maxx isn't made for a big block, it's light and nimble. To get the speed and power you want, you will have to upgrade. tranny chassis skids etc. You can buy one that's already done up, but what didn't they do? Did they get tired of too much power and fixing? Did they leave a step out? Is the power just going to break the next weak link, and you have to upgrade again?
For a maxx you need to immediately, or soon replace these parts if you want to bash.
Shocks!
Alumium bulk heads.
strong skids front and back, and center.
Stiffen the chassis with alum braces.
RPM shock tower front, and alum shock tower rear.
new air filter
Alum bulkeads.
Possible new hinge pins.
If your going above .18
New spur/slipper
Stronger, or shimmed diffs.
Stronger steering servo.
CVD's instead of stock sliders.
possibly new tranny gears.
ore as you break/find weak spots
The Savage, it's meant for a big block off the git go. This means that the tranny and drive train can handle the engine in it. You won't have to worry about what's been done and what was forgotten or not upgraded for the big block. I haven't heard a gripe about he savage being able to handle the power. the only weak sptot I hear that's bad is the diffs, and the stock wheels.
To take the savage out and be dependable you only really need new wheels/dogbones/cvd's, and shimmed diffs. (somone correct me if I missed something
You will find most people getting rid of their hopped up maxxes want one of two things #1 a savage #2 a buggy. My guess is because both are more durable.
Nitro rigs are tough enuough to keep going withut having to worry about what's going to breka next.
Me, I'm tired of wrenching. I want to go have fun. I can't seem to run the maxx for more than 2-3 tanks without having to fix something, adjust something, or replace something.
Who is it? Ahh Shorty, he takes his savage to the concrete skate park. I shiver and think no way when I see him do this to his savage, my maxx would never make it. Here's a link to his vid
https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16805