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time for the drivetrain

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C

CharliesTheMan

Gone - bye bye.
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RC Driving Style
  1. Bashing
  2. Racing
Well I've almost got my chassis/suspension as I would like, although my projects are never finished as there is always something else I want to do.

Anyway, my next project is going to be the engine and drivetrain. I'm thinking that I will go with the 3.3 setup, and then when I get everything upgraded to handle the power I'll send the 3.3 to someone like ABMods to get rebuilt. Here comes the part where I need help from you guys: Should I set up my rig for the TRX 3.3 or go ahead and start getting ready to do a conversion for a Picco or OS engine? I was thinking that the 3.3 would do good since it was build for the truck and the chassis, but I'm going to be replacing everything anyway, so tell me the best way to go. I want it to be powerful and fuel consumption isn't a big problem as I won't be racing this truck, just bashing and then maybe a shelf queen after I start on another basher. It needs to be powerful, but it needs to be reliable most of all. I don't want an engine so hot that I have to rebuild it after every few tanks and I spend more time tuning than driving. What tranny should I go with, and what else do I need to start replacing to get it ready to handle the extra power of the 3.3?

Here's what I have so far. The truck is still pretty stock as I've only had it for about a month.

Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5
RPM A-Arms
RC Solutions aluminum bulkheads
Integy MSR-4 piggyback shocks
Motor Saver air intake
Dubro fuel filter
Resonator Exhaust
RPM Shock Towers
 
Oh Yea, If anyone has any drivetrain parts they want to sell, let me know and you might have a new customer!
 
First thing I would do is upgrade the tranny to the newer 3.3 version, and then buy the universals that come on the 3.3. I think the tranny is direct drop in but you may have to ask Traxxas :) I'm saying this because it is much more durable than the 2.5 tranny, which you'll need if you go big block.
 
Go with CVDs all the way around and you can't go wrong no matter which way you decide to go with the mill. I have used the dynamite ones on my Maxx for quite a few years now, and never had a single problem with them. RD Logics makes them, and so does MIP.
 
If you want to upgrade the drive train to take anything you throw at it, consider RRP steel gears where ever possible and use MIP CVD's.

I ran this setup in my T-Maxx and still run it now that I converted it over to brushless. Never had a problem.
 
Charlie: if you want the reverse then yes it uses Optidrive. I think the Optidrive also helps it shift gears too somehow.
 
Come on guys, I know some of you gotta have an opinion on if I should use a traxxas engine or go to a picco or OS. I've heard good things about the OS tuning and durability, so right now I'm thinking it's a toss up between the 3.3 and and OS engine, maybe a .21, but that's what I need some help with. The majority of my driving is in the low to middle RPMs in the power range.
 
Go OS. I have had so much better experiences with OS then any other engine out there. They tune really good and last forever. I had a OS 15 cv-r in y last maxx and it got about 8 gallons through it before i sold it and it was still running strong and I barely ever had to adjust it. If you want a good engine and a cheap price then go with a OS 18 CV-R(X). Its what I have in my maxx right now and it has no problem with throwing the front in the air, with a ton of low end and decent top end. Then your next step up from that would be the OS 18 TM thats a direct drop in for your maxx, but a little more pricey. After that OS just came out with a new 21 TM for the maxx thats a direct drop in but nearly twice the price as the other two. Right now I'm running on the old 1.5 tranny and not really having any problems with it, but keep getting told it will no hold up to the strength, so invest in a 3.3 tranny. Put CVD's in it and you'll have a kick ass monster.
 
ok thanks for all of the information guys, it's helping a lot, so keep it coming! Is the OS 18tm more powerful than the 3.3 they put in the trucks?
 
Cupooterluvr said:
How does the OS cv-rx drop in to the maxx? Do you need any mods?
Click to expand...

Well for the older 1.5 maxx with side exhaust it's a direct drop in. For later maxx's then the 18tm is.

CharliesTheMan said:
ok thanks for all of the information guys, it's helping a lot, so keep it coming! Is the OS 18tm more powerful than the 3.3 they put in the trucks?
Click to expand...

from what I have herd they are about the same. But the OS holds a tune a lot better and is said to last a tons more longer then the 3.3
 
OK I purchased the Optidrive module last night in case I need it for the motor swap.

Who makes good transmissions, either aluminum or plastic with steel gears?

Is a transmission on these things hard to rebuild? I've only done 1:1 trannys before, I can't imagine trying to work on something that is like a 1:1 tranny with parts scaled down for the Maxx, I would have to use a microscope to see the parts.

Oh yea one more thing, does an aluminum tranny case serve a purpose to make anything stronger or is it pretty much just for looks? What are the advantages of doing a forward only conversion on the T-Maxx? I know it would save some weight, but I think Iv'e heard people mention other advantages as well. Isn't it possible to do a FOC using the stock tranny case?
 
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