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Upgrading from 2.5 to 3.3

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zee28

RC Newbie
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Hi guys, I have a T MAXX 2.5 which i would like to upgrade to a 3.3. I'm making a list of things I'll need, fuel filter,wheelie bar etc. I understand The Traxxas motor is a drop in replacement. Will i need to beef up the drivetrain, or should i just drive it and replace things as they break. This is just for a back yard banger, not a racer here. Also is there another motor i should consider, I got a price of $152 for the Traxxas motor which i thought was reasonable. The O S 18 is $279. Any help with my list would be appreciated. I live in New England and the high temp around this time is 30*-40* which I'm sure isn't a good temp to start break in on a new motor. Thanks again
 
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If you're looking for just enough power at a low price, I've heard that the OS 18tm has more power than the 3.3 for less. Plus, OS is known for reliable engines and all Traxxas engines run hot.

EDIT: I also just discovered that OS came out with the new .21 tm for direct drop in .21 power.

And apparently the 18tm is discontinued according to Tower.
 
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I have been toying with the idea of putting a 33 in my maxx but i looked on traxxas site and there seemed to be a lot of stuff to change. Clutch and spur gear assemble seemed to be the main difference and the brake uses better pads. But i have a feeling you need to change the gear box housing to do all the upgrades i just mentioned. All i did was look at the obvious difference so this may not be all of them, however if it turns out i dont actually need to do any of them then i too may do the upgrade. But i would have thought that using the same gearing but on a 33 engine would break a few parts in the gear box or the 2 transfer boxes. But hey i am new to the hobby.
 
I am betting the drive train on the 2.5 will not stand up to the 3.3. That is why Traxxas did some upgrading when they released the 3.3.
 
The 3.3 or the OS 18TM drop right in. The 3.3 is a .20 size and the 18 is well .18. and the .21 size is a 3.5 type mill. Just a matter of conversion.

I say that 3.3 was added to the maxx with a better drivetrain. They used the Revo drive lines and some of the internal transomissin comes from the Revo too.

It depends on what you want to do. Try out the engine you want but upgrades are in your future.
 
I have an older 1.5 maxx and just put an OS 18 in it and have absoultly no problems so for with it. Keeps right up with my friends 3.3 maxx, and keeps a tune a lot better. I have had to do no up grades on it at all in the tranny, so go for it and just upgrade as things break.
 
Remember Zachary, your experience is no way going to be the same as the next person.
 
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