Thinking about Buying One NEED HELP

[wowitsme]

ok so i am thinking about gettting a Rc18t. But i am not sure what it is going to cost to make it go a little faster so i can have fun with it. This would be my first electric car. I have done very little recearch and this is what i know so far. I would like to have a brushless motor and a Li-Po(not sure how to spell it) battery and then i would need a chargerfor the battery. i guess i would have to change the reciver unless it is possible to stay with the stock one. I would be extremly greatful if somone could help me learn a little bit more about some of those areas and kindof give me a run down of what it is going to cost.
Thanks Mike

[Big-Kid]

It kinda depends what direction you want to end up in. Race, bash or somewhere in between? You could just jump right in and start having fun, but if you plan it out a little with "smarter purchase's", that may save you some $.

Since a brushless motor/ESC combo can set you back between $120-$250 +, think about it and do some homework. While it is fast , it also brings up other "issue's". Extra stress on stock parts and possible cogging are 2 that come to mind. The stock motor is pretty decent for bashing, playing and living room "tracks". When you want more speed, there are plenty of fast, brushed motors out there. The Beast Raptor and the K3 come to mind.

Better batteries will also give you more punch and possibly more run time. Lithium Polymer batteries are sometimes refered to as Li-Poly's. Very attractive for electric vehicles because of the small size, low weight and they pack a good punch. Just be sure to get a charger that specifically states it will charge lithium batteries. The Duratrax ICE, Triton, Apache and Vision Peak Ultra come to mind for Li-Poly chargers.

The stock radio and TX do a good job for most people. It's adjustable with some decent features. You might want to consider keeping it for a while so you can spend the money in other area's for now. If you run with other guys, consider an extra frequency or 2.

[Big-Kid]

Sorry, forgot about some prices. Again, it will depend on your choices. Some brushless motors will come with an ESC, and others will not. AN ESC built for a brushless motor is a requirement for going brushless. The Beast Raptor goes for $30 and I think the K3 is about the same. Brushless motor's, because they are so fast, are really hard to controll. Master the stock motor and move yourself up, that wouldn't be a bad idea.

If you go lithium, the pack that seems to fit the best is the 2 cell Thunder Power. Those packs run from $35-$50 and up. A charger for lithiums can set you back $100-$175. Other wise, the GP 1100's are also a good choice. A 6 or 7 cell pack of GP's should be around $25. Don't forget the little things like connectors or double sticky tape. I hate not having it, and then having to run to the store because I need it now.

There are replacement parts you may chose to get now, or the aftermarket is just beggining to emerge. Generally, the plastic parts are fairly inexpensive. You can also change your gearing to get a little more punch or top end speed. AE make's a different spur or 2, and the pinions for the other micro cars seem to fit.

[Tricky]

The TEKIN Scorpion Brushless does not cog at all. The stock 6-cell NiMH is a pretty good starter battery, and does not cause any cogging. But, Back to what Big-Kid said, it will break your car.

[wowitsme]

Thank you very much for all the great advice you have giving to me. After thinking about what all you have said I am leaning towards of trying to find a good used one that comes with some extra stuff. But if that doesn’t work out I would like to have it brushless but I am still not sure what is going to be cheaper cuz I will still have to have a new ESC if I go with a Brushed motor. But I am sure I want to stay away from those Li-Polys batteries and I think I will just stick with a nice 7-cell battery (Li-Polys to expensive). I was also wondering with is the run time/speed difference between the Li-Polys and a 7 or 6 cell GP1100?? So with all that said I am going to have to do a little more research and brushed motors and ESC for a brushed motor and a Brushless Motor. And I know this is going to sound completely retarded but I have no idea of how a brushed or burshless motors work??
Thanks again Mike

[Big-Kid]

Basically, brushed motors have motor brushes and a brushless doesn't. Thats a very simple definition, but as you continue learning, you'll get to the detailed explaination. Just know that a brushless micro sized motor will be much faster than any brushed 300 sized motor. Others have gotten 400 or 480's into a micro, but that will require alot of modification. Though I hear the 400 and up motors are really fast too.

The Mamba's are getting cheaper and they come packaged with an ESC. But from what i'm hearing, they're not as efficent as a Lehner or Hacker. I haven't tried the Tekin, but they do have a good reputation. Those cost a little more and useually don't come with an ESC. When you go brushless, think about some extra gears and some replacement parts. If you have a convient LHS, then don't worry to much about the extra parts, so long as they stock some.

You will get longer run times with the GP 1100's (compared to the stock 6 cell) and even more from Li-Poly's. The lithium cells range from 850 to 1500 to 2100 on 1 to 2 cells. The 3 cells will be more, but so is the cost. Most of the 3 to 4 cell packs are used by the airplane guys. You can get a batt pack with regular cells if your looking to save a little $. A good 6 or 7 cell pack of regular cells should be about $18-$20. I've boughten from www.blindbatts.com and www.teamhelotes.com, both good, so is www.unitedrc.com . Check the forums and Ebay for prices or used stuff. www.one18th.com is another a very good site. Good luck:cool:

[alfred]

I commend Big-Kid, on his very well thought answer.

[kaymin]

ya good job big! and the rc18t is fun right out of the box as long as you get a new charger! It goes around 19 mph stock and with my mamba 6800 and same batteries it goes about 25-30

[wowitsme]

Well after reading the some of the other posts about the Mamba Brushless Motors I have decided to hold off on getting one due to the fact that just about every ones coggs. So know I have to re-think my plane and decide on what ESC and Motor to get. This is where I need you to help cuz I am still new to the whole electric r/c cars. But so far based on what I have seen I am thinking the Novak SPY and not sure what motor maybe one of those ones every one has been raving about on ebay that I think Well after reading the some of the other posts about the Mamba Brushless Motors I have decided to hold off on getting one due to the fact that just about every ones coggs. So know I have to re-think my plane and decide on what ESC and Motor to get. This is where I need you to help cuz I am still new to the whole electric r/c cars. But so far based on what I have seen I am thinking the Novak SPY and not sure what motor maybe one of those ones every one has been raving about on ebay that I think daniels makes not sure that is just what I have read in a post by irishminit but I will continue my search for a place to buy a RC18T that is not back ordered. i was alos wondering what the fastest burshed motor is out there that will fit in the rc18t??
Thanks again Mike

[Big-Kid]

http://www.one18th.com/MotorSpecs.php

Click on the link and read the motor results comparision. This is from the one18th.com site, very imformative and the guys there are also very helpfull. The chart does not list the Pro RK-370 tuned motors, but from what i've been hearing is, they are some of the fastest 300 based motors available for sale. I believe Alfred will atest to that:D . Other than the Pro RK, I would either chose a Beast Raptor or i've also heard good things about the K3.

I think you should first run the truck in its stock configuration and enjoy it. It will surprise you with its speed like that, especially in a small space like your living room. Just to be clear, you do understand that the truck will come with everything you need to run it, with the exception of AA batt's for the radio? Other than that, just be paitent while the 10hr. wall charger does it's job. Everyhting else is there, the ESC, motor, Tx, battery pack for the truck and Rx.

I think you should be happy with the stock stuff for a while. When you are ready, go slowly and do some "homework". Getting the correct info is the best thing you can learn. Wait on the brushless and think twice about getting a new ESC and motor untill the motor "gets to slow" for you. You'll probably break somehting before you get tired of the stocker. Beside's most motor's and ESC's might require some splicing, soldering or modifing to install. Are you ready to do those procedure's just yet?

Maybe you could spend the extra $ on some other hop-ups or eye candy. CAW make's some nice shock towers and bumpers and will also be coming out with arm's and a chassis. New Era also is coming on strong and so is GPM. There is always the Factory Team hop-ups, check AE's site. There are also a few parts from the Mini-T that will fit. Don't forget to have fun, which the RC18 will remind you of EVRYTIME you play with it:D

[jaejw1]

Originally posted by kaymin
ya good job big! and the rc18t is fun right out of the box as long as you get a new charger! It goes around 19 mph stock and with my mamba 6800 and same batteries it goes about 25-30
DITTO

i have one and he is right,, out the box,, there is tons of fun,, but you can spend a few bux and get a speed 300 motor and enjoy faster speed along with the 7 cell battery pack,,,

since i burned my sons esc im giving him mine out of my msf480 when i get my gm v3r,,, i plan on doing a 7 cell for him along with the speed 300 and once i get my 480 motor i will give him my rk370 motor,,, which will make it fast enough for him,, already it is too fast for him,, might have to tune things down on the remote...

you will have fun with it right out of the box,, dont know if this is your first rc car,, but the rc18t was mine,, and i love the lil thing,, cant wait to put the street tires on ,,,,,,,

as far as li-pos go,, i am still conteplating on getting them,, you arent the only one..

[Big-Kid]

jaejw1, just think of LiPoly's as batteires that will enhance the motor and truck that you have. It will be lighter and probably have more juice and mah. That will make your truck faster and run longer. It will also be a little more expensive, but for me they were worth it.

They need to be watched when charging just like any other battery, but be a little more carefull when they get low. They do have a point when they could be rendered unuseable if the voltage gets to low. Just stop plying with them when the truck starts to slow down and you'll be fine. There is something that will help you protect the batt's that you wire in-line of the pack.

Most importantly is to watch if they get damaged in anyway. DO NOT use them if they get damaged. Remember to use a charger specifically made to charge lithium batteries.

Try the Losi Street Meats are very good on-road. The Trinity's are nice and big, but you may have to re-gear for the extra size.

Were you saying the 480 was going into the RC18? What kind of motor mount were you going to use? I've been curious to see if it'll fit in there. I think a good tuned 480 may give the brushless motor's a run for their money, plus they should be a little less $.:D

[alfred]

why is it that im always late to answer some questions. lol Big kid is the rc18t master.:D

[jaejw1]

Originally posted by Big-Kid

Were you saying the 480 was going into the RC18? What kind of motor mount were you going to use? I've been curious to see if it'll fit in there. I think a good tuned 480 may give the brushless motor's a run for their money, plus they should be a little less $.:D

sorry about that,, going to put the 480 in my micro street force from hobby-lobby the 480bb

[wowitsme]

Thanks for all the great feedback. This isn't my first r/c car I have a NTC3 Factory team and I used to have MBX-5. I am a nitro guy but I wreaked my F-150, so I had to sell them to fix it but my dad felt bad for making me pay for it so he said he would buy me one of these. I am hoping that the little electric cars don’t require as much work as the nitro ones do. Since i cant find a place on the internet that has a great price i am goign to get one off ebay.
Thanks again
Mike

[Big-Kid]

I'm a nitro fan too:D . At least thats what I started with. I still have alot to learn about this fancy electricity thing that powers these vehicles. It was almost like starting from scratch. It's a good thing that most everyone here and at one18th.com is very helpfull and kind. I am still holding out for a "Nitro Micro" though:D , that I would have to buy.

Alfred's exaggerating a bit. He's to kind like that:cool: . My wife's exact statement is that "I spend waaaay to much time with this".:rolleyes: .

As for place's on the 'net to buy a kit, I have bought from RcBoyz with much satisfaction, and from RcMart (or Dinball as they're known on Ebay as) which turned out fine. RcBoyz (www.rcboyz.com) has it listed for $169 and RcMart (www.rcmart.com) was more than you should pay AND they will kill you on shipping. www.stormerhobbies.com has it listed at $179 and www.hobbyetc.com list's it at $168.88. Not factoring in the S&H cost's, I would buy from RcBoyz. They also do a store in Ebay if you do the search thing. Good luck and happy hunting:cool:

[jaejw1]

Originally posted by Big-Kid

Alfred's exaggerating a bit. He's to kind like that:cool: . My wife's exact statement is that "I spend waaaay to much time with this".:rolleyes: .

my fiance tells me i should sleep with my car,, since i spend more time with it than with her..

[Big-Kid]

ooohhh, feel you there buddy. Many arguments have started about something else, but my R/C cars eventually came up and got blamed :rolleyes:

She got really mad when she "found" the RC18, about a month after I got it. "Why do you need 3 cars for" and "when are you going to play with all of them" are 2 of her favorites:D . She seemed kinda adament about not getting another truck or car. Thats going to be hard when the Minizilla and Kyosho's 1/16th buggy come out. I still want a monster truck and the nitro car needs to be "upgraded" to something else this year.

[jaejw1]

well today i spent ALL day making a 8 cell pack really not knowing what im doing i did my best,,,, it looks ghetto but it works,,, and all i have to say is this,, if 8 cells can make a lil speed 300 MOVE this fast... i would love to see what 9 or 10 will do to a 480bb race.......... now that she is on her way home,, i have to take off this dirty shirt and air out the house,, and tale i shower,,, i smell like solder and lube..lol...

i love this,,

yeah i might have short life span with the speed300 but hell this thing is fast now... i dont want to try it with daniels motor until i get the ok.

[wowitsme]

Where do you get the speed 300 motor and how much dose it cost??

[rcdriver]

You can also get your Rc18T on towerhobbies.com They have a deal now that you can save 25 bucks off an order over 150. Thats a great deal!!!:eek:

[alfred]

wowitsme, so did you pick up the 18t yet.

[Gpark112]

i love this thing. definately a worthy addition to anyone's collection. my only complaint about the rc18t is that it's a new car; a new car in a new genre at that (i think it's safe to say 1/18th off-roading is still in it's infancy). i almost always try to avoid new models seeing that there aren't many parts available, and when they do come in hordes, you have to go through a few bad ones to get to the good. the reality of it is, we're all test dummys from here on out.

my truck has aluminum dogbones, titanium turnbuckles, and new shocks. my motor and electronics are stock and hopefully they (as well as the rest of the car) will remain that way until a few good combo's have been tested and established and some big name aftermarketers come to save the day. my best suggestion is to keep things conservative for now. i'm sure there is a lot to come. i see nothing but infinite potential for this little guy. i hope to take my own advice but due to all the insensitive forum members who like to tease us with pictures of their insane experiments, i'm not sure how long i'll last. maybe having less time to browse these forums is a godsend ;)

[alfred]

No because if you do that then you will be thinking about it all day and just wanna look. lol I also agree on it being a great truck because you see im almost done with this project.

[Gpark112]

you sir, mr. alfred, should not be allowed to post on this forum. please be helpful and try to keep money in my bank account by keeping your pics of your truck to yourself.

:D just kidding. your truck looks great btw. keep it up!

[alfred]

lol, you sure as hell had me going, lol