Darn it - I was hoping for that review or in fact to actually covert Greg's Baja!

Oh well...

On the 4wd issue, I think the design of the chassis and layout of components (in the natural nitro state) is such that running a belt or drive shaft from the tranny (which would have to be completely reworked) down to the front end (which would also need completely reworking) just isnt possible, too many things in the way. If HPI ever released an electric version.... stratch that, they just wouldnt due to costs envolved for the electronics- cant see them selling a roller version and they probably couldnt sell an E-baja as the price tag would be horrendous... my 2c anyway.

Hmm, single 1527 in a baja? I may have to try that as I have a 1527 2y. With a 12t pinion and 10-12s lipo it would be a decent setup. Maybe I will give this a try as it will be easier to setup than the dual 1521 setup I was planning. Plus I can make my own mounts easily for a single motor.

The design of the Baja really doesn't lend itself to a clean 4wd setup. I've seen people running belts off the spur gear up to the front but IMO it looks tacky. The Baja is a blast to drive, partly because it's 2wd. A 4wd 1/5th truck would be sweet, but considering the 2WD 5T costs $1300, I don't want to think what a 4WD would cost.

A single 1527 should do the job just fine, I don't really like the length of them though. Too much weight hanging off the screws and front endbell coupled with the forces that are sure to be exerted on it by bashing it I'd rather have something shorter or have some support in the rear. Dual 1515s, 1521s, or 1915s would be a sweet setup. I know dual motors aren't as efficient as a single setup and it doubles the chances of a failure but it's so much easier to get the power you need by just adding another motor rather than making an ESC that can handle a massive motor.

I think the "too much weight hanging off the screws" is more paranoia than legit concern to be honest. The screws are held in tension and friction is really what holds the motor in place(from the screws pulling it against the mount). The actual amount of force required to pull an m3 screw out of even aluminum is measured in thousands of pounds and the screws themselves are not the weak link(it is the threads in the aluminum that will fail first). If you have sheared a screw in a similar application, it was likely a low grade screw that was loose to begin with. :)

I plan to use a clamp style mount, like the flux moun, (might actually be flux mounts as I have spares) as they hold the motor more solidly and will fit my design and manufacturing abilities better than a side plate. I do agree with Mike that the screw issue is not that bad, I would still like a rear motor support, just in case.

My design will most likely not be adjustable, as I only have and only plan to run a 12t pinion. My 1527 has an 8mm shaft and so far pinion choice is not that great. Looking forward to Mike offering more pinion choices. If I can make some time this weekend I will try to get some work done on the baja. Just not enough hours in the day!

while we are talking about pinions,

mike, would you be able to make an adapter so people can use your 5mm pinions with a KB 45 motor? i have a KB motor that has already been ground down to 5mm, but i bought it used and don't want to risk ruining my new KB motor.

so a 6mm~5mm adapter?

you might want to think that one over again... you cant take away diameter of a shaft with an adapter..

The only way that is possible is to trim the ahaft down to 5mm...

wow, i hadn't really thought that out very well.....


mike, could you start making 6mm bore mod1 pinions? i have one of your 18t 5mm mod1 pinions and it has no signs of wear. (unlike my RRP pinion)

Paranoia is pretty much it, I've never broken off a screw in a motor but I'm not looking forward to it happening. IIRC the 1527 uses M4 screws which would be even tougher. I still have that bit of worry in my head about that long motor only being secured by 2 little screws in the front :neutral:

whats the latest on this project? pinions available yet? conversion kit? videos? i know i keep asking but hey, i am excited. anyway, my 1/5 kit gets in tomorrow and i need to order some 8mm pinions so i am hoping you have some, one, anything. keep us posted.

what is it going on for this project?
Please.... continue.........

Any updates to the conversion?

Sorry to keep bring this up, but I had really hoped to make a 5b for my next project. Mike can you let us know where this stands? With Patrick's thread on the ICE with new software it sounds like we have a ESC now. Any info would be appreciated.