Need help with buggy conversion

glassdoctor,

As much as I would like to move straight to a Neu, finances really won't allow it right now. As it is, I'm going to have to cannibalize my T4 of its MM ESC, just to get the project off of the ground. In fact, I'll likely have to run the setup on 3S Lipo for now, until I can get some 4S packs. I'm still trying to get my house rebuilt after Katrina and can't justify much of an investment in this "toy."

Anyway, I was just online at onlinemetals.com and ordered some 2.5X2.5X3/16 angle aluminum. That should be thick enough for a motor mount. I also ordered some 3/16" plate to make a replacement bracket for the top of my center diff. I'm hoping that his will be the new home for my ESC. I also ordered some 1/8" thick aluminum channel, which I hope will allow me to fashion a couple of battery trays for my lipos. I really want to protect those from damage.

As for the motor, it's looking like it's going to have to be a 10L or 7XL. I'm just not sure of which one. I understand that the XL will have more torque, but it will also draw more current, which I'm thinking will translate into more heat and less runtime. I'm figuring that the buggy is going to weigh less than 10 lbs, so maybe the 10L won't have a problem with this.

I just went out and stripped my buggy (a Sportwerks Turmoil). It isn't the greatest buggy in the world, but I can drive it and my LHS stocks the parts for it. I was considering keeping the mechanical brakes. This should relieve the motor of having to cover the braking duties. I was going to turn the diff backwards and mount the motor forward of the center diff. I was then considering using standoffs to mount a single battery tray perpendicular to the centerline of the chassis. Then I could run a single 4S Lipo pack and I think that it will still fit under the body. I hope. If I was able to do this, then I could utilize the space under the battery tray for the ESC and radio.

So guys, I need some input. Should I go with the L or XL motor? Am I wasting my time trying to keep the mechanical brakes? What about the battery on the tray on standoffs across the back?

Thanks.

[jhautz]

IMO. The L will be enough motor, but the XL will run cooler and have a little more kick to it, so XL gets my vote. I would also say that the XL would be a better chioce to run with the Mamba Max also. I have found that the MM runs better with a 2 pole motor than it does with a 4 pole motor like the Neu. Castle is working on an update for the MM to fix that, but for now I still think the XL will be a better match.

As far as the mechanical brakes go, I think you are wasting your time. Real estate is preciuos on a buggy chassis and your buggy will not be that heavy relative to a MT and I dont hear of people having issues with the motor braking on the 11 lb revos and maxxs. So your 8.5 lb buggy should be no problem.