On-road BL project

[BrianG]

That's exactly why I didn't go with a traditional electric stadium-truck setup. Just about all the common ones have the motor in the rear. The only logical choice then was to convert a Nitro one. Even with some of the weight in front of the rear axles you still burn up the tires. But at least you don't have the wheelie problem.

It's a whole other world driving the Jato vs the Revo on a track. On the Revo, I have to tap the brake or at the very least not accelerate on the corners, otherwise I have too much understeer (yes I know an RD quickturn or center diff would cure this). When I corner with the Jato, I actually increase the throttle so I drift around the corner. When executed right, it works very well - now only if I could do it all the time. If not done right, I just spin out. It takes a lot more finesse IMO with 2WD.

[JB3231]

I thought you were going on road. The off road principles are different. I am seriously thinking about a 1/8th buggy with street tires and brushless setup.

FD has a setup already for sale. 53.1 MPH on a 4S battery. Think what it would do on 5S. This is really catching my interest.

[BrianG]

Yeah, I was going on-road, but I found it got a little old. There aren't any paved tracks that I know of around here and driving around by yourself isn't as fun as I thought it would be. It would be different if I had a 80+ mph vehicle, but the Jato aerodynamics are not meant for that level of speed.

After looking around a bit and asking some questions, I found there are pan cars that do have enough clearance to use in parking lots as long as the typical seams, cracks, and dirt aren't too bad.

No matter what, I like having the weight relatively centered in the truck.

[Procharged5.0]

That is an awesome set-up. Makes me want to build one too!

Post videos of it in action if you get the chance!

[BrianG]

Thanks! The conversion was by far the easiest of the three I've done. Everything just came out right the first time around. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a means to record video.

A couple weekends back, there was a Nitro Jato around and it seemed to handle quite a bit better than mine. I think that is because there is more weight on the rear end on the Nitro version. So, I installed the battery box rear skid and put some large washers in it. Seems to handle better, but the only local track within 1/2 hour is muddy so I haven't tried it out there. Like I said, I layed it out for on-road use to avoid wheelies so it makes sense.

I'm thinking of re-doing the battery area and seeing if I can't fit 4s lipo in there. That calculates to ~80mph. Of course, it won't be that high, but it should beat any Nitro Jato around here. Hmm, maybe for motor lengevity, I might just use 3s. :dft003:

[Procharged5.0]

If You Get It Running Close To 80 I May Just Have To Drive Over And Play Cameraman For The Speed Runs!

[BrianG]

OK! I'll keep that in mind. I just have to find a place big enough! Honestly, I highly doubt it will get anywhere close due to friction and wind resistance. Not to mention trying to keep it from lifting off the ground!

[Procharged5.0]

You'll have to create the first "aero" Jato body!

Maybe we could tweak a proline Dodge Intrepid Stockcar body (or brand of your choice) for the speed runs. Build in "aero-flaps" and use other aero tuning tricks. I'd be up for that! The fastest JATO!

[BrianG]

OK! It'll have to wait until my buggy is finished though. Then, I also want to get the aluminum steering parts because there is too much slop IMO. Then, maybe the optional 7075 chassis. I'll also need to get new on-road tires and have them duct taped and perfectly balanced.

My poor 4600 won't last very long at that speed. It should definitely turn a few heads though!

[Procharged5.0]

We'll strap an icepack on the motor and duct air to the esc & motor if possible.

It would be a lot of for to see how fast we could push it!

[BrianG]

Well, that was dumb. I got home from work and said "what the heck" and tried the Jato on 14 cells. Well, the first 50 feet or so was extremely fast and then the rear tires blew. Actually, the rim shattered which took the tire with it. Maybe it already had a hairline crack, I don't know. All I do know is that the potential speed was scary! Lesson learned here is that a perfectly balanced tire on very strong rims is a must.

I put some other spare tires I had laying around and ran it back on 2s and everything still works, so I'm OK there...

[crazyjr]

Hey BrianG, 14 cells don't hold a candle to a 3s. I have just run the T4 with it and a 5700, its insane

[BrianG]

Well, the 4600 on ~17v is insane enough for me! It's making me think seriously about getting the proper tires, a 4s lipo pack, and then challenging just about any Jato out there. How the heck do you keep the tires from ballooning? I know the duct tape thing, but there's no way it could handle that kind of centrifugal force. I almost need a solid tire, or tires that have steel belts in them.

[MetalMan]

Foam tires?

[BrianG]

That might work if I glue the whole thing to the rim. Is that how foam tires are supposed to work?