Monster Truck and Upgrade Gear Ratios?

[rfnagel]

Folks,

A question about the monster trucks gears: does anyone know the various gear ratios for the gears that come with the MT starter kits and the MT upgrade kit? Are the "official" gear ratios printed anywhere on the package(s)?

I'm preparing to do a major update to my parts availablility text file ( http://www.cmoo.com/~snor/weeds/parts_availability.txt ), and want to add the correct info for the monster trucks -:)

BTW, for lack of a better term, I'm assuming that the stock tires that ship with the monster trucks should simply be refered to as "factory tires", correct?

[Namuna]

Ahhhhh, so nice to see a fellow details oriented kind of guy! :)

I picked up the Hulk and Monster Patrols kits, along with the Motor/Gear upgrade kits a couple of days ago. Unfortunately no ratios are given, not on the kits, not on the upgrade kits.

All that is given, about the Motor/Gear upgrade kit is:
Green, Stock, 8,000rpm
Red, Performance, 14,500rpm
Yellow, Turbo, 18,000rpm
Orange, Racing, 21,000rpm

[rfnagel]

Originally posted by Namuna
Ahhhhh, so nice to see a fellow details oriented kind of guy! :)

Hehe, yep, too damn much of a perfectionist for my own good LOL!

Many thanks for the info. I wish that RS would have provided the gear ratios, but at least with your descriptions, I'll be able to make the parts availability text file a bit more accurate -:)

BTW (OT), whatdo you think about the looks of the Monster Patrol MT? I'm debating either getting the Bigfoot or possibly the Monster Patrol model. I really hate Fords LOL, but the Hulk Chevy doesn't quite "do it" for me, what with those funny looking fists on either side of the vehicle LOL!

Although the MP truck looks real nice, I'm more of a purist, wanting a truck that looks like a regular truck (i.e. the MP truck has the wing/spoiler on the back of it).

[Namuna]

IMO, if it weren't a Monster Truck, I wouldn't have bothered picking up the Monster Patrol. The Shacks around me have only gotten in the Hulks and MPs, so I didn't have much of a choice. If/when my local store gets the Bigfoot in, I'll probably exchange the MP for it.

I'm of the same opinion, a big fat wing on a truck don't do it for me either...Now, the Hulk truck though, I LOVE (but I think you can guess why ;) )

[rfnagel]

Thanks for the info -:)

Hehe, yeah, I can see why you like the Hulk truck LOL -:)

I suppose I prolly will get the Bigfoot when the time comes (and of course, also the upgrade and tire kit) -:)

[wolfrocks5]

Hi, The gears are green stock 24:1,red performance 20.8:1, yellow turbo 18.3:1 and ornge racing 16.2:1 hope this helps

[Namuna]

Yup, my bad...Upon further inspection of the Manual that comes with the Monster Trucks, it details the ratio of the gears.

So, for easy copying/pasting...

Green, Stock, 8000rpm, 24:1
Red, Performance, 14500rpm, 20.8:1
Yellow, Turbo, 18000rpm, 18.3:1
Orange, Racing, 21000rpm,16.2:1

And I have to admit, the more I drive the Monster Patrol and look at it's big wing (in proportion to it's fatty wheels)...I'm actually coming to LIKE it!.

[rfnagel]

Thanks for the info, guys! -:) -:)

[rfnagel]

Still going blindy here (as I haven't bought one yet), but I was attempting to do a few calculations for an upcoming version of my ZipZaps Speed Calculator Utility (to add support of the monster trucks).

Based on the specs for the gear ratio and motor RPM, and going by the blurb on Radio Shack's web site about the scale speed of the monster trucks ("Scale speed of 70MPH"), I came up with the following figures (using formulas from my ZipZaps Speed Calculator Utility):



Tires: Stock Factory Monster Truck
Green Stock Motor: 8000 RPM
Green Stock Gears: 24:1
Stock Scale Speed: 70 MPH

MotorRPM / GearRatio * TireCircumference / 12 * 60 / 5280 * Scale = ScaleMPH

8000 / 24 * TireCircumference / 12 * 60 / 5280 * 64 = 70
TireCircumference = 24 / 8000 * 70 / 64 * 5280 / 60 * 12

TireCircumference = 3.4649472 inches (???)

TireCircumference = Pi * diameter
Pi = 3.1415926 inches
TireDiameter = TireCircumference / Pi

TireDiameter = 1.1029269 inches (???)



The thing is, the tire diameter that I calculated (based upon the above calculated tire circumference) seems a bit too large based upon my formulas and using Radio Shack's so-called 70 MPH scale speed spec LOL! Would you happen to have a micrometer that you could use to measure the tire diameter for me LOL? -:)

Are those MT tires actually over an inch in diameter?

[Namuna]

Sorry man, all I've got is a digital caliper. It's only good to .001". Not as 'precise' as a micrometer.

hehe, I don't have the Monster trucks with me (they're at work). When I get home tonight I'll get you the details.

[rfnagel]

Many thanks for the help -:)

Actually, the caliper would be accurate enough, as I'm simply trying to determine if the tire diameters are even close to around 1.1 inches.

It's just that from the pics that I've seen of the MTs, over an inch seems a bit largish for the actual size of the tires.

If you're measurement is anywhere near 1.1 inches, I can safely assume that my calculations are accurate -:)

[Namuna]

I was actually bein sarcastic with the comment about the Calipers not being accurate enough! When you're talking about little R/C cars, getting down to anymore than .01" of an inch is a waste of time. :p

While I'll have the exact numbers tonight, I am at work now and did put a ruler against the tires and they're right at 1 1/16th (1.06") inches. So ya, they're pretty much right at 1.1" (if you round up).

[rfnagel]

Many thanks for the info! Sounds like the MTs have some pretty decent sized tires -:)

Hehe, yeah, I know that anything smaller than .01" is a waste of time, but my Zaps speed calculator's wheel circumference constant (for the regular and SE Zaps) is 1.73228 inches LOL!

Precision, my man, precision ROTFLOL!!!

(Edit) P.S. Hehe, not bad cipherin' since I don't have one of these beasts yet! -:)

[Namuna]

Do what you gotta do...But you MUST get a Monster Truck!!! And get the Motor/Gear upgrade too (for only $6.99 for the upgrade kit, ain't no reason NOT to!).

I really need to take a vid of this thing in action, I'm not talkin about running across the floor...Where I work the cubicles are all lined up and connected, and we're all basically slobs with papers and magazines all over.

...It's a TON of fun to drive the MTs over pretty much all the different obstacles!

The ZZSE is what's to get when you want a sweet ride with decent precision in steering...The ZZMT is what you get for PURE FUN!

Did I mention, GET IT!!??

[Namuna]

Heck, I even ordered a mini-wagon so I can do Truck Pulls!!!
http://store.yahoo.com/radioflyer/1minclaswag.html

[rfnagel]

Originally posted by Namuna
Do what you gotta do...But you MUST get a Monster Truck!!! And get the Motor/Gear upgrade too (for only $6.99 for the upgrade kit, ain't no reason NOT to!).

Believe me, I do plan on it for sure! -:) -:) Hehe, I used to be heavily into the Stompers, remember those? -:)

I really need to take a vid of this thing in action, I'm not talkin about running across the floor...Where I work the cubicles are all lined up and connected, and we're all basically slobs with papers and magazines all over.

Saw this posted at another board: http://members.cox.net/codesuidae/ZZMTKeyboard.avi -:)

The ZZMT is what you get for PURE FUN!

Yessirree! 4WD trucks of all sizes are an absolute blast! -:) -> http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/RichNagel/k5blazer.jpg -:)

Did I mention, GET IT!!??

Going to for sure -:)

Heck, I even ordered a mini-wagon so I can do Truck Pulls!!!

MOST EXCELLENT!! -:) Hehe, I'm fondly reminded of the regulation scale pull sled that I had for my Stompers! Man, I sure wish I still had that thing! -:)

[Namuna]

Ahhhh, 16 hour workdays, just sooooo much fun!

Anyway, here are the promised measurements...

Wheel Diameter: 1.11"
Wheel Width (figured what the heck, might as well while I've got the Calipers out): 0.628"

Tsk tsk tsk, poor Morty (my dog). He only ever barks when chased by the Hulk!!!! :D

[rfnagel]

Originally posted by Namuna
Ahhhh, 16 hour workdays, just sooooo much fun!

Anyway, here are the promised measurements...

Wheel Circumference: 1.11"
Wheel Width (figured what the heck, might as well while I've got the Calipers out): 0.628"

Many thanks for the info! -:) But I'm thinking you meant wheel "diameter", correct? :wink: -:)

[Sdog]

Man...you guys crack me up. I love it though.

Actually, I came across both of your websites a while back when I first got in to ZZ's and was researching them and micro rc. Of course, I bookmarked both sites because of the wealth of detailed info. they had that wasn't anywhere else...all in one place.

I share Namuna's feelings about the SE and the MT. Nothing else out there can touch the SE for the degree of control you get at that price. The SE is my favorite micro chassis for that reason...especially now that they have improved the steering. I've been dissapointed by many of the shells for the SE (as discussed on other threads), but the muscle cars bodies are great, and the new Mach 1 mustang looks promising. there is always room for improvement, and I hope RS continues to do so.

I also agree that the MT is just pure fun. I have been surprised at what it is able to climb over. It can handle a lot tougher obstacles than the keyboard in that video.

Now my 2 cents about which MT to get. I've seen them all in person at this point. Although, I like the look of the Spiderman Hummer shell, I'm not really in to all of the Spiderman stuff all over it. It could be easily repainted. But for off the shelf looks, I like the Bigfoot shell. Its a pretty good replica with some nice little details.

BTW weeds....if you like the standard truck look, you can always pick up the new Chevy/Dodge SE truck kit when it arrives. I plan on picking one up myself.

Keep up the good work on the websites guys.

[rfnagel]

Glad you found my website useful -:) Keep an eye out in the next few weeks or so, gonna be updating a lot of stuff there.

Yep, the Dodge body will prolly be the one that I use for my MT when I get it -:)

[viperdout]

Yeah, my truck with red gear can drive up and over the keyboard without having to drive on top of something first! This bugger's really fun, and I just love it. I've also noticed that the store Bigfoots are 27mhz, while the online ones are 49. Anybody else notice this?

[ACP]

Originally posted by viperdout
I've also noticed that the store Bigfoots are 27mhz, while the online ones are 49. Anybody else notice this?

You can get both 27 and 49 in store, depending on the stock the store has been sent.

[rfnagel]

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! Just picked me up a ZipZaps Monster Truck (as well as the ZipZaps Monster Truck Speed Booster Kit, and pre-ordered a ZipZaps Monster Truck Micro RC Tire and Wheel Kit), and all I can say is WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO LOL!!!!! These things are a BBLLLLAAAAAAAAST!!!! -:) -:)

My local Radio Shack didn't have any of the Bigfoots, but they did have the Monster Patrol Chevys in stock, picked me up one of the 49MHZ ones.

I didn't think I'd care for the wing/spoiler on the truck (which is why I first considered the Bigfoot, even though I really detest Fords LOL!), but like Namuna posted, the wing doesn't look bad at all -:)

Man, these things will drive over almost anything! Hehe, I used to love the Stompers back in their day, and these things are like remote control Stompers on steroids LOL! -:)


¥Weeds¥ - Who loves his monster trucks -> http://www.cmoo.com/~snor/weeds/swamp_buster.jpg -> http://www.cmoo.com/~snor/weeds/genezaps_2.jpg LOL! -:)

[Namuna]

Yeeeeeah Booooooy!!! :D

Had myself a good shopping day m'self. Picked up a Mach I Mustang SE, Vette Past & Present kit and the Monster Truck Wheel/Tire Kit.

My local RS had all 4 MTs in stock, the Spiderman one (IMO) looks absolutely AWFUL!!! And I gotta say I don't care much for the Bigfoot either! :( I'm totally happy I went with Hulk and Monster Patrol !!

As far as the Wheel/Tire kit goes, nothing particularly special about the set, it's just nice to have spares (I get the feeling I'll probably be wearing out the tires from use! :) )

[viperdout]

Originally posted by Namuna
Yeeeeeah Booooooy!!! :D

Had myself a good shopping day m'self. Picked up a Mach I Mustang SE, Vette Past & Present kit and the Monster Truck Wheel/Tire Kit.

My local RS had all 4 MTs in stock, the Spiderman one (IMO) looks absolutely AWEFUL!!! And I gotta say I don't care much for the Bigfoot either! :( I'm totally happy I went with Hulk and Monster Patrol !!

As far as the Wheel/Tire kit goes, nothing particularly special about the set, it's just nice to have spares (I get the feeling I'll probably be wearing out the tires from use! :) )

Namuna, how does the '63 vette body look on the Monster? I love the Camaro body on mine, and on Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm shipping it to CD for a fet job.

[rfnagel]

Originally posted by Namuna My local RS had all 4 MTs in stock, the Spiderman one (IMO) looks absolutely AWEFUL!!!

I was wondering how that one would look, being that it's a Hummer. Kinda thought that it would prolly look good, guess not 'tho (haven't seen them, as my local RS only had the Hulk and the MPs).


As far as the Wheel/Tire kit goes, nothing particularly special about the set, it's just nice to have spares (I get the feeling I'll probably be wearing out the tires from use! :)

Hehe, I absolutely HAD to have the tire kit, as it comes with "Swamp" tires LOL! -:) -:)

P.S. ¥Weeds¥ used to spend most of his spare time out in the Big Cypress Swamp (http://www.cmoo.com/~snor/weeds/Weeds_Desktop.jpg) in South Florida -:)

P.P.S. The factory MT tires remind me of the treads that I used to have on my ATC, same paddle design. Hehe, I was quite surprised when I saw in the MT owners pamphlet that they actually showed the proper way to mount them LOL -:)

(Edit) P.P.P.S. My olive drab "Daddy Thornberry Amputation" (http://www.cmoo.com/~snor/weeds/607513_1_0.jpg) body looks excellent on the MT chassis... have to get a few pics of that body on the MT and post 'em when I get a chance -:)

[rfnagel]

WOOHOO! -:) Man, I sure wish that I could find one of these old beasts on EBay LOL!

http://www.stomper4x4.com/tinco/sled.jpg

http://www.stomper4x4.com/tinco/rexpictures/pullset%20(1).jpg

[Sdog]

Originally posted by Namuna
[B]Yeeeeeah Booooooy!!! :D

Had myself a good shopping day m'self. Picked up a Mach I Mustang SE, Vette Past & Present kit and the Monster Truck Wheel/Tire Kit.

Namuna...did you get a chance to get that Mach 1 Mustang rolling yet? Any opinions? It looks like the shell is pretty well proportioned as far as SE's are concerned. I'll probably be picking one up soon, but I am trying to wait and see what the blue ones look like in person. Then again, that "Competition Orange" color is pretty cool.

[rfnagel]

Man, talk about memories -:)

I just surfed over to the JC Whitney web site. JC Whitney is where I used to mail-order my ATC tires from over 20 years ago (hehe, of course, the web site didn't exist back then... that was WAY before Al Gore "invented" the Internet LOL!), and was pleasantly surprised that they STILL sell the EXACT same tires that I used to buy (made by "Cheng Shin") -:) -> http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-3983/c-10101

[ZipZapin]

Sorry to interupt you flash back here guys.... but whats a stomper? Was before my time...

[rfnagel]

Originally posted by ZipZapin
Sorry to interupt you flash back here guys.... but whats a stomper? Was before my time...

Stompers were 1/64 scale trucks that were 4 wheel drive, and had no steering (i.e. you flip the switch, set it on the ground, and let 'er rip!).

All of the bodies were officially licensed from the various auto companies (like the ZipZaps are). They were manufactured and quite popular in the early '80s, around 1980-1982 or so.

(Edit) P.S. I've always said that the new ZipZaps Monster Trucks were akin to "Stompers on steroids" LOL! -:)

[ZipZapin]

Oh, and they had like interchange able parts and such? Kewl.

Now top get backj on topic... I am from canada but in Miami for a vacation right now. I am on Collins drive at the Fontain Bleau Hilton Hotel. I am going to rent a car and go up to a mall with a Radio Shack at 6804 ollins AVE. I'm hoping they have them, with the tire and motor kit. And american truck body's. Pray...

[rfnagel]

Originally posted by ZipZapin
Oh, and they had like interchange able parts and such? Kewl.

Now top get backj on topic... I am from canada but in Miami for a vacation right now. I am on Collins drive at the Fontain Bleau Hilton Hotel. I am going to rent a car and go up to a mall with a Radio Shack at 6804 ollins AVE. I'm hoping they have them, with the tire and motor kit. And american truck body's. Pray...

Cool! I live in southwest Kendall, quite a bit further south than that :)

Your best bet would be to use the phone book and call several RS(s), just to ensure that the one that you visit has them in stock. From what I've seen in my local RS stores, they all seemed to be fully stocked with all of the afore mentioned upgrade and body kits -:)

[ZipZapin]

Ok, i'l try that. I know the # from the online store locater. Miami is so sweet.