HPI 180 in a Rocket Racer

[tiny_dealy]

I saw the posts on this issue here in the forum...but the posts don't always show up, and I am not sure why!!

I want to run an HPI 180 in the Rocket Racer *since I picked one up last night* I was wondering if it will work ok with the stock battery configuration *4 x AAA* I know it will be better with a higher voltage pack....but until I get that, will there be a speed increase with the 180 in it...or will it not have enough juice with the 4 AAA's to take advantage of the larger motor.

Thanks for the reply.

BTW it sounds like this can be a damn quick machine with the right stuff in it.

Anyone think this Racer could become more popular in the future?

[feishiaada]

not sure 'bout the 180, but if posts don't show up, the posts are probably too old,
look down at the bottom of the page and there should
be some select box where you can pick "show all posts since the beginning" or past year or etc....
that should show everything in the forums database....
you can also change this default setting in your user options i believe....

[tiny_dealy]

Yeah I already had it set to show everything from the last year...so that's not the problem........

DOH*

I just figured out why....it was because I was logged out...so it was at default settings...which means...not that far back...I get it now.


Anyhow...I installed the HPI 180 motor in the car...it's a perfect fit. With the current bat set up I can't say it's faster....the motor does not even heat up.....however...I think I will toss in a 7.2v that I have lying around and see how that works out. So the 180 with the 7.2 or perhaps even a Nuclear Power Micro Punch Pack might do the trick.......blah....I am on a budget so a cheap 7.2 is the order of the day.

Anyhow...anyone with experience with this setup please post here...let me know how it worked out!!!

I will post my own results. I sure as heck hope that this car will fly after those changes....it makes sense that it would!

[Btman]

I am still running the original motor in my Rocket Racer and it moves fast enough for the track size (12x25') and the surface (smooth concrete basement floor) that I run on. The Rocket Racer should give you pretty decent performance with the 180 motor, the proper gear ratio (you may have to experiment with different size pinion gears to find out) and the right battery pack. I think that the Rocket Racer is a good car to experiment with due to it's RTR cost, ball diff, and very smooth overall handling compared to a stock mini-z for example.

[tiny_dealy]

Ok I am running the 180 now with a 7.2 volt micro punch pack from nuclear....if you don't know the brand then your missing out, these batteries pretty much rock.

Anyhow I have yet to test on carpet....needless to say grip is at a minimum with stock tires and this much power on a smooth floor, so a carpet run today at the LHS I work for should confirm findings. But I did have it outside in a parking lot for a couple minutes....it was a little too rough...but the couple smooth runs I did get where freaking fast....keep in mind folks that this was outside....it actually looks really fast outside.....hehehehe it's gonna fly inside.

Anyhow the motor only warmed up a little....the electronics seem to be able to handle 7.2v no problem....I would not anticipate any problems in the future.

Well I love this car for a couple reasons. I picked up a batt and I got an HPI stock 180sh motor and she flies *so far anyhow*. I did not have to add a single Dynamite mod onto the car. So what happens when I do ball bearing this car and upgrade a couple parts? Well to get a car that already destroys my friends mini-z's by a huge margine * I DO ME HUGE * with only 2 changes to the car really excites me. Now when I get an IPD 20A speed control and the micro mod motor and some foams for the tires....I can only see this thing getting faster. It's so easy to upgrade....btw that IPD unit will handel up to a 480 *too much for my car* but still nice, and it weighs 8g without wires...so it's very light and small.

Anyhow I will post some pics of it soon.

BTW I almost forgot...I upgraded all the plugs on the car to Deans plugs. They work so well, and they are so smooth operating I would recommend that for anyone....besides it's cheap to do.



RACE-20

COMPETITION SPEED CONTROL

Forward/Brake

$44.95 US

Voltage range / # of cells 6-12 V/5-10
Max Load 60 sec 25A
Continuous load 20A
Max recommended motor Speed 480
Weight excl leads 8g
Dimensions (mm) 24x19x10
BEC
Plug and Race technology
Silicone Flex leads
Dynamic Brakes

So perhaps we will get some ABC DTM performance out of this badboy someday!!!

Also I am still running stock gearning.....I have not even begun to play with that yet!!! dang this thing has me excited....now this is what I call BANG FOR THE BUCK

[tinyrc]

tiny_dealy, sounds like you've got a pretty extreme Rocket Racer without having to do too many mods! Can't wait to see pics. When you say you used Dean's do you mean the Ultra plugs? Aren't they a bit big? Or do they make some small plugs for this type of application?

[tiny_dealy]

Hi TinyRC


Yeah I am using standard size Deans Ultra plugs. They might not be the lightest solution...but they are tough as nails and will take anything thrown at them. I have to say though...they are a little big...but they look great and work even better. I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone.

TinyRC I think you are on to something regarding smaller plugs. There has got to be a good market for a product like that *Deans I hope your listening

Anyhow when I post some pics you will see how they fit....they are also a lot easier to solder and fiddle with....the easier the better

I will post my results after today.


And BTW it's the fact that this thing is pretty much stock that has me so excited.....this is why this car has me so pumped....nothing proprietary...just a good chassis with an ability to handle some pretty heavy mods out of the box..... very cool

[tiny_dealy]

Well....

I ran the car again today on the Carpet.....the tires pretty much suck for anything other than smooth tarmac....but now that I got it on a surface that allows me to run it in something ressembling a straight line....I can see now that that's almost impossible. I have been messing with the diff....but nothing seems to help. It has some amazing torque steer...*yeah I know it's rear wheel drive* but even if I start moving at half throttle then get up to speed and then advance the throttle to full smoothly it will still spin out. It turns much better to the left than it does to the right..and even with the diff in full lock up it will still spin out to the left. As I advance throttle I have to add some right stick to keep it on track.....however if I trim for that input amount it will not go on a straight line during other *non full throttle runs*

So at this point I am at a loss.....A taller pinion like a 12t perhaps will calm it down a bit....I will try that...new tires are a must....and I gotta work out the steering issue....however once that's done...*if ever* it will be a wicked machine!!!

Anyone else having this trouble?

Let me know

[was ist los?]

is there any significant loss in run time with the 180 motor?

[natedogg4674]

tiny dealy, i got a coupple questions for you, 1st, where did u get the 7.2 battery set up, is it rechargable? and could i charge it with my 15 minute quick charger that is for my 1/10th car?, also where did you put the batt pack on the car, did it fit where the stock batteries went, if possible please post pics, i want to try this mod, i love my rocket racer, but i feel a need for speed!!!

[irc]

IM running a GPM 180 Black motor and a 7.2 battery in mine and the car is very fast! IM also running foam tires and have massive tracktion on my track! If the car get's loose a little WD40 will get it hooked up again!

[bigbamboo]

Two places ehobbies and horizon have the following models for sale around $50 USD. Can anyone tell me if the the P-GT1 model is the full deal or is it toy grade cars. Ehobbies has two at $139 and the P-GT1 at $50. There doesn't appear to be any difference by reading the descriptions on the site. Its also the same description as given by horizon. RC action (i think) did a review and claimed them to be good cars - but quoted $130 MSRP.


Wondering for feedback be for I throw money down the probverbial rat hole.



rocket racer P-GT1

ehobbies


Bamboo

[natedogg4674]

These thing are the real deal, aside from the looks of the controller, they are great. Fully proportional, esc, slipper clutch, front and rear adjustable suspension. If you have a local hobby store, call them, theyll probably let you check it out first. But it was well worth my $60.

[bigbamboo]

I was surprized to see them for $50 when postings from last summer stated $120 was a good deal. Anyone know if the company is clearing out models? I find it hard to believe they'd stop the 1/24th as it is becoming more lucrative market.

I might just have to go with one of them rather than an Auldey Tin Racer heavy Modified.
Bigbamboo