EMBUE - E-Maxx Brushless Ultimate Edition FLM/RPM build

[Suteki]

Forgot to mention; when I did get this done this evening I took it for a quick lap out front on the road. I was able to turn the car full lock on the steering at some pretty high speeds and it never even got close to tipping over, it managed to lift the back inside wheel once but that was it, so maybe the offset isn't such a bad idea......

[Suteki]

OK I got the supershocks in today. Using 4, black springs up front, blue at rear, 60wt muchmore oil. The rear has a bit of droop in it, when you push it down it doesn't come right back up , only about half so I may go 40wt in the rear, though when I drove it around on the road it seemed very stable and happy with just enough squat under acceleration to keep it stable so I don't know, though when I take it down to the park I'll get a better idea of how it's handling.
Car looks so much better having some nice big shocks on it.

[petraeus]

So your using only 2 shocks front and 2 shocks back - right?

Black's in front - how come? Most would choose the softer blue ones front and the black ones back...
I don't recall - are you using RPM A-Arms? - Using a single shock setup with those flexible RPM's can't be good

..so maybe the offset isn't such a bad idea......

Sure - you could be absolutely right. I actually have reconsidered to use the standard holes on the XXL axles to provide a 3mm offset each side. I would have to order a new set then

[Suteki]

Yeh rpm arms, i dont think arms are as big a problem as say using rpm shock towers, which i dont use, i use flm. Havent had the funds for a second set.

Decided to use softer on rear to give it some squat under acceleration and so that leaving a jump the rear is more compliant so it squats off off jumps rather than trying to rotate forward being harder sprung. Will drive it and see how it goes. I just find it odd that even with the colar wound down for an extra half inch preload it doesnt want to raise back to its inirial height. I expect a bit of droop but it seems like i might be getting too much

[petraeus]

.. I just find it odd that even with the colar wound down for an extra half inch preload it doesnt want to raise back to its inirial height. I expect a bit of droop but it seems like i might be getting too much

This would just indicate the spring setup is too soft... you'll need at least black springs back in a single UE shock setup..

[Suteki]

yeh when I read about 4 shock setup they said blue and black springs, surprised that the blues are as squat as they are, just gonna take them off, make sure they aren't binding and see whats happening.

Might move them a hole down on the tower

[Suteki]

Decided I would try swapping the shocks out, black on rear blue on front after checking out a few other setups. Where before the rear would sit a little squat, it now sits level. There must be some rear bias in the weight distribution because the blue springs that couldn't hold the rear up are holding the front up fine. Drove it around the street, seems ok, taking it out to the park this arvo.

I do know however one of the hinge pins on the rear bulkhead is bent really badly and causing the A-Arm to bind or at least not travel freely up and down, when it gets to the middle it becomes a little notchy so that doubtless does not help it's cause but it seems to be sitting better.

Haven't bothered cleaning and everything is all dusty but got some shots of how it sits and how the Losi XXL CVD sits in the Tekno carrier.

Also as you can see, some one pointed out 'who would buy purple?' for their RC car when some one posted their RPM skid guards, well obviously some people must because I'm using purple arms :P




.....and where I do my RC work, spare room with my short course (no wheels on it obviously) and scaler just hanging out. You can see the 6mm offset per side on the Emaxx doesn't really look any different what so ever, at least not with those size tyres. Might be a bit different with the standard ones though.

[petraeus]

Got the new Traxxas TQI + 2 receivers - pretty cool

Have been running about 10 batteries, since last. Since the Savox 1283MG blew, I've been running with the Savox 1256TG . This servo is absolutely sufficient, and even runs without the need of a BEC - allthoug I will install a BEC soon again.

Still, I would like more power transffered to the ground, instead of the constant wheelies..

So next up - time to say goodbye to stock tranny, and say hello to:

RCM Universal Center Diff/Motor Mount + Slipperential™ 1/8 Center Slipper Diff (patented)




http://www.rc-monster.com/proddetail...rcmcdmm&cat=10




http://www.rc-monster.com/proddetail...rential&cat=10

[Suteki]

http://www.rctech.net/forum/monster-...permaxx-2.html

This lad is using the UE diff in the center, I would imagine it works in much the same way, it just means a different diff in the center.

[USARUSH]

Here's my personal ultimate edition.... Repowered with the XO-1 MMM and an extra powerfully 4 pole 2000kv 4.67hp motor



And yes those are lights

Rig has ceramic bearings
Big bore shocks
Shimmed 3908 diffs with NO problems
Castle Creation MMM100
Leopard 2000kv High power BLmotor
FLM Chassis
RPM True Trak
RPM front arms
RPM shock towers
Tekno Wing Mount
Tekno Heavy duty Carriers with 8mm stub axle for reduced play
Twin Hitec TG servos up front for steering and weight
Traxxxas TQI and the only telemetry component, besides gps, that I need is the and I'm sure I'm missing something... Vids coming soon

[Suteki]

Shimmed 3908 diffs with NO problems

Surprisingly, since I shimmed mine, I haven't had them fail either. I pulled the diff apart the other day to check the bearings (which need replacing) and found the teeth were in excellent condition.

[MITCH316]

Very nice build guys...loads of valuable information in here.

[Suteki]

Very nice build guys...loads of valuable information in here.

Another brisbanite, where do you usually run your vehicle at? I am in Redlands, so usuallybashing about Ormiston or near Maroondu soccer club

[petraeus]

Here's my personal ultimate edition.... Repowered with the XO-1 MMM and an extra powerfully 4 pole 2000kv 4.67hp motor

And yes those are lights

Rig has ceramic bearings
Big bore shocks
Shimmed 3908 diffs with NO problems
Castle Creation MMM100
Leopard 2000kv High power BLmotor
FLM Chassis
RPM True Trak
RPM front arms
RPM shock towers
Tekno Wing Mount
Tekno Heavy duty Carriers with 8mm stub axle for reduced play
Twin Hitec TG servos up front for steering and weight
Traxxxas TQI and the only telemetry component, besides gps, that I need is the and I'm sure I'm missing something... Vids coming soon

Nice - Good to know that at least a few are reporting stock diffs with no problems. I used to do that my self, but after a few runs on 5s and bigger than standard tires, my (shimmed) diffs certainly started to show wear.

Shown here, compared to the much beefier 1/8 scale diff:



The reason I upgraded / rebuilded my E-Maxx 3908 was part fun, part since I wanted my EMBUE to be bulletproof.
So I didn't use neither Stock diff's, Stock Bulks, Stock Sliders nor Flexible RPM towers.

By now I've bashed my EMBUE enough to know that it's a tough as they gets. I've had no breakage what so ever, and lately I've bashed it even harder than shown in my videos
http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePetraeus?feature=mhee

To get rid of the flexible RPM A-arms, I'm currently on the hunt for some (impossible to find):

FlexTek RC Titanium T-Maxx / E-Maxx Suspension Arms

Anyone got a spare set not used? I'm offering big $$

What's left is to tune it up for improved driving performance, that's why I'm getting rid of stock tranny to build in a RCM Center diff

Looking forward to one of your bashing videos

[USARUSH]

The last set of those flex tek arms that I've seen sold was on RC tech about a year ago to a forum member named Gumelguf I think... He promised to beat the snot of them happy hunting!!

[petraeus]

The name "Gumleguf" even sounds very Danish. Pretty sure that guy lives in Denmark - like me.

Then, I'm quite sure his awesome showtruck is not for sale

[Suteki]

Not sure I like the look of it over all, but definitely looks like a lot of work went into that thing. It looks like a roller right now yeh?

[Dr.J]

That is an awesome paint job, is it an emaxx? Btw, patraeus, you have gone above n beyond anything ive seen to make ur ride indestructable. Your truck is a nice piece of work. Yours is a true basher, unlike this pretty thing. Its super clean though.

[MITCH316]

Another brisbanite, where do you usually run your vehicle at? I am in Redlands, so usuallybashing about Ormiston or near Maroondu soccer club

I pm'd you bro...I live in forest lake.

[josh62685]

Is it time for a rematch? Emaxx vs lightpole.

[petraeus]

Btw, petraeus, you have gone above n beyond anything ive seen to make ur ride indestructable. Your truck is a nice piece of work. Yours is a true basher...

Thanks.
So far I'm pretty close to my goal.

Everytime I take my EMBUE out for a bash session - it returns in one piece

Lately did some running on stock wheels , and I was somehow surprised how well they performed - must have forgot after running TrencherX mostly.
Stock tires have less traction which means lot less wheelies when running off-road, and due the smaller size they also give the truck a more precise feel.

Next will be.

* Solve the RPM carrier problem, using 5334R.
* Install new CC BEC
* New Tires
* Install RCM Center Diff

Summer vacation around the corner - there will be no tuning/building for at least a month...

[Suteki]

Where you headed for summer mate?

[petraeus]

Where you headed for summer mate?

Unfortunately not down under. It's 15 years since I traveled that wonderfull continent. This summer it'll be Denmark and Sweden. It's been too long since we took our 3 kids around our own country, since they prefer to visit a handfull of amusement parks, when their parents prefer Italy or Thailand :-) - can't always win.

Just baked the TrencherX's off the Desperado's. The wheels had become useless unbalanced suddenly. Maybe they didn't like 6s power and lazy style flip overs?

12 min at 180c (350F) in the oven, weighted down to the cookie plate, one side at a time. They popped right off.
Foam Inserts had some damage, and there was quite a bit gravel and sand inside. That combo made them very unbalanced.
Now I need new inserts or maybe I'll swap to:

Traxxas Response Pro 3.8" #5375
Height: 5.75 (147mm)
Width: 3.27 (83mm)

[Suteki]

I am moving next week from Brisbane to Gladstone for work, so I'll be just off the Great Barrier Reef and near places like Tannum Sands whic is supposed to be awesome. Cant wait to waterproof my SCX10 and attack some fresh water creeks. Its a very small place surrounded by undeveloped land and bush trails so it should be a great place to RC also. First paycheck is probably going to a 5th scale gas vehicle

Wouldnt mind a trip to Europe, never been there, I have lived in Asia and the Middle East though.

Odd to hear you got rocks inside the trenchers, how did you manage that? I need to balance my wheels, but I have found the beadlocks keep the rims clean at the bead.

[petraeus]

Brisbane..... - me and my friend bought a Ford Falcon somewhere in Brisbane, drove up north the east coast to Port Douglas, then to Darwin, Alice, Adelaide and then to Sydney. Then we got to Perth and went up north the West coast - All together 6 months there - a great time. I'll be back someday. Friendliest people down there.

Don't know how the gravel got there!
But I manage to get new foams and decide to re-glue the TrencherX's, I will tape them, close holes in Desperados and instead have holes in tires.

[MITCH316]

+1 to Australia, great place. I just wish I have met more bashes around here. Suteki, good luck with your move.

Petraeus...love your work.

[Suteki]

+1 to Australia, great place. I just wish I have met more bashes around here. Suteki, good luck with your move.

Petraeus...love your work.

Yeh it's weird, don't run into a lot of other rc drivers around. Your best bet is to go to a track. A lot of guys that race also have a basher car they use during the week or otherwise when they aren't racing. I used to just go down to my local rc track (onroad) and there was always some one down there on Sunday arvo's, I would often take my Emaxx down anyway and drive it in the park opposite the track but generally if I go to my local park I am there by myself till I get some little kids that come over and watch.

Petraeus that sounds like bit of a trip you had! That's like driving across Europe lol.

[petraeus]

I was PM'ed how I made the FLM shock tower braces - just wanted to share the info instead.

It's really quite simple:

Buy a 8 mm Carbon Fiber Rod and cut it to fit between shock towers. Make it 2mm shorter so you'll be able to add a washer when mounting.

In each end of the CF rod, drill a 3 mm/ 3 cm deep hole. Use Epoxy Glue to glue a 5 cm, 3mm all-thread rod in the drilled holes, and let it dry.

Add a 1mm washer in on each rod, loosen shock towers and mount you new shock tower braces, fastened by a 3 mm nut.







This will prevent this to happen:



I'm about to make a little upgrade, by reinforcing the CF ends with a 4 cm alu rod sleeve, to prevent the CF to crack.

But so far, this version has held up pretty good

[h8tow8]

Looks like St Francis Bay in SA

[petraeus]

Instead of buying TRA5334R to solve the RPM carrier problem, I had these made in aluminium
to do the RPM ring mod.

inner 14,5mm - 3 mm thick



I'll install them later today. Don't know yet, how they'll fit - should be fine hopefully

[EMAXXBRUSHLESS]

lokks like they should work fine. But you wont be able to use the rubber boots that dont seem to last very long anyway.

[Dr.J]

Thanks bud, looks like you have some nice tools and machines! I found some square carbon fiber rods that might work pretty good on ebay.

[petraeus]

Thanks bud, looks like you have some nice tools and machines!

Metal workshop at work (development lab)
Took the machinist less than 5 min. to make 10 of them..


And a perfect fit to




I like it - don't care about the rubber boots missing..

[petraeus]

Double post somehow..

[minirevobasher]

Anyone have any reviews of the strc aluminum knuckles? They seem to be good. Im just trying to get some of this wheel wobble gone. I think i might have to do the no slop mod by pave

[Suteki]

My speed controller gave out today. Not sure exactly what happen. I was driving along when the Emaxx threw a battery. So I picked the battery up, and went to put it back in when I noticed a weird smell. Checked to make sure no lipos were damaged, they were fine, went to plug in the battery and the speed controller proceeded to smoke and make a nice hiss and crackle as soon as the battery made any connection. Pulled the ESC apart and there is no obvious burn marks nor have any of the capacitors exploded so its a problem on the same side as the heatsink I can't see.

What I think happen is when the battery got thrown, the exposed connectors from the ESC made contact with the aluminium shock tower and shorted the ESC. That's my best guess anyway, I'm no electrician. It was only 110f when this occurred.

So new speed controller time. Don't want to go Castle again, think I will go Tekin or a Hobbywing.

[petraeus]

My speed controller gave out today...

Sad news. Send it to CC - they should replace or repair for a (small?) fee..


I went out to test the RPM ring mod. Pillow ball issue is history - great mod.

I'm doing my best trying to tune the suspension.
My latest setup for bumpy off road an big jumps:

Front - UE Supershocks 20wt Losi oil - White UE Springs - Pos 1 on A-Arms
Rear - UE Supershocks 25wt Losi oil - Red UE Springs - Pos 1 on A-Arms

So far this setup feel very good - I've said that earlier, with other setups. This feel even better

I find thicker oil too thick for white and red springs.
30 wt oil and White springs, and they feel way over damped - compressed they decompress quite slow.
30 wt oil and Red springs, are a little better though.

I had to relocate ahock mounting position on shock tower, causing my current CF shock tower brace had to be relocated and replaced by another design.

[petraeus]

Stock, beat up wheels - still searching for new foams for the TrencherX's.
And awaiting delivery for Traxxas Response Pro tires
I know - rears are turned wrong direction, a classic
Actually stockers make the truck handle so much better than Trenchers - probably not going back to those.

This truck is strong as ever. Bashed it good - nothing.

Notice the RPM front carrier ring mod




New shock posistion - notice I'm testing stock front lower A-Arms (not flexing as much as RPM ones) - they didn't break so far:



CF tube used for new shocktower brace:

[Suteki]

Those tyres are looking a little balding, sure they're still legal?

[petraeus]

Positive news to my earlier post

.. the CC BEC was the sinner, well sort of. Somehow it didn't like my 6s configuration, adding an additional 2s lipo to the current 2x2S lipo. The BEC fried, and outputted 22v on 6s ad 14v on 4s - the receiver and servo sure didn't like that - boom

I had contacted Castle weeks ago about the fried BEC. Told them exactly what happened - all my fault.
They asked me to send in the fried BEC, and they would replace it for a minor fee.
The other day a mail was send to me - a replacement is on the way with USPS - no fee. Talk about great service from CC.