TRX 3.3 Question........

[ajolsen1]

Hey guys,

What is the "Safe Temperature zone" for the 3.3?? The Traxxas tuning video says 270 is the max safe temp, yet everyone I talk to says 220... What's your input??

[shizcol]

I always try to stay around 240-270. A nitro engine always runs best at a higher temp. I have seen many 3.3s run great at 290 but i would never exceed anything over that. It only takes one time and the motor is trash. But anywhere from 240 to 270 ur safe

[lubecakes]

Anywhere from 200° to 270° is a "safe" temperature. You have to tune for performance, and remember, in cool weather it will run cooler. That means you should use temps as a guide, and not for tuning. Cooler weather means richer fuel mixtures, and cooler temps.

[fallonguy]

I try and keep it around 250 myself but you should do like lubecakes said tune for performance and use temps as a guide.

[bmoney]

250 is a good temp but tune for performance and monitor temps to stay in safe range. Racing I ran 270 with no issues just the Occasional rear bearing change.

[f687s]

220 to 260 is the most recommended

[ajolsen1]

awesome! thanks everyone! one of the guys I bash with swears that 220 is the high end of the spectrum...... thanks for clearing that up!

[lubecakes]

That guy is wrong.

[shizcol]

That guy is wrong.

i agree with lube.. 220 is the minimum in my book..

[Lincoln87]

depends what motor this other guy has.

[lubecakes]

Maybe he has a four stroke in a 1:1 car? . 180 is a safe minimum IMO, but you should always run 200-260 ish.

[alucard0822]

You are really looking to get a good mix, where there is sufficient oil, and the fuel/air ratio is ideal for the most power. My 3.3 runs best around 170 degrees above ambient temps, if it is 60, It makes the most power around 230, if it is 90 out, it might run about 260 to make the best power. You can always run a little richer, but if you are too lean, high temps and lack of oil will damage the engine, too cold wears the engine faster. There are times you may be too lean at a mere 230 in the winter, or it can be just right at 280 in the summer. Your terrain and airflow to the head also influence temps, a stock body without cutouts running on grass can overheat easily even with a good tune.