E-Maxx 3906 Brushless Build

[AirRick]

So I'm going to put a 1/8th scale brushless system into my stock 3906 E-Maxx that has been sitting on my shelf for years. I want to bring it back to life because I dont think it would be worth selling seeing as it is so outdated. I think its going to be a fun build because its not build for brushless power. I am interested in seeing what it can handle. Its also the first time I've tried electric (since I first got the truck) so Ill probably need some help. I was wondering if anyone was interested in knowing about how it goes. Someones probably posted about it before so let me know.

How the truck sits now...

[LD]

I have the earliest Narrow Maxx version and had the same idea as you. Here's my thread that should help you out http://traxxas.com/forums/showthread...914058-3906-bl.
Just ask if you have any questions.

[AirRick]

Okay I've got my first question. I've read about BEC's in receivers before but I cant seem to find anything on them now. If I remember they're for electric RC's? So you can run the servo(s) off of the batteries? My trucks got the 2215 three channel receiver in it, but the 2015 is the one with the BEC. So my question is, will i need a receiver with a BEC? Even if I put a Futaba FHSS Reciver in it? (Simple yes or no would work )
-Thanks, Eric

[Emaxx1991]

Idk the awnser to ur question but I built a brushless 3906 here are some pics of it and I also have a vid of it running if u wat I'll post it in this thread

[msquad]

What heatsink/fan did you buy for your tacon and does it fit snugly?

[Emaxx1991]

I bought the hobby Wing one and it did not. Fit snug when I bought it but I bent it and now it does

[AirRick]

That looks like the brushless system that I'm going to put in my truck, I would like to see the video. And what gearing are you using?

[msquad]

Thanks for the pics.

[msquad]

That looks like the brushless system that I'm going to put in my truck, I would like to see the video. And what gearing are you using?

I have a vid of close to the same system. I have the same motor but only the 120amp WP SC8 ESC. I have to put up a better vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yutIXnpqBSM&feature=plcp

[Emaxx1991]

I'll post it for u here in a bit I'm not at home

[AirRick]

Awesome video msquad! Love the lights!

And sounds good Emaxx1991.

[Emaxx1991]

here is the vid its kinda long though
http://s834.photobucket.com/albums/z...nt=MyMovie.mp4

[Emaxx1991]

just to give you an idea on this set ups power the punch control is on like 3 in this vid

Edit gearing in this vid was 65t spur 20t pinion

[Emaxx1991]

here is a list of upgrades i did to make mine (kinda brushless ready) lol
ebay cvds
new style slipper
deleted low gear
steel idler gear
new style diffs front and back
lowered as low as i could

truck is now in pieces as i am upgrading to 3908 spec

[AirRick]

I like the explosions. And ill have to look into The upgrades that youve got. Thanks for the help!

[Emaxx1991]

Defiantly if u need any more help let me know
To find the cvds I have type in 14.4v shaft on eBay and u will find them I think there great I'm using them on my revo 3.3 , tmaxx 3.3 and my EMBE

[AirRick]

$40 isnt a bad price, ill have to pick some up!

[Emaxx1991]

No and there really good quality shipping is what gets u though I think it's like 15to ship

[AirRick]

Yeah $13.50.

I think I figured the BEC out though. I think most ESC's come with one built into them so I think i'll be okay. Cant wait till the it gets here!

[Emaxx1991]

Yea my esc has a built in I really didn't understand ur question earlier so I didn't even try to awnser it lol

[Emaxx1991]

Which set up are u going with

[PowerToTheMaxx]

http://robotwars.00server.com/emaxxupgrade.html

Upgrade bible. Hopefully AoD will rise again

[Emaxx1991]

http://robotwars.00server.com/emaxxupgrade.html

Upgrade bible. Hopefully AoD will rise again

Good call this is where I got most of my info

[AirRick]

Wow! That's going to be extremely helpful. Thanks bro!

[Redsawacs]

when are you going to extend it and put on the new longer chassis and braces? Lookin' good!

"Red"

[AirRick]

Thank you Redsawacs! Its basically brand new. Never drove it much when I got it, could never figure out the NiMH batteries.

And I dont think it will be anytime soon, I've got a Redcat Rampage that needs some new servos and and a tuned pipe, Which wont be cheap.

[AirRick]

The mail came!



After a few hours...






Havent melted anything yet with 19/66 gears.

[Emaxx1991]

The mail came!



After a few hours...






Havent melted anything yet with 19/66 gears.

Nice you went with the 150a it looks like

[AirRick]

@Emaxx1991 How long did it take for those CVD's to arrive? If you can remember...

[PowerToTheMaxx]

Nice, Thats the one that is supposed to be waterproof, right?

Were did you get them Gens Ace lipos?

[AirRick]

It's not. The 120A ESC I believe is, but I got the 150A. And the motor, I don't believe is either. But it melts plastic drive lines with only 4s, so I don't mind keeping it dry. I'll post some pictures if you would like.

And HobbyPartz for the Gens Ace's. I havent got to use them much, and I'm a complete noob to electric, but they havent blown up and after a few charges the were still balanced, so no complaints. Oh and tons of power and runtime with the 5.3 Ah/ And I believe they were around $25 each.

And I'm trying to think of a way to paint the body (the blue one above) so there's more black on it. Does anyone have any ideas or paint schemes? And I am aware that I will have to paint the outside and that probably wont last long so I might not put the effort in.

This is getting long! But one last thing, shock covers? Any good brands that anyone recommends or got a set they want to sell? I'm looking for black.\

Thanks for all the help!
-Eric

[Emaxx1991]

@Emaxx1991 How long did it take for those CVD's to arrive? If you can remember...

I am stationed in Germany so I think they took about 3-4 weeks to get to me but the should get to u faster

[AirRick]

I am stationed in Germany so I think they took about 3-4 weeks to get to me but the should get to u faster

Thank you! I'll try to be patient.

[Emaxx1991]

Lol trust me I know how hard it is i am constantly waiting on parts

[PowerToTheMaxx]

I just take some of those long party baloons, the ones you can twist into shapes, and put those over the shaft.

You kinda have to press-fit the bottom spring retainer over them, and they are tight around the shock body. So far they are working good. I doubled up on mine so, all good.

[AirRick]

I actually really like the look of the balloons.

And the CVD's have held up to 4's with no problems!







I just think the Maxx has a better stance...

[mike-susieq1]

clean build here and like the 150amp esc i went with the 120amp for the waterproofness due to i run it alot in grass and sometimes its wet.
also good vid emaxx1991

[AirRick]

I'm use to nitro so keeping it dry isn't hard for me.

But on 4s the thing is insane, I want to try 6s but I'm not sure shelling out another
$80 is worth it.

[mike-susieq1]

both nitro and electric are easy for me to keep dry as i use them on the same running ground and dry my nitro's oil off each time after use.

6s is not worht the 80 for the lipos plus you will break alot of stuff with the 3906 even on the new 3908 its hard on 6s lipos so add about another 80 on top of that first 80 for repair costs so 160 wouldnt worth it. 4s is plenty. you can get speeds of about 50+ if you gear high but watching temps.

[AirRick]

I'm currently running 21/66 and my temp gauge says about 130F, but I'm concerned it's not accurate.