Product Spotlight - 4-Tec 3.0 Brushless Power-Up
Adding Velineon Brushless Power to Your 4-Tec 3.0 Corvette Stingray
The new Traxxas 4-Tec 3.0, available now as the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, is an incredible Pro Scale replica of Chevy’s all-new, mid-engine supercar. The Traxxas model arrives Ready-to-Race with Titan 550 brushed-motor power for 30+mph top speeds right out of the box—but that’s just the beginning for authentic Corvette performance in scale. With an upgrade to the Velineon Brushless Power System, the 4-Tec 3.0 Stingray becomes a 65+mph speed machine with performance that's on par with the full-size Corvette’s 2.9 second zero-to-60 time. It gets better: like all Titan-powered Traxxas models, the 4-Tec 3.0 Stingray is Brushless Ready, no mods required, thanks to its heavy-duty drivetrain engineered for brushless power. To make your upgrade more affordable, use the exclusive Traxxas Power-Up Program. When you trade in your XL-5 speed control and Titan 550 motor you can receive a big discount on your new Velineon Brushless Power System. Keep reading…

A Velineon Brushless Power System is the ultimate upgrade for the 4-Tec 3.0 and any Titan-powered Traxxas model.
Built for Brushless
Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0 and 3.0 Ready-to-Race models arrive with Titan 550 brushed motors, but they’re engineered for much greater power. Every part of the drivetrain has been designed with the Velineon Brushless Power System’s extreme torque and high rpm in mind, so there are no extra upgrades required even when you more than double your 4-Tec’s output. Let’s take a closer look at the features that make the 4-Tec 2.0 and 3.0 models Brushless Ready from the start.
Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0 and 3.0 Ready-to-Race models arrive with Titan 550 brushed motors, but they’re engineered for much greater power. Every part of the drivetrain has been designed with the Velineon Brushless Power System’s extreme torque and high rpm in mind, so there are no extra upgrades required even when you more than double your 4-Tec’s output. Let’s take a closer look at the features that make the 4-Tec 2.0 and 3.0 models Brushless Ready from the start.

All 4-Tec 3.0 models are brushless-ready; this guide also applies to the Factory Five 33 and 35 Hot Rods.

The 4-Tec shaft-drive system is simple, robust, and efficient—perfect for brushless power.
Sealed Differentials
The 4-Tec features metal ring and pinion gears riding on sealed ball bearings to deliver precision, strength, durability, and long life. Both of the 4-Tec’s differentials are sealed by a gasket on the case and X-rings on the output gears. The sealed construction allows the diff to be filled with thick silicone fluid to withstand “unloading,” especially with high-output brushless power. Differential action can be tuned by changing the viscosity of the differential fluid.
The 4-Tec features metal ring and pinion gears riding on sealed ball bearings to deliver precision, strength, durability, and long life. Both of the 4-Tec’s differentials are sealed by a gasket on the case and X-rings on the output gears. The sealed construction allows the diff to be filled with thick silicone fluid to withstand “unloading,” especially with high-output brushless power. Differential action can be tuned by changing the viscosity of the differential fluid.

Metal ring and pinion gears ride on sealed ball bearings.

The differential's all-metal gears are sealed inside the housing with silicone gaskets.
Rugged Drivetrain
The 4-Tec's rugged steel driveshafts and stub axles transfer power from the differentials to the wheels, with sealed ball bearings throughout. The center driveshaft is also made of steel to handle power upgrades like the Velineon brushless system. 4-Tec 3.0 models have a longer wheelbase than the 2.0 version, and feature an extra support bearing between the front and rear gearboxes for rock-solid 4WD power delivery.
The 4-Tec's rugged steel driveshafts and stub axles transfer power from the differentials to the wheels, with sealed ball bearings throughout. The center driveshaft is also made of steel to handle power upgrades like the Velineon brushless system. 4-Tec 3.0 models have a longer wheelbase than the 2.0 version, and feature an extra support bearing between the front and rear gearboxes for rock-solid 4WD power delivery.

Steel stub axles transfer power from the differentials to the wheels.

A center support keeps the 4-Tec's driveshaft spinning straight and true.
The Power-Up Program
If you’re not going to save your 4-Tec’s Titan 550 motor and XL-5 speed control for use in another model, you can use the Traxxas Power-Up Program to exchange your brushed setup for a new Velineon Brushless Power System at a special low price. You can make the trade at your local Traxxas dealer, or by mail with Traxxas HQ. Your “old” power system can be in any condition, so no worries if it’s not exactly factory-fresh when you exchange it. In addition to upgrading from brushed to brushless, you can also use the Power-Up Program to upgrade from the TQ transmitter to a TQi. Nitro fans, you can use the program to trade up from a TRX 2.5R engine to a TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. Click here for all the details, latest pricing, and the Power-Up Program form.
If you’re not going to save your 4-Tec’s Titan 550 motor and XL-5 speed control for use in another model, you can use the Traxxas Power-Up Program to exchange your brushed setup for a new Velineon Brushless Power System at a special low price. You can make the trade at your local Traxxas dealer, or by mail with Traxxas HQ. Your “old” power system can be in any condition, so no worries if it’s not exactly factory-fresh when you exchange it. In addition to upgrading from brushed to brushless, you can also use the Power-Up Program to upgrade from the TQ transmitter to a TQi. Nitro fans, you can use the program to trade up from a TRX 2.5R engine to a TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. Click here for all the details, latest pricing, and the Power-Up Program form.

The Traxxas Power-Up Program makes it easy to exchange your XL-5 speed control and Titan 550 motor for a deep discount on the Velineon VXL-3s speed control and 3500 brushless motor—the ultimate upgrade!
Installing the Velineon Power System
Replacing the 4-Tec 3.0’s Titan 550 motor and XL-5 speed control isn’t complex and doesn’t take long—you don’t even need to take the wheels off. Just remove the body and battery, and you’re ready to start spinning wrenches. Speaking of wrenches: have you upgraded from “L” wrenches to Traxxas hex drivers yet? If not, the 3415 ratchet-handle tool kit is an excellent low-cost choice, and the 8712 Essential Hex and Nut Driver set is a great speed-bit option. You can check out the full Traxxas tool line here. Now let’s get our Velineon system installed.
Step 1: Remove the wire retainer and unplug the motor wires
The screws that secure the retainer are under the chassis. Remove the screws and retainer, unfold the speed control and motor’s power wires, and disconnect them.
The screws that secure the retainer are under the chassis. Remove the screws and retainer, unfold the speed control and motor’s power wires, and disconnect them.

Remove the two 3x12 mm screws.

Separate the connectors.
Step 2: Open the receiver box
Remove the three screws shown to access the receiver. Unlike other Traxxas models, the 4-Tec does not have a separate wire clamp. You only need to remove the lid.
Remove the three screws shown to access the receiver. Unlike other Traxxas models, the 4-Tec does not have a separate wire clamp. You only need to remove the lid.

Three 2.5x10 mm screws secure the lid.
Step 3: Unplug the XL-5 speed control’s lead
The speed control plugs into the receiver’s channel-2 (CH2) port. Pull the plug straight up to remove it. Gently pull the wire out through the opening in the receiver box until it is completely free.
The speed control plugs into the receiver’s channel-2 (CH2) port. Pull the plug straight up to remove it. Gently pull the wire out through the opening in the receiver box until it is completely free.

The speed control is plugged into the CH2 port.
Step 4: Remove the XL-5 speed control
The speed control is secured by two screws below the chassis, just remove them to release the speed control and set it aside. Note the additional hole in the chassis—we’ll use it to install the wider VXL-3s speed control later.
The speed control is secured by two screws below the chassis, just remove them to release the speed control and set it aside. Note the additional hole in the chassis—we’ll use it to install the wider VXL-3s speed control later.

Two 3x12 mm screws secure the speed control.

Set the speed control aside.
Step 5: Remove the gear cover and lift the motor out
Remove the four 3x12 mm screws shown and lift the cover off. Pull the motor straight up to remove it. The motor plate fits precisely in the chassis, so you may need to rock it back and forth slightly to help it out.
Remove the four 3x12 mm screws shown and lift the cover off. Pull the motor straight up to remove it. The motor plate fits precisely in the chassis, so you may need to rock it back and forth slightly to help it out.

The gear cover holds the motor in place.
Step 6: Remove the pinion gear and motor plate
If your 4-Tec’s pinion is too large to pass through the motor plate, use a 1.5 mm driver to loosen the pinion’s setscrew and slide it off the motor. Then remove the two 3x10 mm screws that secure the motor to the plate and set the Titan 550 motor aside.
If your 4-Tec’s pinion is too large to pass through the motor plate, use a 1.5 mm driver to loosen the pinion’s setscrew and slide it off the motor. Then remove the two 3x10 mm screws that secure the motor to the plate and set the Titan 550 motor aside.

You may be able to remove the motor with the pinion gear in place.
Step 7: Install the Velineon brushless motor and 26-T pinion on the motor plate
As the graphic shows, the motor plate’s mounting holes are lettered to correspond with pinion size (you’ll find a chart with the tooth count for each letter in your 4-Tec’s manual). We’re installing a 26-tooth pinion, so we’ll use the “J” position. Orient the motor so the wires face up. Slide the pinion onto the motor shaft and align its setscrew with the shaft’s flat side. Set the pinion so it is 1/8″ (3 mm) from the motor plate and tighten the setscrew to secure it.
As the graphic shows, the motor plate’s mounting holes are lettered to correspond with pinion size (you’ll find a chart with the tooth count for each letter in your 4-Tec’s manual). We’re installing a 26-tooth pinion, so we’ll use the “J” position. Orient the motor so the wires face up. Slide the pinion onto the motor shaft and align its setscrew with the shaft’s flat side. Set the pinion so it is 1/8″ (3 mm) from the motor plate and tighten the setscrew to secure it.

The lettered holes indicate pinion tooth count. The “J” position is for a 26-T pinion.
Step 8: Install the motor into the chassis and replace the gear cover
Before installing your new Velineon motor, remove the rear plastic cover from your motor to give you more clearance with the speed control. The plastic cover fits onto the rear of the motor tightly, but it will pop off with a little effort. Once the cover is off, slot the motor and motor plate back into the chassis. Note the alignment between the pinion and spur gear and make sure the full width of the spur gear is engaged with the pinion. If it isn’t, loosen the pinion and adjust its position along the motor shaft so the gears mesh fully. Reinstall the gear cover and its four screws.
Before installing your new Velineon motor, remove the rear plastic cover from your motor to give you more clearance with the speed control. The plastic cover fits onto the rear of the motor tightly, but it will pop off with a little effort. Once the cover is off, slot the motor and motor plate back into the chassis. Note the alignment between the pinion and spur gear and make sure the full width of the spur gear is engaged with the pinion. If it isn’t, loosen the pinion and adjust its position along the motor shaft so the gears mesh fully. Reinstall the gear cover and its four screws.

If needed, fine-tune the pinion’s alignment with the spur gear so there’s no overlap.

Replace the gear cover and tighten the four 3x12 mm screws.
Step 9: Install the VXL-3s speed control
Install the new speed control using the chassis holes that align with the mounting tabs. Mount the speed control by passing two 3x20 mm countersunk screws through the chassis and the speed control’s tabs and capturing the speed control in place with two 3 mm locknuts.
Install the new speed control using the chassis holes that align with the mounting tabs. Mount the speed control by passing two 3x20 mm countersunk screws through the chassis and the speed control’s tabs and capturing the speed control in place with two 3 mm locknuts.

Use your new 3x20 mm screws to secure the VXL-3s speed control.

Pass the screws pass through the mounting tabs and tighten the speed control in place with the locknuts.
Step 10: Plug the VXL-3s speed control into the receiver and close the receiver box
Thread the speed control’s plug up through the opening in the receiver box and plug it into the CH2 port. The plug has a tab on its side that aligns with a slot in the channel port to prevent incorrect installation. Leave a little slack between the speed control and receiver box to avoid straining the wires. Bundle the excess wire and tuck it alongside the receiver, then reinstall the receiver box lid. Make certain the blue silicone seal is properly aligned in its channel before tightening the lid screws.
Thread the speed control’s plug up through the opening in the receiver box and plug it into the CH2 port. The plug has a tab on its side that aligns with a slot in the channel port to prevent incorrect installation. Leave a little slack between the speed control and receiver box to avoid straining the wires. Bundle the excess wire and tuck it alongside the receiver, then reinstall the receiver box lid. Make certain the blue silicone seal is properly aligned in its channel before tightening the lid screws.

Pull the speed control’s plug and wire through the underside of the receiver box.

Reattach the receiver box lid with three 2.5x10 mm screws.
Step 11: Plug the motor and speed control power wires together and reinstall the wire retainer
Plug the motor’s power wires into the speed control. The wires are color-coded, just match up the yellow, blue, and white ends. Bundle the excess wire alongside the motor and secure it with the retainer.
Plug the motor’s power wires into the speed control. The wires are color-coded, just match up the yellow, blue, and white ends. Bundle the excess wire alongside the motor and secure it with the retainer.

Plug the motor and speed control wires together by color and replace the wire retainer. The Velineon power system installation is complete.
Power System Calibration
Your Velineon power system should not require any calibration, but give it a check before you start driving. Install a charged battery, power up your transmitter and car, and hold its wheels off the ground as you confirm normal forward / brake / reverse operation. If the power system does not respond properly, switch the transmitter and power system off and follow the steps in this Traxxas Support video or read along below:
1. Turn the transmitter on.
2. Press and hold the speed control’s EZ-Set button. The speed control’s LED will turn green and then red (illustration A). Release the button when it turns red.
3. When the LED blinks red once (B), pull the transmitter’s trigger to the full-throttle position and hold it there.
4. When the LED blinks red twice (C), push the trigger to the full-reverse position and hold it there.
5. When the LED blinks green (D), programming is complete. The LED will remain on and shine green or red to show Low Voltage Detection Status.
GREEN: Low Voltage Detection is switched ON for use with LiPo batteries.
RED: Low Voltage Detection is switched OFF for use with NiMH batteries.Turn the transmitter on.
1. Turn the transmitter on.
2. Press and hold the speed control’s EZ-Set button. The speed control’s LED will turn green and then red (illustration A). Release the button when it turns red.
3. When the LED blinks red once (B), pull the transmitter’s trigger to the full-throttle position and hold it there.
4. When the LED blinks red twice (C), push the trigger to the full-reverse position and hold it there.
5. When the LED blinks green (D), programming is complete. The LED will remain on and shine green or red to show Low Voltage Detection Status.
GREEN: Low Voltage Detection is switched ON for use with LiPo batteries.
RED: Low Voltage Detection is switched OFF for use with NiMH batteries.Turn the transmitter on.

Follow the steps above if you need to calibrate the speed control.
IMPORTANT: Low Voltage Detection
Never operate your model with Low Voltage Detection switched off if you are using a LiPo battery. To switch Low Voltage Detection on or off, follow the steps in this Traxxas Support video.

Ready to experience extreme Velineon Brushless Power on the road? Learn more about the Power-Up program or find your new favorite on-road car at the links below!