Seeking opinions for Nitro Engine
 

guys and gals,

if you were given a 1/8 scale 4x4 buggy free, what would you choose for the engine? This things a little heavy so I want to overdo it in the powerplant department for pure fun factor. I have plenty of space and can fabricate pretty decent too.
Just want some ideas for which engine to use. This thing is a vintage Robbe Pantera aka Great Vigor/Hobby Lobby Hunter. built like a tank.

What would you use? Keep in mind, I'm gonna need an engine cradle or mount which ever you call it.

Thanks guys, and sorry the pic is huge.

Your going to need a lot more than just a motor to get that one going. You are going to need motor/fuel tank/ radio tray/ servos/ radio/ receiver/ receiver pack.
But to answer your question a real powerhouse is a Novarossi Bonito.:nod:

Personally, I would not even ATTEMPT to run that car--at all. Today's engines produce way too much power for that thing. You would literally shred the drivetrain.

Vintage buggies like that one have decent resale. You could probably list it here and/or on eBay and make enough money to buy something modern and capable.

Thanks for the motor opinion halfman. I have a 2.4 Team associated radio/receiver kit I bought off ebay. Servos are not an issue either. Basically I want a little more displacement in the engine category. Besides, if I shred the diffs, oh well. I built it to have fun, if it breaks, just make it stronger.... I have been known to manufacture certain aluminum parts in my day. :)

What is the displacement of that Bonito? Googling now.
what to use for a cradle?
Thanks ya'll

Scott

Forget the Bonito... :lol:


I think you probably want something more like a Losi 454, Dynamite Big Red .28, LRP Spec 3, etc..(all made in the same factory - the Losi and LRP are identical..) Cheap(as in 1/3 the price of a Bonito..), user-friendly, and powerful..

Werks B5 or Alpha 852. Lots of power and relatively cheap.

I found a new in box losi m26ss for 124.99 free shipping. Its a .26 and around the price tag I like. Is thenDynamite Big Red really $30 better? I always heard no replacement for displacement...

What do you guys think?

Scott

Yes, the Big Red is better. But for your project, the brand of engine probably won't matter.

why is that? It almost seems that everyone is down on these older buggies because theyre weak for some reason. I really dont plan to race it.... I just want to tear up the yard with it. I used to have so much fun chasing dogs in my neighborhood. They never came near my yard.... lol!

They hated that ol' Traxxas with the OFNA tire conversion...

there's quite a few motors out there that will keep a smile on your face till the diffs melt down...

lrp .28
o.s. .28
o.s. .25
o.s. .30
alpha a352
werks b5
GO gx5r
grp .28
axial .28ss


but if i were gonna build a MONSTER.....i'd be patient and try to find a TTR .70 with the flywheel/clutch assembly, out of an old EK4 monster truck....this motor was built for nothing but fun and tormenting the neighbors dogs :D

The LOSI and the Dynamite are made by the same company, SH Engines. So is the LRP .28. Check out this engine for $99.00 shipped.

Yep.. x2.

If you scour ebay.com you can find Losi 454's brand-new going for $120 and sometimes less. The 454 is identical to an LRP Spec 3, and very similar to the Big Red. I have two LST2's, one with the Big Red, one with a 454. Both are awesome, and performance-wise I can't tell much difference..(except that the BR maybe drinks a tiny bit less fuel..) If I had to buy another one, given equal prices, I might slightly lean towards the Big Red. Really like it..

All these SH engines btw run great with the stock Losi HT pipe. These are also widely and cheapy available on ebay(people selling them out of their RTR Losi buggies and truggies...)

wow guys,

This forum is something like a REAL FORUM. You guys are offering just the kind of advice and discussion I was looking for. i think I may have decided on the LOSI Aftershock. Anyone care to offer opinion on this one? Also, does anyone know how to go about sourcing a "universal" like motor mount?

thanks a heap guys,

Scott

I'm in the middle of a brushless conversion, so I've got an Axial .32 BB for sale with less than a gallon on it. Tons of power if that's what you're looking for. PM me if interested. I'll even toss in some motor mounts, clutch bells, springs, shoes, etc... I'm getting out of nitro.

FWIW: Im still seeking opinions , but considering other options.

I sent you a PM, Dadic78. Hit me back.
Scott