WL toys have had a series of hits with the 1/14 scale 144001 and now more recently with the 1/12 scale 124019 and 124018 - same car just a little longer. In order to hit their price point though they have had to compromise on the power train - opting for brushed motor technology that although surprisingly fast offers poor long term durability and even worse efficiency leading short running times. Upgrading to brushless is a solid option but has required hacks and workarounds in the past to get anything other than basic speed run builds. This new guide aims to be drop in solution with no mechanical modification required. Just to recap I've already made 3 brushless builds. If you have the ability I still highly rate the ultimate brushless upgrade as I believe the motor and gear combination is perfect for fast, reliable and efficient 2s running.
Build objective The core objective for this build is to make the process as simple as possible - servos, receivers, motors, gears all bolt up directly without having to re-drill, slot or fabricate anything. For full disclosure the ONLY cutting that is required is removing a little of the thin plastic on the motor shroud - purely cosmetic and can be done easily with a craft knife or nail scissors. The end result of a car that is very quick (48mph/78kph on 2s and 68mph/109kph on 3s) and has superior handling due to reduced weight that is suitable for on road and offroad with markedly improved battery life Competed build - I've installed in the 124018 but it would work as well as or even better in the 124019 or 144001 Parts I used plus alternatives All parts are listed below. I've listed alternative items with same or similar specs should there be stock issues. Radio Radio will need to be replaced, you cannot use the stock item for a brushless upgrade. DumboRC make an excellent budget model or you can upgrade to the FlyskyFS-GT5
Servo The stock servo will need to be replaced with a 3 wire servo. I recommend the reliable PDI-1181MG but it is often out of stock. The Emax ES3054 is a good replacement as is the newly released surpass hobby 17g metal servo
Motor On to the fun stuff! The motor is the most unique part for this build. For size I've chosen the 2445 as the longest barrel 24xx motor available. It has the correct mounting points for the stock bracket and importantly has m2.5 mounting screws (no drilling of the motor mount) and a 2.3mm motor shaft meaning no re-boring of the 15t pinion gear. Ideally I would have liked 4500kv but have gone with 5400kv and will use exclusively on 2s. Consider 3500kV as a milder option that is capable of running 3s quite happily
Brushless ESC I don't think anyone will question my use of a premium hobbywing ESC (such is their quality and performance) but I know I will ruffle a few feathers by recommending the 30A 16BL30 model. My reasoning is simple. This is the unit that is OEM'd for the LC racing EMB series which run 2838, 2938 and 2850 motors ranging from 4500-5000kv on 2s AND 3s. These are well made cars and have shipped with these ESCs for years with little to no complaint on the ESCS even on 3s. I've also listed a budget surpass equivalent but strongly recommend the 16BL30. If you remain unconvinced, consider the 120A Hobbywing 10BL120 as an overkill ESC that has a massive amount of overhead yet remains highly compact for a simple build.
Other parts These are the must-have other parts needed for the upgrade. Not sexy but crucial - especially the unicorn pinion that I found after a months of searching and testing.
Install Guide Now that you have all the parts it's time to put it all together. I've installed in a 124018 here but images are the same for 124019 and 144001 as well.
Performance results For those that follow me on facebook (here if you want: Quadifyrc on facebook) you'll know that I've been testing this for about 2-3 months at time of writing in order to give you the best possible view rather than slapping it together and hoping for the best. Weight and weight distribution Moving to this setup will save you weight (130g to be specific) in all the right places, namely the rear of the car. This will be a minor improvement to the balance of the 124019 and 124018 given the longer chassis length and a major improvement for the 144001. This will make the car more balanced through corners and a lot more even over jumps. It will also make the suspension much easier to dial in,making the rear springs a little more suitable given they are not carrying excess weight.
Update: On 3s I got a whopping 109km/h (68mph) - more than I was expecting! The cooling mod I mentioned below has really helped and was happy with motor and ESC temperature. Perhaps even more amazing was the battery pack voltage after a down of these passes. I was expecting it to be near depleted but look what I got below... Just to be clear, I got this speed using a 30A ESC and 30A Xt30 connectors. I may have found a new niche class - efficient speed runs 🤣
The issues I've found + solutions Just to show you I'm not trying to shove this upgrade down your throat it isn't all rosy though. This combo does seem to run hotter on 2s compared to the 2838 upgrade and that makes sense - a side effect of the faster, higher kV (5400 vs the 4500kV 2838) means that it does produce more heat. In fact during my torture testing with the bigger P6973 tyres on thick grass with the 124018 chassis, I managed to get the thermal cut off on the Hobbywing 16BL30 ESC to kick in - lucky it has one and certainly a reason why I like this ESC. I haven't had this kick in since though just something to bear in mind. In order to balance this argument though the 124018 is the worst car for cooling - all gear is housed tightly under the canopy with very little airflow - I suspect this would be much better on the 144001 and 124018. Also it is the middle of summer here and was around 25°C during my testing. Efficiency and battery life Based on the above it is understandable that power consumption was up on the 2838 4500kv, with the stock 2200mah battery lasting around 15 minutes on the 2445 5400kv. Although an improvement over the stock motor's 10 minutes, the 2838 would probably run about 20 minutes on the same pack. After a full run I found the battery is only just warm, a good sign that the power drain is not so high as to stress that battery. Venting I've written a brief article here (article to come soon - pics below for now) to greatly increase cooling without use of fans or additional heatsinks. This solution is only suitable for driving in conditions that are not muddy nor dusty. Here is the link to this breakout article which is applicable to the 124018, 124019 and 144001. I've found this change has been really effective, even with ambient temps of 22-25°C Reducing timing via ESC settings Another option to use instead or as well as the extra venting is changing some of the ESC settings (namely timing). Since the 16BL30 used here and the 10BL120 is fully programmable directly from the ESC as supplied you can easily turn back timing from the stock value of 11.25°. I haven't done this because I don't feel it necessary but if you do experiment with the lower values to see what works best for you. Remember, more timing = more power and more heat and vice versa
Update! Reducing the timing can definitely help get the heat under control if needed, see my new article on timing specifically for this setup here: https://www.quadifyrc.com/rccarreviews/brushless-motor-theory-adjust-esc-timing-to-control-power-and-heat Reducing motor kV Sadly the next step down in 2445 sized motors is only 3600kV and think this is a little low for 2s operation but would be good for 3s. I have ordered one to try for completeness and will report back on comparison to my expectations here with recorded speed. You will note that the 2440 motor is available in 4600kv but my genuine opinion is that this stator is just too small - more than 10% less volume than the 2445. UPDATE: I've tried the 3600kv and actually really like it on 2s and 3s. This motor is now my preference for bashing and keeping temps under control. See this article for more detail RC CAR THEORY: 2S VS. 3S, HIGH KV VS. LOW KV Update! I've done extensive testing on the 5400kv AND 3600kv motors now for speed, heat and battery life on 2s and 3s. All the results, a whole lot of theory and my conclusions/ recommendations are here: https://www.quadifyrc.com/rccarreviews/drop-in-brushless-upgrade-guide-for-wl-toys-144001-124018-and-124019-quadifyrc A riddle solved When I set out on my 144001 journey, the motor mount with alternative mounting points always perplexed me. Why would they go to the effort of putting specific mounting holes in the mount if they weren't going to use them? - they obviously had something in mind. Weird thing was though that nothing was ever released to take advantage of them. Now that I've used the 2445 motor with 15t though pinion I do think this was the original objective - it just fits so easily and perfectly that I think this was the upgrade path that was planned all along. Recommendations If you want a simple a straightforward brushless upgrade suitable for on and offroad for the 124019, 124018 or 144001 with no extra drilling or cutting then I strongly suggest that this is the mod for you. Yes, a 3650 brushless motor with stock pinion will also drop straight in but I stand by my opinion that I believe these are only suitable for straight line on road cars; the weight makes them corner and jump poorly plus the heat buildup is significant, even on lower kV motors. Cogging is also an issue with the tall stock gears on 3650 motors. I have tried to make this guide as complete as possible with all of the parts and options clearly laid out so that you can swap if there are stock or pricing issues or even upgrade spec if you wish. You can of course use other parts but I've specifically mentioned products here that I have direct experience with that have held up to my testing. Banggood do have all of these available except for the 15t pinion gear which I'm working on (Hao, if you are reading this 😉). There are of course compromises that have been made to bring you a drop in solution such as a slightly higher kv motor than desired but you will still have a fast and reliable car as a result that is easy to build. If you are more of a tinkerer though I still rate my ultimate brushless build for the 144001, 124019 and 124018 as not the fastest but the most well balanced build. Exact parts I used in this upgrade:
Hopefully you have found this article useful, I'm focusing on making my guides and testing more technical and exhaustive so the choice is made easier for you. If you purchase via the links here or on any of my pages I receive a small commission at no cost to you which is enough to help my cover my hosting fees and other expenses related to quadifyrc.com - thanks!
136 Comments
Thomas Bosboom
15/2/2021 09:23:19 am
Another great guide; love to the way you explain your reasoning!
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QuadifyRC
15/2/2021 10:25:37 am
Thanks Thomas
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Ethan
16/2/2021 07:42:00 am
I found this 2445 in a 4700kV, but it costs more than $75 US shipped to the states. Can't really justify spending that much money on just the motor.
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QuadifyRC
16/2/2021 11:17:29 pm
Dammit they're out there but that price is a bit on the nose. It mentions mounting screw is a m2 but surely that's a typo and should be m2.5.
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BenLandel
16/2/2021 11:29:18 pm
Where did you put the receiver and esc on the 144001? Did the 2445 motor left enough place to mount something next to the steering servo? On my car, with the 2838, the flysky receiver is a very tight fit in there and the 2445 should be longer...
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QuadifyRC
17/2/2021 09:21:56 pm
I used the 124018 here so more room lengthwise. On a 144001 there is more room in the cab so I would mount the receiver on the top deck
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BenLandel
18/2/2021 05:26:13 am
Now we just need Banggood to get that pinion...I try to stay away from Ali. Please keep us posted on availability.
QuadifyRC
19/2/2021 08:46:43 am
I'm working on the pinion now with the Banggood RC product manager to see if they can get it
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PoisionYu
24/2/2021 03:49:54 am
Any luck with that?
Garybaldy
24/2/2021 03:52:24 am
Are there any combo deals on banggood that are also drop in?
RCFREAK
26/2/2021 01:14:59 am
Hi quadify,
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QuadifyRC
26/2/2021 11:30:42 am
Hi there
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RCFREAK
27/2/2021 02:44:11 pm
You are a legend, thank you so much, I really appreciate your help. I don't use Facebook, but I will surely let you know how the 2445 build goes.
Jhindle
9/3/2022 07:15:39 pm
Man this read up was absolutely epic and just made me ready for some serious next steps. An absolute noob to this RC world and I just got the exact same motors to upgrade a brushed 1:16 car to mean machine brushless beast . I have the 2445 and 2440 ( 2445 is 5400 kV and 2440 is 4600)from surpass and a 35 amp ESC for one and stock 2in1 receiver that isn't enough lol I learned. So after converting to the 35 amp ESC and 2445 on 2s was a savageee but the battery drained way fast .. so now it's time to get way bigger battery and swap the 35 amp ESC to the 2440. And get a bigger one for the 2445 I would assume itl run cooler and make battery last longer etc etc .. what size ESC/ speed controller can you run. What's the best one for the 2445 5400kv do you think
Anthony
27/2/2021 02:02:07 am
I love your guides. This site my my bible for WLToys Mods, in my eyes. A small opinion: I think it would be great if at the end of your articles, if you put a list of links (even affiliate links) with everything you recommend in one place would help us with easy buying. Even if you had like a "best, great, good" lists with all the links, that way when we are done reading everything, we can just click and buy. I've seen this on youtube videos and I can only think folks other than me would appreciate that.
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QuadifyRC
2/3/2021 10:46:31 am
Hey Anthony that is very kind of you to say and thanks, am starting to go back and add this to articles now
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QuadifyRC
27/2/2021 02:28:20 pm
Hey Anthony that is very kind of you to say and thanks! Good suggestion!
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Cyrille
2/3/2021 09:56:19 am
Hi
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QuadifyRC
2/3/2021 10:48:25 am
Hi Cyrille
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Arie
9/3/2021 01:44:04 am
Hi QuadifyRC, would you recommend this same upgrade for running a 124018 on the beach preferably with paddle tires? Or would you suggest a differennt motor with perhaps more torque and/or less speed?
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RCFREAK
13/3/2021 08:59:48 am
This is a great point. I just bought a 124018 whilst waiting for my brushless upgrade to arrive for my 144001. I live by a few beaches and have been checking out paddle tires, but have yet to find any with a similar diameter to stock wheels. A change in motor is probably the solution. A lower KV thus bigger torque brushless upgrade perhaps?
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QuadifyRC
13/3/2021 11:12:33 pm
Best tyres I've found in this size is the Remo P6973 which would be ok in hard packed sand but not as good as paddles in soft sand
QuadifyRC
15/3/2021 01:35:45 pm
Re: 5400kv vs 3600kv? Assuming Kv is somewhat accurate and drivetrain is efficient then 1/3 slower.
QuadifyRC
13/3/2021 11:11:18 pm
Hi Arie
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RCFREAK
15/3/2021 11:31:36 am
How notable a difference would the 3600kv be in comparison to the 5400kv, in terms of general use. Will the top speed be much lower?
Erwin van Beek
16/3/2021 10:24:13 pm
Really nice website with all the info you supply! Great job!
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QuadifyRC
19/3/2021 01:33:39 pm
Thanks Erwin
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pc
19/3/2021 12:16:00 pm
Hi,
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QuadifyRC
30/3/2021 09:16:22 am
Sorry I check out a lot of parts and there are a lot of bad ones out there. I only recommend the ones I've tried like the specific items linked in my articles.
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Henry
27/3/2021 06:34:13 am
Great Guide!! By doing a brushless upgrade and reducing the gearing to from 27t to 15t, would it be possible to put some larger tires on it in order to make it more of a basher?
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QuadifyRC
30/3/2021 09:17:01 am
For sure but would recommend the low kv option. Bigger wheels and tyres will also stress your driveline more
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Fellow
29/3/2021 08:18:26 am
Hello!
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RCFREAK
29/3/2021 10:48:12 am
They are used on the ESC as it comes with Tamiya connectors.
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John
4/4/2021 03:21:17 pm
Which build this or the 2838 4500kv would be faster?? Thanks Quad!
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QuadifyRC
15/4/2021 12:00:59 pm
Definitely this in a straight line but the 2838 has more torque
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Isaac
14/4/2021 02:19:48 pm
Hey Quadify, I just found this while browsing through Ebay for Wltoys 144001 parts (Amazon doesn't stock many): https://www.ebay.com/itm/LC-RACING-Motor-Gear-SetEMB-1-EMB-SC-EMB-WRC-EMB-MT-EMB-DT-EP-1-14-RC-Car-L6032/174357336936?hash=item289881d368:g:AwkAAOSwnu1egh2h
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QuadifyRC
15/4/2021 12:01:46 pm
Sorry mate, differnt pitch on the LC racing cars. From memory they are 0.5 or 0.6m compared to 0.7m on 144001
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Isaac
3/11/2021 09:51:05 am
Gee, I forgot all about this, and now I see your reply! lol
RCFREAK
17/4/2021 07:22:48 am
So I just finally got my version of this build completed in a 144001 with Remo body mounts and short course truck shell, lc racing springs and various metal upgrades...
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QuadifyRC
17/4/2021 11:43:59 pm
Glad you like it :)
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RCFREAK
18/4/2021 06:56:33 am
Thanks quad, I don't like it, I love it. Thanks for the guide, I honestly can't believe I own an RC that goes 50mph+ everyone that sees it is amazed.
Chris
17/4/2021 06:12:15 pm
Another great guide. Thank you!! Cause there was no 15t pinion available, I used the 17t from the ultimate brushless guide. I also use xt60 connectors. It doesn't work really, too much heat I guess. Can you help me? Just the best Chris
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QuadifyRC
17/4/2021 11:46:20 pm
Hi Chris. Sorry to hear you are having problems but as you have found, the 17t is just too big for this high kV motor. The vendor I use suggest there is heaps of stock of the 15t? https://bit.ly/30zzNhg
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Chris
18/4/2021 05:27:11 am
Thx for your reply! But i bought the 3600kv. Doi You think it could be too close to the spur gear? Or has the motor too little power?
QuadifyRC
4/5/2021 12:20:16 am
Hi Chris
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Domingo
20/4/2021 03:24:02 am
Hello.
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QuadifyRC
4/5/2021 12:19:01 am
Thanks Domingo and sorry for the late reply. I 100% recommend the 3600kv motor option for you, it will do precisely what you are asking. Stick with the 30a Hobbywing esc here too.
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Domingo
5/5/2021 01:43:01 am
I will do that, as soon as the original engine stops working or something breaks and I have to order parts.
Louis P Ortiz
21/4/2021 11:41:19 pm
So I have a 2430 7200kv 25a esc BL motors with a 2.0mm bore shaft RPM: 7200KV
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QuadifyRC
4/5/2021 12:23:15 am
Hi Louis. Unfortunately that motor is just too small with too much kV for this car. The smallest motor I recommend is the 2440 4500kv and that is borderline. My favourite setup for ease and performnce is the one mentioned in this article.
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Louis P Ortiz
21/4/2021 11:42:15 pm
So I have a 2430 7200kv 25a esc BL motors with a 2.0mm bore shaft RPM: 7200KV
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Jeff
27/4/2021 10:41:26 pm
Will a 60a esc help with heat and thermal cutoff with the 2445 5400kv motor?
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QuadifyRC
4/5/2021 12:17:33 am
Yes but bear in mind this will put all the stress back on the motor. There is so little in price difference between 60 and 120a that I'd actually go with the 120A as mentioned in the article.
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Moskito
3/9/2021 10:58:11 pm
I was actually hoping the 60A version is smaller, as I need to fit it into the 144001. But seems like it is same size as 120A... :(
Ben
2/5/2021 08:35:12 am
Hi, thanks so much for this article. It convinced me to go brushless. I first tried with a all-in-one cheap kit in aliexpress but the motor which arrived was undersized (2435 / 4300kv with 35a esc). There was cogging and it would not run in grass.
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QuadifyRC
6/5/2021 09:09:29 am
Hi Ben. I haven't tried a 2435 in this car but have tried a 2440 and that's about as small as I'd go. I can definitively say the 2445 is a good option with the right ESC. There is no cogging with the ESC in this article.
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Lauri Labe
5/5/2021 09:23:52 pm
Hi, I just love this site and builds!
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QuadifyRC
6/5/2021 09:11:34 am
Thanks! I love feedback like this! Great approach. I'd stick with the 3600kv motor and lower throttle dual rate on the remote if you want to slow it down - acts as a scaled throttle limit. That way you can crank it up when he gets better (or if you want to play). The 3600kv motor runs very cool.
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Adrian
15/5/2021 11:29:52 am
Hi, I bought all the bits, my original stock motor broke!
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QuadifyRC
24/5/2021 09:57:45 am
Hi Adrian
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Patrick
24/5/2021 08:07:45 am
Hey Quad,
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QuadifyRC
24/5/2021 09:58:40 am
Hey Patrick, go the hobbywing. GoolRC can be good in the right conditions but will never be as reliable or smooth as the Hobbywing options.
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Henry
25/5/2021 03:39:50 pm
I came into an issue with the hobby wing ESC you recommended - after a small crash the esc blinks red and jolts the motor during startup. It heats up the motor really quick when I hit the throttle, but does not run. I swapped the ESC to a suprass one, but it runs super hot after a few speed runs. It is possible that the heat from the defective hobby wing ESC damaged the motor and is now causing it to run hot with my suprass ESC? You have stated that it should be pretty cool in your comments.
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QuadifyRC
26/5/2021 01:22:03 pm
Sounds like the issue may with with the motor rather than the ESC? They are more susceptible to impact damage compared to the ESC. It's unlikely that the ESC would damage a motor.
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Herst 11
6/6/2021 07:46:33 am
hi ,
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QuadifyRC
8/6/2021 12:53:58 pm
Hi there. the 2838 4400kv is a larger more powerful motor than the 2445 3600kv however it does require drilling out the pinion to make it fit plus increasing the size of the holes on the motor mount. I hope that answers your question
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Andrei
7/6/2021 10:14:12 pm
Hi, what do you think about a Racestart 2845? 3800-5000 KV? I intend to use the stock 17T pinion and the Remo tiers you recommended. Using the car mostly off road , grass / dirt.
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QuadifyRC
8/6/2021 12:56:17 pm
They are very good motors and about the biggest i'd recommend for these cars. Personally I'd stay with the lower kV options. Stock pinion gear is 27t and I would definitely not run that. Personally I'd drill out the 15t to 3.2mm bore and run that if you wanted to use this motor with the Remo tyres on grass and dirt. You may need a bigger ESC than the one listed here. Consider the 2445 3600kv which is smaller but much easier to fit with no cutting or drilling required.
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Henk
21/6/2021 12:59:02 am
Hi,
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QuadifyRC
21/6/2021 09:33:29 am
Hi Henk
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lawson
22/6/2021 05:53:38 pm
could i use a a959 17T pinion
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QuadifyRC
23/6/2021 03:03:18 pm
Yes you can but you would need to slot the motor mount as per the ultimate brushless upgrade guide.
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LAWSON
23/6/2021 05:45:59 pm
Sweet thanks mate!!
Rodrigo
24/6/2021 08:54:02 am
Hi!
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QuadifyRC
24/6/2021 02:31:04 pm
Hey Rodrigo, I've tried that ESC and it's not bad but wouldn't trust it on 3s. That combo on 2s would be good (and it's cheap!!)
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kamillo
1/7/2021 07:49:34 am
Hi,
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QuadifyRC
1/7/2021 11:53:39 am
Hi Kamillo
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Thank you so much for such a detailed explanation.
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QuadifyRC
2/7/2021 01:50:02 pm
Hi there, thanks for the feedback. If you are going bashing I'd probably drop back to 3600kv which is still plenty fast but gives you more room to breathe. The 5400kv is VERY fast even on 2s but does run hot as a result. I recommend 5400kv on 3s for onroad straightline speed runs only. 110+ kph is faster than a car like this really handle other than a straight line only build.
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ARS
2/7/2021 02:20:16 pm
Thanks again for the quick response. I will place an order via your hyperlink for a 3600kv motor but Bangood takes forever (I would also think it’s my lack of patience )
QuadifyRC
2/7/2021 02:25:18 pm
No problem mate, happy to help. The 5400kv is crazy quick, just keep an eye on the temps (and don't use larger wheels!) and you'll be fine. To be honest I am fine on 5400kv but i know some others struggled.
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ARS
2/7/2021 02:28:35 pm
Awesome I’ll try it and let you know how it goes. 2/7/2021 11:24:16 pm
The air flow problem is nicely addressed. I'm assuming you still needed to do this with the interior pieces removed, right? With the smaller motor physical size, were you OK with the X-brace in the flip- up top or did that/ should that be modified for more room? Stock Dean's connectors that come with the buggy seem to get in the way when closing the top. Do the recommended connectors help with that?
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QuadifyRC
7/7/2021 10:50:43 pm
Thanks! Other than the panel pieces I trimmed (while still attached) there were no other changes. I kept the flip top as is, was still able to fit everything as is without needing to modify for space
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Rodrigo
8/7/2021 03:26:57 am
I read your articles and updates but in the end I was still in doubt. Would you help me? I am willing to make the adaptations for motor mounting if necessary (extra holes...). My goal is not to lose anything in speed and acceleration and gain in battery life. I would like to use 2S or 3S. My RC is 124018. Which kit do you suggest? Motor 2445 3600KV, pinion 17t ? Motor 2838 4500KV, pinion 17t ? Another configuration? another question, for 3S battery use, which ESC would you recommend in this kit?
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QuadifyRC
8/7/2021 10:25:51 am
Hi Rodrigo
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Rodrigo
8/7/2021 10:47:39 am
Thank you very much!!
Henk
8/7/2021 09:22:27 am
Hi,
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QuadifyRC
8/7/2021 10:27:33 am
My pleasure Henk, that's a nice setup you have there. Because you drop so much weight when you go to the smaller motor, there is a lot less energy in crashes and it is more durable as a result.
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Scott
11/7/2021 10:14:26 pm
I am considering the 2445 3600KV drop in brushless upgrade, for a basher (and also considering larger tyres, up to maybe 85mm dia). i was looking at the 2838 before, but got scared off when i saw some youtube vids of how easy it is to get the pinion drilling wrong. i noticed the 2838 3800KV motor on the facebook modders group, the one that has a 2.3mm shaft. wouldnt that 2838 3800KV be a better motor than the 2445 3600KV, have no disadvantages, only advantages? is there any reason why this 2838 wouldn't be the go-to "drop-in" brushless upgrade?
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QuadifyRC
16/7/2021 03:48:33 pm
That 2838 3800kv motor from aliexpress looks like a good option although I have not tested myself. A friend who has tried both said they are very similar in practice (to the 2445 3600kv). The only reason I don't recommend is because there is only one vendor and little stock. The motor is an older design too but don't think that really holds it back. The 2445 3600kv is my favourite light basher setup by extension I'm sure that aliexpress motor would be good too.
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Gunnar
19/7/2021 09:31:07 pm
Looking to build my 144001 into more of a basher and have need of a controller that can be reversed on the fly. What's your thoughts on this setup with a Flysky NB4?
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QuadifyRC
30/7/2021 03:33:12 pm
You mean this one? https://bit.ly/32EyFKB It's an outstanding radio set for the money, I strongly recommend it.
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KayRC
24/7/2021 05:06:03 pm
Thank you for sharing this. Have applied for the FB group membership too.
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QuadifyRC
30/7/2021 03:34:05 pm
No problem, hopefully you're already in! The pinion you linked is perfect
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Pete
29/7/2021 07:21:00 pm
Hello!
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QuadifyRC
30/7/2021 03:36:28 pm
Hey Pete
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Dennis
5/9/2021 03:45:20 pm
Hi. It looks like you really know your stuff! I just recently inquired a 12th scale (unsure of manufacturer) but its the Wild Challenger Turbo 2wd truck. It has (now has) all metal A-arms front/rear, metal axles and knuckles, brushless 60A esc & motor, I think factory rx but it may be a diy receiver. Originally servo and 5 wires go toward servo. The radio is a 2.4ghz M2R Racing. It was evidently running at one time and I have managed to get an output from esc to motor and it sounds mean! I am just wanting to get a quick recommendation to get it going again. If you need pics I can send. Thanks in advance, Dennis
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QuadifyRC
5/9/2021 10:10:52 pm
Hi Dennis, thanks. Sorry not familiar with that model. If the controller say M2r it sounds like WL toys or a rebrand but I'm not aware of a 2wd model they make. If that is the case through they usually run and brushed ESC and receiver combined with an all in one servo. If yours is brushless that sounds aftermarket and all bets are off.
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Yasin
17/9/2021 07:14:10 am
Hi QUADIFYRC, You're awesome!
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QuadifyRC
28/9/2021 05:23:57 pm
LOL thanks Yasin. You're in luck mate, I just finished a review on a new set of wheels that are brilliant for rough offroad, especially with this setup on 3600kv: https://www.quadifyrc.com/rccarreviews/144001-124019-124018-1822-wheel-upgrade-the-new-offroad-champ-some-compromises
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Yasin
3/1/2022 03:10:10 am
You sir, you are awesome!
GM
28/10/2021 07:01:37 am
Do you think a 2440 motor will be ok in 124019?
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QuadifyRC
28/10/2021 10:34:43 am
2440 motor is the smallest I'd recommend but would not trust an unknown ESC and controller like that. Here is the setup I'd recommend for 2440: https://www.quadifyrc.com/rccarreviews/144001-brushless-upgrade-the-cheapest-setup-worth-having
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Isaac
1/11/2021 04:49:08 pm
Hi Quad, great article, I've read it several times over the months. You said that you're going to link the Surpass Hobby version of the HW ESC, but you only linked to the 2 HW ESCs. Can you provide the Surpass Hobby link? Thanks!
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1/11/2021 11:31:02 pm
I wholeheartedly agree - VERY annoying. Adding an adapter might mean problems later on. In addition to this problem, I used an HW Quicrun 1060 on my 12402 A and I lost top end. It's not like it's programmable as the only thing you can control is the type of battery and how you want the brake to operate. I'll bet I lost a good 25% of the speed the 550 brushed gives you. Contacting HW did nothing for me. A brushless setup is great for reliability, but for the kind of driving many of us do, the brushed system is good enough.
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QuadifyRC
2/11/2021 12:18:52 am
Probably my favourite aspect of the brushless setups over brushed is the improvement in efficiency but I think I'm getting old and boring.
Isaac
3/11/2021 10:03:31 am
Yeah, but I don't have a soldering iron or the skill to operate one! As I said, I have the same ESC as you! The reason why I kept the brushed motor and swapped the other electrics is because I stripped the stock servo in a crash, and later decided to just replace everything except the motor, as that would be easier in the long run and when going brushless. I got the JX servo, DumboRC radio/receiver, and the HW 1060 brushed, and I like it! So when I convert to brushless (after the brushed motor dies), all I have to do is get a B.L. ESC and motor, and the other parts to mount it and stuff.
QuadifyRC
2/11/2021 12:17:23 am
Yeah this connectors sucked in the 90s when I ran them and given the more powerful batteries they are plain stupid now. Mini tamiya on the 16BL30 I'm afraid. Please cut and solder new connectors because adaptors still have big resistance in them (electrical circuit only as good as the weakest link).
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Isaac
5/11/2021 06:14:04 pm
I still really am stumped why HW uses this connecter on only this ESC... 3/11/2021 11:20:43 am
Issac, I didn’t use an adapter on my HW1060, I soldered on a Dean’s connector. I’m living with the reduced top end. It just bothered me to lose it with a top name ESC. I have cheap no name brushed ESC’s I’ve gotten off of EBay and they’re fine. They even came with cooling fans mounted.
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Isaac
3/11/2021 02:38:49 pm
Could it be your Deans connector, maybe it was worn out? Or maybe it's your battery, and, I know you probably already checked this a million times, but is your throttle dual rate turned up to 100%? Are the motor wire connectors fully plugged into the ESC's wires? If you can't reply to this reply, just reply to any of the other comments in this thread.
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3/11/2021 03:59:42 pm
As they say in the movies: Been there, done that and have the tee shirt to prove it. I guess I could try a programming card just to see if something can be changed that might help.
Hifihedgehog
13/11/2021 05:21:39 am
For those who can't wait, here is a continental US-based option for the unicorn 15t 0.7m pinion gear:
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QuadifyRC
16/11/2021 12:23:16 pm
Damn that is a solid markup!!!
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ronan
18/11/2021 10:26:16 am
Great article, thanks much appreciated by a newbie to the hobby. I've ordered all, the exact same parts bits except I went for the 3600 kv motor option. I was wondering for the 124018 is there any way to power the lights from the hobby wing Esc? also is there a 3s battery with T plug you would recommend? thanks.
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QuadifyRC
29/11/2021 04:24:33 pm
3600kv is the my favourite choice for offroad. You can power the LEDs from a spare channel on the receiver, just need to change the plug to a servo connector. Bear in mind that the black and red wires are the wrong way around in this car! No 3s batteries in this size that I've come across with t plug sorry.
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Karl
23/11/2021 04:47:00 pm
Hey!
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QuadifyRC
29/11/2021 04:25:42 pm
Hi Karl
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Karl
29/11/2021 08:13:38 pm
Hey!
QuadifyRC
10/12/2021 11:20:16 am
Great news Karl, I promise it'll be faster next time!!
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ronan
27/1/2022 05:19:49 am
Hi there, I am using the Surpass-Hobby 17g Metal Gear servo in this build on a 124018. It seems a slight bit smaller( i.e less than a mm or so in both directions) than the stock one and seems to move about when screwed in. Any tips for making it more secure? many thanks,
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Ronan.
27/1/2022 11:33:23 am
Actually ignore my previous comment. Rookie error I had fitted the clamp incorrectly.
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karl
28/2/2022 11:45:13 pm
could someone tell me what this is used for, as its out of stock....the t plug connector, its not mentioned in the build at all
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QuadifyRC
3/5/2022 04:22:40 pm
Hi Karl, I used this on the ESC as it comes with the wrong connector (mini tamiya). You can use any t-plug male connector.
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Andy
16/4/2022 11:36:58 pm
Hi
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QuadifyRC
3/5/2022 04:31:53 pm
Hi Andy
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Raoul
22/5/2022 03:34:55 am
Great article! This really helped me taking up a new hobby.
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Raoul
14/6/2022 11:01:11 pm
I think my issue was related to the batteries on my transmitter. No issues so far after replacing the batteries.
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Ian
18/6/2022 05:58:43 am
I'm looking for some advice as to whether I can run a 2845 4300KV with the Hobbywing QuicRun 16BL30?
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QuadifyRC
29/6/2022 05:40:18 pm
Hi Ian. Yep should be ok but it's at the top end of it's capabilities. You'd need to run a 15t pinion and be wary of big wheels but otherwise should go great.
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Ian
20/7/2022 06:14:52 am
Brilliant and many thanks.
Ian
20/7/2022 06:22:21 am
Brilliant and many thanks.
Ian
18/6/2022 06:27:16 am
I'm looking for some advice as to whether I can run a 2845 4300KV with the Hobbywing QuicRun 16BL30?
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QuadifyRC
29/7/2022 01:27:42 pm
Hi Ian
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