RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] Order Summary: Item Brief Description Qty Rate Amount gt275 18T pinion for TR clutches/RR spur 1 $14.00 $14.00 gt274 17T pinion for TR clutches 1 $14.00 $14.00 gt265 TR Clutch System SILVER 1 $135.00 $135.00 Discount 5% Discount 1 (5.00)% ($8.15) Tax 0.00 Total $154.85 [/quote] That is exactly what I ordered today also. Last time they had the TR system on sale I passed it up and regreated it. Now it is on sale again, and even though I have no compelling reason to get it, I know what will happen if I pass it up, so........... well, you all know the story. But, TR clutch system is really nice. I personally approve of how they made it. Dennis
Posted on: 11/20/2009 10:19 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268919

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] I wouldn't buy the KM Baja. By the time you upgrade it, you'll be near or at the cost of the HPI. I have an HPI Baja 5T and I think it was well worth the money. [/quote] The truth is, when you spend enough money on the KM Baja to get it really up graded with stuff the HPI Baja also needs to be upgraded, you will be up to the cost of the stock HPI Baja. Substantial money savings. Dennis
Posted on: 11/20/2009 1:13 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266817

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
Great video........ Your engine is just right....... Perfect amount and size of wheelies. That Baja drives straight, in control with an abundance of performance. You have done a very good job with it. Pat yourself on the back. Dennis
Posted on: 11/19/2009 3:22 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264537

RE: GP29 race ported versus none ported 36mm kit
So far, I see why I have not tried it. Way past any talent I may have. Have fun racing. Dennis
Posted on: 11/13/2009 8:19 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9252032

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
The engine you picked is very good. For less money this one is good too. http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.4449/.f Dennis
Posted on: 11/4/2009 2:09 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9226946

RE: NEW KM BAJA T1000-
[quote] I read on here that many of the km bajas were missing a bearing in the diff [/quote] That comment is just a "figure of speech". There is no missing bearing in the diff. What people are referring to is the imput shaft into the transmission. That shaft is supported by a bearing at the end at the spur gear. At the other end of that shaft, inside the transmission it is supported by another bearing. As it enters the transmission there is a seal and spacer. All baja's were orgionally made that way, HPI and clones alike. People noticed they could remove the spacer there and install a bearing and they believed that gave the imput shaft more support, which it does. People started to refer to this as the "Missing Bearing", which was not technically true. Over time HPI started to put a bearing in there to meet expectations. So, it is optional, but if you want it there in the KM Baja, you just open the trans case and install the bearing... No big deal........ Nothing is missing and it has nothing to do with the diff. Dennis
Posted on: 11/3/2009 3:42 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225551

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
The HPI web site states stall speed is 7,000 rpm's for their red spring and standard clutch shoes. When using the same red spring with lightened clutch shoes (the ones with the extra holes) the stall speed is 8,000 rpm's. Dennis
Posted on: 11/3/2009 2:30 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224334

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote]ORIGINAL: srt10 [quote]ORIGINAL: BigGrump [quote]ORIGINAL: halls then how do you guys run this carb if it dont come with a choke? [/quote] You do not need a choke. It has an accelerator pump. Every time you open the carb it squirts a little gas into the engine. So, to start it cold, simply pump throttle with the radio transmitter two or three times, and the engine should be rich enough
Posted on: 11/1/2009 1:44 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9220276

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote]ORIGINAL: halls then how do you guys run this carb if it dont come with a choke? [/quote] You do not need a choke. It has an accelerator pump. Every time you open the carb it squirts a little gas into the engine. So, to start it cold, simply pump throttle with the radio transmitter two or three times, and the engine should be rich enough to start. Dennis
Posted on: 11/1/2009 2:10 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219306

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote]ORIGINAL: bbuzzard [quote]ORIGINAL: srt10 Buy a bunch of HPI stickers and put them all over your km and kick some butt! [:D] [/quote] That's what I'm saying!!! LOL!!<img src=''http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif'' alt='''' /> On a sad note: I am not getting a spark today. Almost threw my shoulder out yanking on this thing this morning (keep you minds out of the gutter, heheh) What is the best fix to this problem?<img src=''http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/confused.gif'' alt='''' /> [/quote] Not to come across as a "know it all" but I have found out a long time ago, that when trying to start an engine with a pull starter, if it does not fire up within the first ten pulls, then you might as well stop, find the problem, fix it then try again. My stock KM engine always started in 5 pulls or less, and my CY 29 will start in two pulls when everything is right, and if I over choke it, then it can take up to 4 pulls. I always wondered about the spark on the stock engine as it seemed a little weak when I would check it with the plug out. The CY engine gets a more visiable spark. Sometimes the engine starts when I do a feeble pull and only turn the engine over 1 revolution. Last thing I have found with pull starters is a short brisk pull is enough. No need to pull the chord out all the way. If I was still using my stock engine, and wanted to continue to use it, I would get a complete new ignition system except for the flywheel which only contains magnets and replace everything. Dennis
Posted on: 10/31/2009 1:40 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217772

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote]ORIGINAL: srt10 If it were me, I would have payed the extra up front and gotten the SS [/quote] Knowing what I know now, I would have gotten the SS also in the first place. But I am ending up in about the same spot. Since I do not join in to any of the Baja organized activities it does not matter to me, but without a HPI Baja base, you are not welcome at any of the activities. I suppose the $1,400 + I have spent with the major aftermarket vendor does not count..............Hmmmmmmm Dennis
Posted on: 10/30/2009 11:54 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216752

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
Hold on, I have the KM Baja and like it very much. I have also done several upgrades to it, some of which would have been necessary on the HPI Baja 5B SS, and I also found the gears in the transmission holding up perfect, and the dog bones better than the HPI's. However, I have never said the KM Baja is equal to or better than the HPI SS. Overall, I think there are many small things about the SS that make it better, but there is an over riding cost difference that allows room to upgrade the KM. I run my KM Baja pleanty hard with a CY 29 stroker engine. I drag race, do burnouts and high speed ovals, but I do not abuse it. No jumping and landing on throttle, no flipping or other reckless driving, and not too much time in sand or fine dirt. So, I think it gets used hard, but never abused, and that accounts why the gears, diff and other stuff is not breaking on the KM. I will have to admit, if it were not for the initial outlay of money, I would have prefesrred the HPI SS, but now after all my upgrades, there is little difference between my KM and an upgraded SS. Dennis
Posted on: 10/30/2009 9:38 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216456

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
Yesterday I posted abut upgrading transmission and dog bones to the HPI heavy duty ones. Checked everything this AM before running, and found one of the chrome plated heavy duty HPI dog bones was bent. Had a moderate bow to it which was more than noticable. Took it out to replace it with the origional KM bone, which you recall was in perfect condition after 5 gallons. I also noticed the KM dogbone was of a larger shaft diamenter than the HPI one. I threw the HPI HD dogbones in the trash....... makes me think "Ain't life a Bit.." At least with this part, KM wins. Dennis
Posted on: 10/30/2009 3:57 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9215572

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
As you all know, I have been very pleased with my KM Baja and many upgrades. A few days ago, I received the HPI heavy duty gears that go in the transmission and a new SS aluminum differential and a set of HPI heavy duty dog bones and boots. The gears are supposed to be made of better, stronger and harder steel than the stock ones and they are thinner. Stronger, lighter and less friction. Great. Today I did the upgrade. The only reason I got the new gears and diff and dog bones was just for the fun of it. There was never any reason in the running of the Baja that made me want to upgrade. I have just a little over five gallons of gas on the drivetrain, and I am using a pretty strong CY 29 stroker engine. When I opened the transmission and inspected the stock gears, I found them perfect. I could not even tell they have been used. Diff also looked perfect. I greased the bearings, put in the new SS diff and the new heavy duty gears and buttoned it up. I changed the dogbones, but they also looked new as did the old drive cups... No wear that I could see at all where the dog bones rub on the cups. So, either KM makes some pretty good stuff, or I drive too easy. Tomorrow I will run it. I do not expect to detect any difference, but I do have some peace of mind, knowing the drive train is pretty well improved as much as would be reasonable for me. Fun, fun, fun..... Dennis
Posted on: 10/29/2009 9:49 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9213766

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] Ya i just put in the cy 29rc with the stuffed crank and man you it the gas and the front end strait up in the air!! love this motor best 200 dollas i spent [/quote] That is the same engine I got from DDM on sale of the day a couple months ago for $150.00. Mine does not pop wheelies, but it totally thrills me with it's torque, and it sure seems to rev out pleanty good with a totally satisfying mid range. I usually run on asphalt with hostile slicks and it runs just like I had hoped. I think these engines get a bad rap because of some weak cylinder plating in the past, and some made by stacking gaskets, which the new ones don't have. I am sure there are better engines, but for such a modest price, they are killer. Best thing is when the cylinder goes south, it is cheaply replaced with no extra costs for porting etc. Really glad you like yours. Also I have noticed it has a lot of compression and I am on my third gallon and compression is as good as new. After re-reading your post, I may not have exactly the same engine as yours, mine has the stuffed stroker crank but is also called a 29. Dennis
Posted on: 10/24/2009 1:59 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197755

RE: Any one going to the Baja challenge in NC?
Oops, I thought it pulled apart. Anyway, you represented all of us as a common man at the races. Way to go...... you are just an ordinary, average ACTION HERO.[;)][;)][;)][;)][:D][:D][:D][:D] Dennis
Posted on: 10/22/2009 8:55 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9193082

RE: ordered new baja5b 2.0 rtr
[quote] but was able to buy the hpi baja 5b 2.0 rtr for 829.99 shipped [/quote] I think you did the right thing. Dennis
Posted on: 10/22/2009 8:51 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9193068

RE: Any one going to the Baja challenge in NC?
That shock pulled right apart. That is too bad, because I know you do everything to your Baja with reliability in mind. I am wondering if the Killer shock limiting cable straps would have prevented that. Glad you had a good time. Dennis
Posted on: 10/21/2009 9:39 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9192127

RE: Integys new HD Clutch for the HPI Baja
That holder and bell and plate assembly looks good. Hope they come out with a complete kit like that with the enclosed carrier. I am wondering if this kit also used a larger pinion to bell bolt? Price is right, finally. Dennis
Posted on: 10/17/2009 10:47 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9180209

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] alright dennis,got a t1000 4/12 tanks km clutch gone.took the buggy out 58 degrees in ny,rippin wheelies in the street.the buggy has the power with the cy motor,but the truck is so much smoother with the better shocks and ground clearence.you run in the street,do you think a gearing change would help in the dirt for my buggy or should i just leave it?anyway gonna try youre red spring backwards stock clutch shoe setup,let you know [/quote] Good give it a try, you have nothing to lose. One point when reversing the shoes. You want to look closely at how the spring rides on the shoes when in stock position. When you reverse the shoes, the shape on the reversed side (that has now become the outside) is shaped somewhat differently and may cause the spring to not ride free and straight. Look closely and you will see what I mean. A little dremmel work and you can relieve the area on the clutch shoes to make it the same as on the first side. Then when you put the spring on and snap the shoes into place, the spring will have a correct and straight pull. Actually pretty simple and just uses a little of your hobby skills. If you are using the truck in a very dirty environment or sandy one, some of the abnormal clutch wear is caused by the grinding action of the dirt and sand. If that is the case, you need to go to an enclosed clutch carrier. Cleaner environments like the street, grass and parking lots do not need an enclosed clutch carrier. As far as gearing goes, I seem to always prefer the lowest gears I can run and not peak out too fast for the environment. As a result, I have found the stock gearing of 17/57 is pretty good, even with the bigger engines. If I want to settle the car down a bit or gain a long legged feel, I go to 18/56. I know a lot of others like to really jump up in gearing, but I have never liked the results. So, I may not be the best person to ask, because my personal tastes may not be the same as yours. I just like the engine to rev up easily and get to full tilt when I want without feeling and hearing any bogging or a long drawn out wind out. Dennis
Posted on: 10/15/2009 11:34 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9176974

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] newby here to the 1/5 scale I have a km from danl4 coming soon and i have a cy 29rc stuffed crank coming to. And my ? is what is the best gearing to go with or should i stay at stock gearing thanks jim I also have the dom v2 pipe coming [/quote] That is the engine I got. Boy, did I notice a big step up in torque. Just right for me. I switched back and forth several times between stock (17/57) gears and 18/56. The stock works just fine, but the acceleration is just a little violent and it gets up to top speed pretty quick. The 18/56 still accelerates better than the stock motor did, but just a little easier and smother than with stock gearing, but seems to "stretch out" better, as though it has longer legs. It seems I leave the 18/56 on more of the time, so I guess that means I like that gear better. The rear Dom pipe is really a performance improver. So, if you want to save money for a while, stick with the 17/57 gears, but that engine will easily pull the 18/56 ones. Last, I really like the clutch shoes reversed and use the 8,000 rpm red spring. Dennis
Posted on: 10/15/2009 4:36 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9174668

RE: I need help deciding....Baja 5T
My advise to you is to consider what is important to you and your skills. If you are pretty independent and will be using the Baja on your own or with only personal friends, and if you are capable of evaluating when upgrades are necessary without getting discouraged, then consider the Clone as you will surely save money. If you think you will use the Baja in a group setting where most others will have an HPI, and if your hobby skills are a little limited, then by all means be sure to chose the HPI. If you have even a great looking and performing clone, you will not be welcome where there are other HPI owners there. They will hate you and treat you like an outcast, so be very careful about that. The extra money you spend for the HPI will be your ticket in to acceptance. None other is tolerated. Last, if you go the HPI route, you will also need to be careful to only put upgrade parts on that are made or sold by the accepted people. There are brands of aftermarket parts that will be so unpopular that you will wish you had never gotten them. Dennis
Posted on: 10/11/2009 11:48 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9165492

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] Yeah, you will notice a big difference using the 8000 rpm set. But do buy the set (springs w/shoes) [/quote] When you buy the HPI spring and clutch shoe set, you get the shoes with lightening holes. The HPI web site that shows their high performance parts for the Baja, states the spring with lightened shoes gives a engagment rpm speed of 8,000 rpm's. If you use their standard (no lightening holes) clutch shoes, engagment rpm's is either 7,000 or 7,500 ( I can't remember which off hand). But, the point is the reason you would get the lightened shoes as a set is because you want the highest rpm engagment point HPI provides. If you want higher than stock, but not all the way to 8,000, then use the standard non lightened shoes. Simple as that. I find the 8,000 spring and lightened shoes a little high for my purposes. I find the 8,000 spring with non lightened shoes just right. Dennis
Posted on: 10/8/2009 8:07 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9157551

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
I think you will find the chassis is chrome plated aluminum. Dennis
Posted on: 10/7/2009 11:22 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9153780

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
That 002 is very nice looking. My biggest problem was with the body cracking easily. I got a Pro-line desert rat body and it is very good. Used it for several gallons and not a crack. Congratulations. Dennis
Posted on: 10/7/2009 1:22 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9152993

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] I just took the plunge and ordered the KM 23cc with the tuned pipe! Cant wait till the beast gets here, I will post pics up when it comes if anyones interested [/quote] Always interested is seeing a great Baja. I know my KM is up to the task. Really pleases me. Dennis
Posted on: 10/6/2009 4:23 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9151735

RE: OFFICIAL Discussion for the Pros and Cons of Clones in the Market
[quote] I don't know anyone who can leave something "box stock"...whether you break parts constantly or not, most of these cars original parts will be replaced by aftermarket pieces. That is why strictly from a financial standpoint, that I will buy the km. If it were only a couple hundred between the two, I would get the hpi...but not at a $500+ spread. $500 in upgrades will give the km quite an advantage over the hpi right from the start. Sorry about being so long winded here. [/quote] I agree with these statements. I have the KM Baja and have done some upgrades with aftermarket parts. The KM in my case did not steal any sale from HPI because I never would have bought a baja for the HPI price. The upgrades I put on the KM have only put money in the aftermarket parts manufactures and sales people. In fact, I have spent the most for tires to a company whose owner absolutely hates KM's. Bet my $200 in purchases to him is not hated. Also, I just rebuilt the shocks with HPI parts and have bought some other HPI parts as needed. So, there is money to HPI that would not have been spent if it were not for the KM in the first place. I do not believe the clones cut into sales of the high priced stuff. Generally, those buying clones will either get these, or nothing at all. Last, if the clones are so bad as to quality and function, I wonder why the HPI butt boys are so scared to have them on the same track. Seems like they could just win all the time and the clone boys would go home empty handed. Sure. All I can do is speak for myself, and I have fun with my KM clone. Works pleanty good for me. Dennis
Posted on: 9/24/2009 12:35 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9120470

RE: SAVAGE XL VS MONSTER GT 8.0
That is about as lame as it gets. Dennis
Posted on: 9/23/2009 11:37 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "HPI Monster Truck Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9117849

RE: King Motors Baja Review with pictures
[quote] Are the bearings better with this engine? I know a lot of people had problems with a "missing" bearing causing some engine failures [/quote] There were never missing bearings that caused engine failure. The "missing bearing" is only a figure of speech. The Transmission output shaft has a seal where an extra bearing can go. A lot of people believe the transmission input shaft and gears are strengthened when a bearing is put in place of the seal. So, they call it a missing bearing. Dennis
Posted on: 9/23/2009 11:17 AM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "RC Giant Scale Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9117810

RE: There must be another way to start this Tower Terror besides the pull starter that keeps breaking??
Seal the engine correctly and use a MC 39 glow plug and you will be happy. Dennis
Posted on: 9/22/2009 12:46 PM by Author "BigGrump" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9115295