RE: .28 in a funfactor? oh dear....
Sounds like a great idea. We don't have any large beaches near us so that idea won't work.. It doesn't really matter what you race as long as its fun. My kids are involved as well so quality family time is guaranteed. We did think about some other classes of vehicles to run just to change things up, but they were quickly shot down by the group. One was airplanes.. sounded great in theory but if you saw what we do, the safety of the neighborhood couldn't be guaranteed. combat planes in the dark over houses.. just a bad idea.. Next up was boats.. Sounded good until we remembered last summer when two r/c boats were sunk with all hands on board.. funny as heck to watch, but not so funny when you realized there was no way to get the boats back.. 50 feet deep about 300 feet out.. still not sure how the duck escaped unharmed.. My friend wasn't trying to hit it. So we decided to stick to cars and trucks. We have narrowed the classes down to two again.. Modified and stupid fast.. The stock Tamiya class was putting everyone to sleep. My girls run theirs by themselves for about 30 minutes and that keeps them and any newcomers happy.. Let me know how your beach class goes. Cen
Posted on: 5/22/2013 7:43 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "CEN Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11519177

RE: ultimate r/c story
I watched them as well.. yes it was a bit corny, but I must commend the effort that went into the video's.. And even better he got his girlfriend to help as well.. Now finish the video so we can see how it ends.
Posted on: 5/20/2013 8:44 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11517125

RE: durable 1/10 touring car?
you should also give a look at the HPI Sprint 2 or if you want a little less the E10 as well. I love the Spint 2 and its not really expensive. Not sure what they are in Australia, but pretty reasonable here. The E10 is even less, but the design isn't as good for racing, but good for bashing. I own a couple of TT01's and while I like them for play, I don't feel the Tamiya plastic parts will hold up to repeated bashing that you are going to give them. They use a hard plastic that has a tendency to snap when other cars will just keep on driving. Sure you can upgrade them to make them more durable, but thats just going to cost you more money. As for the Sakura.. Never heard of them so I can't help you there..
Posted on: 5/20/2013 8:32 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Electric On-Road vehicles, race cars and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11517105

RE: HobbyKing ..... Garbage (Refund and Return related)
I was thinking the same thing.. your first mistake was refusing the package.. HK will act like its a lost parcel and not their problem.. That would explain all the packages at the post office. I've returned items to HK and other than a longer wait for credit than I would have liked, it wasn't really an issue at all.. Try returning something to Integy.. you will learn the meaning of hiding behind the internet and total frustration... While I don't want to think that for the price we are paying for some of these items that if they are defective its still worth it, sometimes its just not worth the time or trouble to send some items back. I have a couple of dead Lipo's that just aren't worth the trouble or expense compared to how many I have from them that work better than expected.
Posted on: 5/7/2012 11:33 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11071796

RE: Why do so many people hate Traxxas???
I hear you... In the summer months we run touring cars at our night bashing.. Mostly Sprint 2's, RS4's, the occasional E 4tec and I run a Trinity Tspec.. for durability, the Tspec wins, but for the handling its the RS4... Nothing is perfect but nothing is as bad as some folks want you to believe.
Posted on: 12/5/2011 1:37 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Electric On-Road vehicles, race cars and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10844643

RE: Why do so many people hate Traxxas???
I've been in this hobby for more than 20 years and this debate will never really go away. Doesn't really matter what brand we are talking about either.. While it is true that the fanboys will drive everyone else nuts, Traxxas just seems to have the largest base of customers like it or not. I don't know too many people who have owned a Traxxas vehicle that can really claim and prove they are junk. I've owned just about every kind of vehicle in the last 20+ years and some were better than others. Currently I own about 10 and half of them are Traxxas. Tmaxx, 2 Slashes, Brushless Rustler and a Nitro 4-tec.. Other than running them past their design limitations, I don't have any issues with any of them.. Non at all.. I have more problems with some of the other brands that I have.. I don't race anymore, just bash with friends. I run on average 2 times a week.. On an interesting note. On saturday nights, weather permitting, a bunch of us get together and run night bashing under LED lighting on the streets. .Our vehicle of choice is the Traxxas Slash.. We run a mix of 2wd and 4wd all brushless. the reason we run these is the durability of the trucks.. Other than a few broken arms or hubs from full speed head on crashes, not much else breaks. We've had a few snapped chassis but seriously, I don't think Traxxas envisioned a bunch of idiots crashing head on into each other in the middle of the winter. A simple fix.. thanks pro-line.. and that never happened again.. My point is, I'm not really a fan of any particular brand, it just seems Traxxas knows what the market wants.. Sure some of the marketing is a bit "creative".. but thats life my friends.. I don't really care what the package says, I don't even remember looking at the box when I buy a new one, Just tearing into it.. Why do some of you have an issue with using common parts between the vehicles like traxxas is so famous for? I think its brilliant.. Not too long ago, I blew a diff on my Nitro 4-tec.. I wanted to run the car and after taking it apart, I realized that its the same diff as the Rustler, stampede and Slash.. I have a few of them around and I was up and running in no time.. I can't think of too many other brands except maybe Tamiya that does that. Certainly not HPI,Losi or AE.. Lastly, some complained that the price of there vehicles are too high.. Too high compared to what.. I don't think they are any different that anything else out there.. Electronics and or engines are the bulk of the expense.. They are allowed to make some profit on what they sell.. aren't they.. While I don't agree with calling some of their vehicles new models (just a different body) thats their marketing, not mine and I don't pay attention to it anyway..
Posted on: 12/5/2011 9:42 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Electric On-Road vehicles, race cars and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10844310

RE: nitro 4 tec
It doesn't make a noise, but you hear the engine tone change..It can be a chore getting the shift point correct, but once there, they pretty much don't need to be messed with..
Posted on: 9/23/2011 4:01 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC On Road Nitro Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10730979

RE: I wanna Know how many rc vehicles you have? Come look at my list when I went on a rc bender!
Kyosho outlaw rampage... 2wd stadium truck... .12 kyosho motor and belt drive.. fun little truck to drive, but parts where impossible tocome by, especially the belt.... Can't find any pictures of it, I got the truck in 93 or 94... sold it a couple of years ago.. I have a friend who still has one, but its a shelf queen
Posted on: 9/10/2011 6:07 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10709856

RE: I wanna Know how many rc vehicles you have? Come look at my list when I went on a rc bender!
Over the years I've had probably 40 or so.. I'm down to 7 at the moment... The wife had a fit and I had to clear out the shop.. It was getting a bit cramped down there... My current fleet consists of: Tmaxx 3.3 Brushless Rustler Brushless Slash Nitro 4-tec Brushless Thunder Tiger Ducati Trinity T-spec brushless HPI Baja 5B. Some of my past vehicles that I can Remember: Tmaxx Savage Cen MT2 Cen CT5 Traxxas 4-tec electric Stampede GS Racing SUT Kyosho Burns Kyosho USA-1 nitro Kyosho Rampage Kyosho ZR1 Tamiya Boomerang Tamiya Clodbuster Mauri Hunter many many touring cars...Kyosho/Tamiya and HPI there are more, but I can't remember all of them... I still have to hear her complain.. I have several Helicopters,boats and airplanes...
Posted on: 9/9/2011 4:34 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10709282

RE: I.D. PLEASE: Help me identify these two
the purple truck is a Cen Funfactor ST... not really popular, but a fun truck in its day.. parts can still be had on ebay... Not much breaks except the dog bones.. they are not the strongest.. The carb is capped off because the air filter is not on the truck... smart way to store the vehicle if sitting for a long time.. PM me if you have any questions about the truck.. especially if you plan on keeping it..
Posted on: 9/9/2011 4:17 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10709264

RE: Please help me identify this 1/10 sedan
Thats a Trinity Tspec.. I have a couple of them and I run on saturday nights with a few more... They haven't been around in a while so parts are a little scarce... what are your plans for it?
Posted on: 5/6/2011 10:38 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10505016

RE: os .21 tm one way bearing.where do i find one?? or is their a compatable owb
Canasas.. the one way bearing will fit on any shaft that is the same size.. OS, traxxas and probably most of the others.. the outside of the bearing is specific to what it is being used on.. Just bacause its the same shaft as the OS 18 doesn't mean anything.. If you are using it with an OS pull start, you are fine.. If its going into a traxxas ez start or pull start it may not fit.. i explained that in my previous post.. Hope you got lucky and it fits..
Posted on: 3/15/2011 10:50 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10401616

RE: os .21 tm one way bearing.where do i find one?? or is their a compatable owb
I'm going to assume you are running this motor on a Tmaxx or Revo.. if thats the case use the traxxas one way from the 2.5R or 3.3.. I have the same motor (OS 18tm) and thats the one way bearing to use..
Posted on: 3/14/2011 12:32 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10399371

RE: turnigy battery packs?
I have 3 of them and they work very well.. especially for the money.. If you are just bashing they are great.. I wouldn't use them for racing, there are better packs for that.. you will be happy with the performance.. One thing to consider.. the wires are very huge.. I mean huge and are a pain to solder.. they only come with EC3 connectors and you will want to convert them to your plug of choice.. If your soldering skills are up to the task, go for it.. If not be careful..find someone to do it for you are make an adapter plug
Posted on: 3/7/2011 3:36 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10385218

RE: Quick change shock kit - T-Maxx
The newer t-maxxs use all hex hardware where the older ones used phillips.. I switched over all my older Traxxas cars to the newer hardware.. It really makes life easy especially with the shocks on the Tmaxx.. I also have a very long allen wrench that can snake in between just about anything on any of these cars and loosen them up.. for the bottom, as ReaperGN said.. just compress the suspension..
Posted on: 3/7/2011 3:31 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10385203

RE: tmaxx 3.3 new engine questions
Thank you Jbooker and supertib.. At least you guys get it.. Mclovin... Do a little research before making those statements.. But at least you "know the truth"... LOL
Posted on: 2/23/2011 6:26 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10357425

RE: 3.3 just blew again
[;)].....Got it!!!!
Posted on: 2/23/2011 6:20 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10357420

RE: tmaxx 3.3 new engine questions
I knew that would get somebody going.. but that is the reason they do it.. The aluminum carbs have an insulator between the carb neck and the block.. If you don't think they do, take one apart and look..... The plastic does keep the fuel cooler... The methanol doesn't have a cooling effect as far as a fuel is concerned.. It does on your skin and thats about all.. While I'm sure Traxxas and some of the other companies do save some money with composite carbs over metal ones, thats not the primary purpose.. stripping out the threads on a composite carb is due to abuse.. not a faulty cheap design..
Posted on: 2/22/2011 7:34 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10356706

RE: trx 2.5 glow plug?
No problem... you will like them
Posted on: 2/22/2011 10:33 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10355365

RE: tmaxx 3.3 new engine questions
you guys do understand why the carb is made of plastic don't you... Its not because Traxxas is being cheap..although its cheaper to produce. Its for thermal protection.. It keeps the fuel cooler and this aids in tuning the engine.. Funny how half the group has issues with tuning and the other half doesn't.. I run both OS and Traxxas motors and the OS has an insulator between the carb and the block.. It doesn't last forever and is a real bear to diagnose when its shot... Both work well.. Its the engines that don't use and insulator and are made of aluminum that are a real pain to keep running correctly.. I still can't imagine having to adjust needles to the point of stripping the threads on the carb body.. What were they thinking..
Posted on: 2/22/2011 8:16 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10355101

RE: trx 2.5 glow plug?
Yes.. thats the one... OS is a Japanese engine manufacturer and is possibly on of the best out there.. Don't ask me what it stands for.. I used to know..LOL ..Thats a great price for those plugs and I've used that site before for alot of purchases.. If you have an ebay account, I highly recommend saving the 2 hour ride and ordering from them... That plug LC3 had the same tip that the traxxas plug uses.. the blue wire fits tightly onto it.. By the way... the only stupid question is the one not asked...
Posted on: 2/22/2011 8:05 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10355079

RE: Couple quick questions please!
Bluegill... Compressed air in any form, can or compressor is not going to take off the oil.. Alcohol while good for most of the truck is not good for the tires.. Its hydroscopic properties will dry out the rubber and possibly soften the glue on the rim.. I use simple green and some water mixed.. it will get most if not all of it off.. then wipe off with a rag or blow it off with air.. Due to the design of the Tmaxx the exhaust is right in front of the tire and its going to get dirty.. On the plus side.. The other side of the truck is usually clean...
Posted on: 2/22/2011 8:00 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10355073

RE: trx 2.5 cooling head protector!
[quote]ORIGINAL: ReaperGN It was in reply to cenracer1. As I was typing you posted. And I always thought the RPM protector was a bit tall but it should look better than no protector. It should also protect the cooling head better. [/quote] Thats Odd.. I have the same traxxas part number and mine doesn't have the holes ... Hmm.. I wonder if my LHS had some very old stock.. I will be ordering
Posted on: 2/22/2011 6:00 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10354884

RE: 3.3 just blew again
[quote]ORIGINAL: jbooker82 [quote]ORIGINAL: Radioman193 SIMPLE Trash nitro and go Electric Power Less Mess Less stink Less Noise Less money Less hastles More fun More speed More value for your dollar [/quote] You forgot, Less Fun, Less Run Time, and More Girly [/quote] I couldn't disagree more.. Not everyone is into nitro and thats fine.. I run both.. I have a couple of brushless vehicles and a few nitro ones as well.. I bring both when I run.. Less run time.. I don't think so.. I was running last sunday Nitro and electric and my friend broke out his 3.3 Revo.. I was running my brushless Rustler after a couple of tanks on the Tmaxx.. Running a 5000Mah battery I continued to run while he had to fill up twice and was going to need another tank if we weren't stopped short by a crash.. He won..LOL I still had plenty of juice left in the battery.. I don't see where you can say less fun.. they both are fun, otherwise nobody would run them.. More girly.. Someone has issues.. LOL... I have run both for years and will continue to.. Electrics have come a long way over the years and are only getting faster.. Just in case you want to know.. The Rustler was running a 5000Mah 2S 50C lipo battery.. It was MUCH faster in the straight line and the only chance the Revo had was in the turns.. 4WD has its advantages.. He never let off the throttle even in the turns,If I did that the front wheels were constantly in the air and turning under power isn't an option.. Jbooker.. try and electric some day and keep an open mind... You may find that you like it.. Oh the Horror....
Posted on: 2/22/2011 5:55 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10354880

RE: trx 2.5 glow plug?
Bluegill.. the ez start works great in the Tmaxx.. the blue plug doesn't last forever and you have to be kind of careful taking it off the plug.. there is a lip on the plug that holds it on and it you yank the wire, you stretch out the coils that go over the plug.. A long needle nose plier gripped at the base of the plug and wire and lift straight up.. I have the same blue wire for the last year and several plugs and its fine.. I use the Traxxas plugs on occasion, but you will really like the OS LC3 plugs.. Its a direct fit for the traxxas engine and the blue wire fits it as well... They idle better and last a lot longer.. Use the Traxxas plugs till you run out then try these.. You will love them.. They cost about $5.99 to $6.99 depending on your LHS...
Posted on: 2/21/2011 6:59 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10354180

RE: 3.3 just blew again
[quote]ORIGINAL: Mclovin350z My opinion is based on the fact that out of 11 2.5's and 3.3's I've only had one broken crankpin and some worn bearings that I caught in time. They are difficult to tune for low end power, usually have or develop air leaks, and don't have much low end grunt in the first place. When compared to alot of other 'rtr' small blocks I'd say they're pretty good. OS is going to win every time on tuning and low end power plus overall quality. [/quote] I was wondering where this thread was going to end up.. Almost as another bash traxxas thread.. I was forced to buy a 3.3 for my Tmaxx after my beloved OS 18TM developed problems after a couple of years.. I have just finished breaking in the 3.3 and I have to say I'm impressed with the motor.. Its quite strong on the low end and will climb right up the rpms without hesitation.. granted I have many years of tuning experience and a friend who has many more than me who likes to help out.. This is my 3rd traxxas motor and they all work flawlessly.. I don't have any tuning issues, never had.. same with the OS.. I got the OS fixed, but oddly enough I haven't had the urge to put it back in the Tmaxx... Because the engine isn't made anymore, I don't want to abuse it anymore.. Besides, for the price that I paid for the 3.3.. (under $100) new.. I can afford to "take my chances with it"... I still and always have thought that the tuning issues people have with these and other engines are just from either not enough experience, not patient enough to properly break in the motor, or just plain abuse.. Not keeping an eye on the temps.. But before you all jump all over me.. Nothing is perfect and these motors can and will break... Almost forgot.. I agree with everything Mclovin is saying except maybe the low end grunt part.. Mine is much more powerful than the OS 18TM, The OS had much more top end.. easily 5 mph on the top...
Posted on: 2/21/2011 6:46 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10354146

RE: trx 2.5 cooling head protector!
Bluegill... let me set you straight here.. The 2.5 head protector doesn't come with screws and it never did.. Its a snap on style that will stay one for a while but will eventually fall off.. Its just the way they were designed.. I have a 2.5R motor that I am looking at and there are holes that look they they are for screws, but they don't go thru all the way... You could try and put in some small machine head cap screws and see it it will hold.. I doubt it however and you may break the plastic on the protector.. The 3.3 protector which comes with screws but the protector is TOO big for the 2.5 head.. its not even close.. Its screws spread the tabs to hold onto the motor.. My best advice to you is to use the protector the way it was designed and check it often to see if its loose.. I don't think glue is the way to go.. you do need to remove the protector to take the head off and that might become a problem..
Posted on: 2/21/2011 6:32 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10354091

RE: OPti drive
works just fine.. I have the optidrive in my Tmaxx running a Spektrum DX3.0.. It also worked fine in my Nomadio React
Posted on: 1/27/2011 1:24 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "Traxxas Monster Truck forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10293293

RE: .28 in a funfactor? oh dear....
I keep seeing a few Cen's around and keep thinking of buying another one.. then the wife reminds me of all the cursing and complaining while I was modifying the truck.. I have a few pictures of it in my shop.. Its still one of my most favorite trucks.. Thats why I kept the name..
Posted on: 1/25/2011 3:38 PM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "CEN Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10288041

RE: OS 18tm questions
[quote]ORIGINAL: Bax Very likely, the piston/cylinder fit is no longer any good. You may need to replace the piston/cylinder assembly to get back any performance. [/quote] I was on the phone the other day with your tech department.. I still have some pinch left, not what it had when new, but the compression is still strong with the plug and head on.. The tech guy seems to think I may have something clogging one of the needles on the carb. most likely the high speed needle as it runs fine up to that point but will stall if given too much throttle. If I roll on the throttle it usually gets going.. I'm hoping its not the piston/cylinder as I don't want to sink any more money into this motor.. Its been great for a few years but its not made anymore... and with the piston/cylinder you still need a couple of other parts that will bring the total to over $100...
Posted on: 1/20/2011 9:19 AM by Author "cenracer1" in the forum "O.S. Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10276083