RE: What is this?
I can tell by the last pic you posted. i see you also have a waterproof Traxxas 2075 servo and a Traxxas esc. Sometimes you just gotta do what works. I have been amazed at times how well things have worked out for me when i have done this. though it does help to be a pack-rat with rc parts.
Posted on: 8/5/2010 1:02 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9912877

RE: What is this?
im using a HPI E10 center driveshaft on my Team Academy chassis. does that make it a HPI car? I also modded Academy spur gears to go into a Redcat with a Traxxas Velineon VXL 3s and Slayer shocks and Traxxas 2075 servo. Does that make it a Traxxas truck?
Posted on: 8/4/2010 8:33 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9911474

RE: New to RC cars and starting with a Drift car
your "permission settings" wont allow me to pm you
Posted on: 7/12/2010 6:48 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9860646

RE: New to RC cars and starting with a Drift car
kstmRYD - thanks a lot for the invite. i will be sure to check it out. i just moved to ny on the 14th of last month from FT Riley, Kansas. it sounds a bit out of my league concidering i am not exactly the most experienced rc drifter. but i suppose it wouldnt hurt to at least check it out.
Posted on: 7/11/2010 1:02 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9857817

RE: New to RC cars and starting with a Drift car
Enlisted or Commisioned? Either way, i am sorry to hear of any loss you may have felt was your fault or yourself or loved ones had to suffer. i was only an E-5 in Iraq and one of my guys got effed up. i felt at fault for several months til i got back state side and was able to see clearly and to see him and his family, who assured me that there was nothing that i could have changed. i commend you for serving a full 20 +. i would have loved to do the same because i loved what i did in weapons squad but my wife didnt want to deal with the stress anymore. women ( for the most part ) handle stress differently. i felt comfortable and confident in my environment and wanted to go to afghanistan but after my deployment to Iraq, the Mrs' gave me an ultimatum. so in order to respect her wishes, i did not re-up. I actually didnt start with drift in mind. i started out watching Nick Case's vids on youtube and wanting to shoot for the stars until i realized the resources required. lol. so now, i have a Team Academy STR-4 Pro 2 that has a damn near perfect set up for drift. the only problem i am trying to work out is that the chassis was introduced in early 2000 and the light weight aluminum driveshaft cannot handle my Xcelorin 3.5t Sensored Brushless. so i keep turning my center shaft into a banana due to the torque. so its going to be a bit more tuning and trial and error for me.
Posted on: 7/10/2010 2:14 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9855503

RE: New to RC cars and starting with a Drift car
Yeah, i understand. i use lipos on all my stuff but i also have brushless setups so i need the lipos for the amps. Thanks for the heads up on the selling thing. i was unaware of that. ill edit the post. I am aslo a vet of OIF 08-09. Thank you for your service. And yes, my quote rocks.
Posted on: 7/9/2010 6:39 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9854799

RE: New to RC cars and starting with a Drift car
Okay, so the little white-ish clear plug on the radioshack battery is called a Tamiya connector. Garbage for high amp aplications. they are rated at 100amps but typically only hold up to 80. just get a pair of wire cutters and cut ONE WIRE at a time so you dont get a spark across the positive and negative wire. then just re-solder the wires to a Deans connector. If you dont have the things needed to do this or dont know how, some LHS's (Local Hobby Shop) will do it for you. Yes, Traxxas has universal plugs on a lot of their Lipo batteries. But with lipo batteries, you must have a lipo charger and cell block balancer. If you improperly charge a lipo and then use it, it will swell up like a balloon and catch on fire. Causing you plastic chassis Drift Star to melt to the ground. AND your stock esc has no lipo cut-off so you will ruin your lipo if you discharge the cells lower than 3.7v per cell. Starting out, I recommend sticking with NIMH batteries. you can charge em hundreds of times and each time drain them til they no longer move you car. Now as far as the parts supply is concerned, Redcat, Exceed, Himoto, and HSP all use the very same chinese supplier for their parts. meaning, if your 1/10 scale Exceed car has a part broken than exceed is out of stock on, go to Redcat and get a part that fits their Lightning. Or go to Himoto or HSP. Too easy. I used to have a Drift Star and i upgraded everything to aluminum. I got bored with it and made it a Redcat Vortex Short Course truck. I bought Bigger/ Longer control arms, shock towers, shocks, turnbuckles, drive shafts, and wheels. Ta Da! Its a truck that i can take off road and jump stuff with. But if your going to stick with drifting, pull apart your REAR differential and pull out the gear. pull out the four little black screws making sure not to lose them. pull it open and inside there will be two sets of spider gears, pull em out and wipe them clean with a paper towel. put them back in and FILL EVERY little nook and cranny with hot glue. Quickly screw the bevel gear back in with the four little black screws and let it cool for 30 minutes to harden. You now have a locked rear diff. GREAT for drifting. I have extra parts that will fit the drift star. i will sell to the highest bidder. Threaded Aluminum Bodied Shocks Aluminum Control arms Aluminum Turnbuckles Aluminum Shock Towers Aluminum 12mm Hex nuts Drift star wheels- slightly used- brush painted black with a chrome lip (Some parts are purple and some are a darker purple, Different name brands will do that if you dont pick the right color)
Posted on: 7/9/2010 1:12 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9854248

RE: Pic Thread
I thought this was a pic thread?? I only see two pics.... So, my newer drifter and tire shredding beast is my Team Academy STR-4 Pro II with a Xcelorin 3.5t sensored brushless. P.S. The Redcat "VORTEX" that I have started life as an Exceed Drift Star. And I have all kinds of aluminum parts for the Drift star or Redcat Lightning or Himoto.... Aluminum Control arms and shock towers and steel universals and other things of those nature that i no longer need. Best offer + shipping and its all yours.
Posted on: 7/8/2010 9:17 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drifting"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9852790

RE: NEW YORK CITY BASH
OK guys, just moved to NY on the 14th. I live in LIC. Looking to bash a bit. Just updated MY MODELS so you guys can check it out. I am guessing I am somewhat close to this nice bashing area in Queens.
Posted on: 6/27/2010 6:30 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Regional Racers & Bashers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9830260

RE: Problems Problems Problems.. Tornado EPX Pro
you can just accept that redcat doesnt give two shits about thier customers like i did and modify the spur gear and diffs. i am now using a spur gear adapter from team academy and a 78t spur with a 23t pinion. though i am using a vxl 3s motor/esc combo on a 6cell 7.2v and i am now having problems with my diff grinding on a launch and under breaking. i am currently hunting for another brand to replace the diffs with. i will let you know what i turn up. apperently the only thing the chinese factory that makes redcats can do properly is the control arms and the center drive shaft.
Posted on: 6/9/2010 7:44 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9791429

RE: Vid on my Earthquake 8e gear problems???
if you feel it is too tight, remove one shim. you should be able to put a small rectangular piece of paper through the gear mesh without it being torn in two. as for the diff, just shim the inside of the bearing. looks like 2-3 would do it.
Posted on: 5/23/2010 5:45 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9753985

RE: street tuner vs. hot rod
my first car was a primer gray '69 nova with a 235ci straight 6. i yanked that lazy girl outa there and dropped in a sbc 350. which i later pulled to bore and stroke to 383. t350 trans and a shift kit. i could beat any ricer in town. but that was 8 years ago. i now drive a '91 honda crx. its no ricer. i have no body kit bullshit and no graphics. i do have a fully built 1.6l dohc motor imported from japan that allows my full interior one ton car run 1 13sec quarter mile. and i still get 35mpg.
Posted on: 4/29/2010 11:57 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Cars & Trucks - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9699436

RE: Need Xcelorin/mamba 9000 help
Okay, I can't find the internal gear ratios anywhere. But here is what the ofna team drivers are running... Pinion Gear: Novak HV4.5 use 14 tooth w/2 cell lipo [5700kv (8.5-10.5) use 11-12 tooth, 6900kv (6-8.5) use 9-10 tooth]. The jerking of the truck in the begining of the video is called "cogging." Natural with any SENSORLESS brushless motor that is geared too high. After the first pull on the trigger, the red led on your esc started blinking. On the xcelorin esc, this is indicating the low voltage cut off has been reached. And like i mentioned before, the "initial acceleration" needs to be turned DOWN on the esc. this is what LOSI says about the initial acceleration being turned up high; You may experience what seems like the motor cutting off, a hesitation or possible brief radio loss using this setting. And yes, your lipo is probably done if it dosent recover any voltage after letting it sit for a day. once it sits for a day, try to charge it again. If you want your truck to run at all with that motor, you need increase the tooth count on your diff (70t-80t) and to drop the initial acceleration.
Posted on: 4/29/2010 2:57 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9697163

Lightning EP To Vortex EPX PRO!!!
Well, while I was deployed to Iraq last year I thought it would be a good idea to get myself somthing to do when i went home on mid tour leave (rather than drinking the entire time). So i came across a good deal on a Redcat lightning for 100 bucks. it was the basic plain jane so i decided to spruce things up a bit so i went ahead and bought EVERYTHING aluminum i could find and a 3.5t (9120 kv) Xcelorin Sensored brushless motor and backed it with a 2s 4000mah lipo from Integy. What a tire shredding beast that turned out to be. But i then decided that i want to get dirty and the lightning just wouldn't provide that for me. Then, the vortex came out.... So, in came the new aluminum shock towers, universal drive shafts, aluminum lower control arms, longer turnbuckles, Traxxas slash waterproof servo, waterproof receiver box, and waterproof VXL 3s esc and 3500 kv brushless backed with a 3s 4000mah from Venom upgraded aluminum Slash shocks, Vortex epx body, body posts and post holders and finally a nice new set of RPM 2.2 wheels and Proline Switch tires. Then, out came the dremel to get myself more lower control arm down travel and overall clearence in some binding spots. And to free up some space for a 76t diff and a 13t pinion. just some gears i had on hand. With the body fitted and trimmed, all thats left is to mount the front bumper. Once i get some test runs in and work out the kinks, i will make a video. here's some pictures for now.
Posted on: 4/28/2010 7:12 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9623386

RE: Need Xcelorin/mamba 9000 help
I have a 3.5t (9120kv) Sensored ESC/MOTOR combo from Xcelorin on my STR-4 PRO II. I had a cut out problem as well with acceleration. What fixed it was hooking up the esc to the computer software to turn down the "initial acceleration." I am assuming you have it on HIGH and you should drop it to MED or even LOW along with dialing back the timing on the motor. If your gearing is good and you have done these steps, get a better battery. And make sure to not exeed the amp rating on the esc. I also own a Redcat Vortex with 2.2 wheels/tires and a 3500kv VXL 3s combo and all the other Slash guts with a Venom 3s lipo and have PLENTY of get up and go with wheelies on command in forward or reverse. You should look into a lower kv rated motor if the above suggestions dont help.
Posted on: 4/27/2010 4:59 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Electric Off-Road Trucks, Buggies, Truggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9693291

RE: Lightning EP To Vortex EPX PRO!!!
i have taken it out in the rain already. not completely submerged but damn close in some puddles and runoff ditches. im still procrastinating on the charger. i'll send it off on the first though. i need to send in my xcelorin esc to losi (horizon hobby) as well.
Posted on: 4/26/2010 5:53 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9690827

RE: ERC fabrication's FWD honda(in progress shots).
im looking forward to seeing more. always been a honda fan. i own a 91 crx si w/ b16a now....
Posted on: 4/25/2010 3:58 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Drag Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9686764

RE: Pictures of your redcats and other rides
Lightning converted to Vortex. Traxxas shocks and VXL 3s motor/esc combo and Venom 3s 4000mah. GPM 2.2 wheels w/ Proline Switch tires.
Posted on: 4/25/2010 3:50 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9686759

RE: Can you make a 4X4 have positraction?
i would suggest just locking the rear diff. i filled an extra diff i had with hot glue and threw it in the back end. the hot glue holds quite well and the truck hooks up quite a bit better than it did before.
Posted on: 4/7/2010 2:36 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9643279

RE: Brushless upgrades?
you guys are both on the right track. kv is the theoretical rpm that the motor delivers per volt. so if you take the 4600kv and back it with a 2s 7.4v lipo, you will be runnig about 34,040rpm. i don't know the equation but i would assume that it would equate to ABOUT a 7t-10t brushed. i have a Xcelorin 3.5t sensored on my Team Academy STR-4 Pro II and it is rated at 9120kv. (thats what i am comparing yours to). if i were you, spend a couple extra bucks and pick up a Traxxas VXL-3s motor/esc combo. i have one on my vortex and i am very pleased with it. being as it is my first time owning anything from traxxas. just my .02
Posted on: 4/7/2010 2:10 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9643262

RE: C Hub Screw Type and Sleeve
no, i doubt that 5 min of run time did any damage. and yes i did just reuse the ones from my plastic parts. hopefully the new ones work out for you.
Posted on: 4/6/2010 12:43 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9640580

RE: C Hub Screw Type and Sleeve
ok, so it sounds as though you may have the wrong sleeves. the collar of the sleeve should serve almost as a washer in between the c hub and knuckle and the sleeve should extend through the c hub just far enough for the head of the screw to be tightened down on the sleeve and not touch the c hub. in other words, your sleeves are too short. just fyi, i do have the aluminum knuckles and c hubs as well so i am not just guessing.
Posted on: 4/2/2010 2:03 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9631387

RE: Lightning EP To Vortex EPX PRO!!!
yes, the chassis is actually for the nitro version. the wrong one was sent to me. i figured i would just make due. don't be scared. just do it!!! once you do, you won't stop. i don't know how the redcat brushless performs but i know the traxxas velineon (which i have) is a beast (and waterproof). it's nice to know that if for some reason i feel the urge to drive it in a lake, it will be fine. when i figure out a wheelie bar, i will post pictures. i also intend to build a roll cage. i just need to pick up the tubing and get some free time.
Posted on: 4/2/2010 1:51 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9631363

RE: C Hub Screw Type and Sleeve
the sleeves go in from the inside. the oposite of the srew. i would say check your LHS for screws and sleevs. the may have them. it doesn't have to be a specific brand. just as long as the diameter is correct. i have not put any loctite on mine and i have not had any problems. so i would assume that if you did throw on some loctite you should be pretty safe. just check em after a good run and if they come loose then use loctite. happy hunting
Posted on: 4/1/2010 8:02 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9630623

RE: Lightning EP To Vortex EPX PRO!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Mickstix Hey a cell phone and some duck-tape is all ya need for "incar" view!! :D Lookin forward to the movie!! ;) [/quote] lol yeah right. i would say that my phone is too valuable to me for that but i have an application on it that uses gps for a speedometer and will give me an average speed and a maximium speed. according to both my 07 jetta and my 91 crx, it only reads 2mph slower than what my cars speedo reads. at any speed...... appearently my 07 jetta is governed at 132mph and my crx si guage stops at 125 but with the jdm b16 and many other mods the needle just keeps going.
Posted on: 4/1/2010 3:14 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9628945

RE: Things you say after crashing
[quote]ORIGINAL: nodolarsnosense no worries it was a cessna, it was bound to happen (do any real cessnas actually make it to retirement or do they all crash?) [/quote] they only crash with celebrities onboad......
Posted on: 3/31/2010 1:57 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "RC Humor"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9627253

RE: ^ < V forum game!
^ loves cakefarts.com < annoyed with the cat my wife got and pawned off on me v wishes he could be a camera man for cakefarts.com
Posted on: 3/31/2010 1:51 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Cars, Trucks, Buggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9627240

RE: Lightning EP To Vortex EPX PRO!!!
thanks man. i have actually never made a running video of a rc. it's always been my real cars. so it'll be new. i want to try and work in an onboard camera angle. anyways, i will keep you guys posted on how things go. [quote]ORIGINAL: Mickstix Nice mods!! Looks like a beast!! Lookin forward to the vid!! [/quote]
Posted on: 3/31/2010 2:32 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9626327

RE: Lightning EP To Vortex EPX PRO!!!
thanks! yeah, it's pretty stout. it has no problem pulling a wheely in reverse lol. i need to fab up a wheely bar so i can attempt to save the body. i already snapped the rear body posts in half from a wheely gone wrong. my venom pro charger crapped out but i am shipping it back in to venom for replacement. so until then i wont be able to charge my packs. bummer.
Posted on: 3/30/2010 12:42 PM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9624261

RE: Pics of your academy ride
So, this is my STR 4 Pro-II with a Xcelorin 3.5t (9120kv) Sensored brushless and a Integy 2s 4000mah lipo. Not quite a buggy like alot of the others but still a lot of fun.
Posted on: 3/27/2010 11:03 AM by Author "jowilson275" in the forum "Academy Racing (MRC) Support Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9615901