Mojave Mojave 8S VXL powered budget swap

[Megafandrew]

Hello there guys I’m planning on doing a 8S setup as a trial in my beloved Mojave. I have a donor VXL8S out of my Traxxas Xmaxx (it’s a new updated esc from them, old one cooked itself lol) and I picked up this monster can HobbyStar 1750kv motor. As you can see it dwarfs the 2050kv Arrma in there now. I’ve got some lipos on the way, HRB 6000mah 4S x 2. Has anyone done a Frankenstein swap like this on the forum? I’ve seen a few one YouTube and I’m just looking to see what it’s like. I’m not afraid of repairing and setting up. I feel like for the size that it is, the Mojave deserves a 8S setup lol. I will be turning the punches etc down so it’s drivable off the line. I’ll post some pictures and my findings as I go. Sorry the photos are a bit dark I’ll get some better ones soon. I want to mention the TBone Racing Stand is a great stand for these big rigs!!

 

[Mastaa]

I currently have a vxl-8s in my typhon, paired with a 2200kv velineon and usually running 6s.
I threw in 8s for giggles and only 2mins, the thing went off pretty fast.

I also had it in my Limitless for a while, running 8s paired with a Hobbywing 5687 1100kv before my mamba monster x 8s arrived, but the performance was rather disappointing (especially compared to the mmx8s, mostly street bashing).

In my personal opinion, the vxl-8s is a really poor performing 8s ESC (I assume you put a max6 or similar into your x-maxx, am I right? ). Curious to see the results with your Mojave as I'm a fan of overpowering RC's. I assume you'll see quite a jump in power, but I have zero experience with Hobbystar motors and I'm quite interested in seeing the results of your experiment.

Keep us updated!

 

[Jimbobjr]

That motor will get a little warm on 6s and imagine even hotter on 8s. The spec sheet says under 26v but don’t let that stop you. Definitely want to throw a couple fans on it.

 

[Megafandrew]

That motor will get a little warm on 6s and imagine even hotter on 8s. The spec sheet says under 26v but don’t let that stop you. Definitely want to throw a couple fans on it.

Hey Jim I ran it today definitely need some fans ASAP haha. And it could Probally be geared up now as I just am running the stock gearing but the torque on tap is amazing it can launch off just about anything! I’ll post some pics and a tiny take off video see below.

I currently have a vxl-8s in my typhon, paired with a 2200kv velineon and usually running 6s.
I threw in 8s for giggles and only 2mins, the thing went off pretty fast.

I also had it in my Limitless for a while, running 8s paired with a Hobbywing 5687 1100kv before my mamba monster x 8s arrived, but the performance was rather disappointing (especially compared to the mmx8s, mostly street bashing).

In my personal opinion, the vxl-8s is a really poor performing 8s ESC (I assume you put a max6 or similar into your x-maxx, am I right? ). Curious to see the results with your Mojave as I'm a fan of overpowering RC's. I assume you'll see quite a jump in power, but I have zero experience with Hobbystar motors and I'm quite interested in seeing the results of your experiment.

Keep us updated!

Thanks Mastaa for the words of wisdom. Yes the VXL8S was a new exchange from Traxxas out of the Xmaxx as the original was burned up. And your right I did immediately swap a Max6 in the truck and that’s there to stay haha ? so I figured to over power my Mojave. I love to wrench and tinker even if things don’t work out. There is definitely better esc out there then the VXL8S. For another project I have on the go I have a Max8 and a 2000kv motor out of a CoRally Kronos. And I just ordered a Castle 2200kv for my Typhon and I’ve got a Mamba Monster 2 in that one for some time now it seems to run nice and smooth. I found the hobby star is very torquey and quick to react to throttle even with the VXL8S! It definitely needs to be geared up from stock on 8S but it’s a blast. It launches off anything with minimal run up now and air control is so easy. The motor needs fans though as mentioned but the esc and lipos stayed very cool so I was happy. See below for some pics and a short video of launch as I only had my phone and myself

Found a issue from last run on 6s. The pivot ball retainer backed out and caused some wear to the inner wheel a bit. And that is what caused my driveshaft I think to pop out. Both issues easily fixed. And I cracked the arm in front by shock just a bit but I’ll run that until it breaks lol
A good first run. A little muddy but that’s alright.
Ok well I can’t quite figure out but is it possible to
Upload a short 5 second video to the thread? I’ll look into a bit more. I think with this project for now I’m happy with everything. The motor is great so far but needs a cooling fan. Eventually I’ll throw a Max6 or Castle esc in there but for now the VXL8S is fun and handles everything well.

 

[Rcproponent]

?? Nice

 

[PeighDay]

How has the vxl-8s held up in the Mojave? I have one I pulled from the Xmaxx and was going to see how yours was faring.