Granite V3 550 to s3 blx. Battery upgrade needed?

[ken01976]

I have a granite mega v3 550. Planning on doing the blx s3 upgrade. So I’ll order the blx motor and esc from Jenny’s. Can I run the stock battery pack or will that need to be upgraded as well.

 

[Velodromed]

I have a granite mega v3 550. Planning on doing the blx s3 upgrade. So I’ll order the blx motor and esc from Jenny’s. Can I run the stock battery pack or will that need to be upgraded as well.

The stock mega battery is a slow nimh battery with ec3 connectors so yes, you’ll need to upgrade it. Get a 2s, or even better, a 3s lipo with the same connector your new esc has, which is ec5 since you are doing a stock 3s upgrade. Something like this…
HOOVO 3S Lipo Battery 11.1V 80C 5200mAh RC Battery with EC5 Connector for RC Car Boat Truck Heli Airplane Hobby FPV Racing(2 Pack) https://a.co/d/7tWSXGd

Do you know everything you’ll need to do this? Post a list of what you’re planning to get for the upgrade so we can make sure you have it all.

 

[ken01976]

This is what I’ve got on my list so far. BLX100 esc
Slipper clutch assembly hd 57t
3A blx motor assembly

 

[Tex Koder]

I have a granite mega v3 550. Planning on doing the blx s3 upgrade. So I’ll order the blx motor and esc from Jenny’s. Can I run the stock battery pack or will that need to be upgraded as well.

Yes.
The brushless system will draw more current than the original Nimh battery can provide..

Also, you'll probably want a better Lipo charger while you're at it.

 

[Velodromed]

Ok cool. When did you get your mega? do you know what version it is? What color is the body?

 

[GraniteFox]

WIth more power comes more impact. Be prepared to swap out the turnbuckles & tie rods with the BLX version. Run the fixed plastic links until they snap and then replace them in pairs. I also like the center driveshaft support bearing even on the short wheel base. Keeps things straight.

 

[Velodromed]

You also need a new pinion as the mega one won’t fit. Start off with a 15t, and it needs to be .08 mod (32dp) and have a 5mm bore. Since you’re getting a stock 3S motor, you can also get the stock Safe D pinion that’ll fit it.

 

[ken01976]

 

[Velodromed]

View attachment 276518

Cool, it’s a version 3 so the differentials are good for brushless. I think you got everything except the motor mount. make sure to get the motor mount off the 4S line or the vendetta/3s infraction. It’s the new version of the motor mount and is 1mm thicker and much stronger than the old one off the rest of the 3s line.
https://jennysrc.com/collections/kr...uminum-motor-mount-set-heatsink-fan-ara4408v2

 

[ken01976]

Awesome! Does doing a stock upgrade like this require any soldering or is this all plug and play?

Thanks again.

 

[Velodromed]

Awesome! Does doing a stock upgrade like this require any soldering or is this all plug and play?

Thanks again.

It’s plug and play pretty much. You’ll need loctite for the motor mount screws and pinion grub. I like the blue, oil resistant 243 kind. Speaking of screws, you should have an extra set. These will work until you build up a supply. Another small and cheap thing that’s good to have is wheel hex and pins. Also here’s the pinion I mentioned earlier.
Lastly, the stock s651 Servo often does not last long. I run the s652 off the 6s line on all my 3/4s cars. It works with the stock 23t servo saver, pretty much drop in. But hopefully yours will last awhile.

https://jennysrc.com/collections/ar...s-tools-nuts-hardware-granite-senton-ar102711

https://jennysrc.com/collections/ar...metal-wheel-hex-hubs-senton-bigrock-ara4302v3

https://jennysrc.com/collections/ar...on-gear-15t-0-8mod-5mm-shaft-granite-ar102711

 

[ken01976]

This is what I have in my cart from Jennys. Only thing missing is the arrma 3s esc which I can probably find on ebay. See anything missing so far? Thanks.

 

[ken01976]

Would it have been more cost effective to get the 3S model? Yes.
For me 90% of the fun is actually working on it. Used to do the same thing to my Harleys but this is much safer, cheaper, and keeps me out of trouble.

 

[Velodromed]

Couple more suggestions. You can get a metal 4s spur for 8 bucks more and it’ll drop right in. I’d also get the 130a esc over the blx100, it’s around $25 more and worth it. I’ve been running 3 of them for 2 years and they are great. It’s 4s capable also in case you go that direction down the line. Both are low stock on Jenny’s so move quick if you can. Otherwise you’re pretty much set. Oh…get the vorteks wheelie bar, it is much better having rubber lined wheels and bearings.

https://jennysrc.com/collections/ou...ential-steel-57t-slipper-set-0-8mod-ara4410v2

https://jennysrc.com/collections/lo...mite-smart-130a-fuze-brushless-firma-los03027

https://jennysrc.com/collections/ar...-bar-rubber-tires-and-ball-bearings-ara4305v3

Would it have been more cost effective to get the 3S model? Yes.
For me 90% of the fun is actually working on it. Used to do the same thing to my Harleys but this is much safer, cheaper, and keeps me out of trouble.

It’s up to you. I like building and working on them as well. I’d rather build one up with the parts I like over buying one. If you do get a new one look at the 4s line. They can still be run on 3s and are super solid when doing so.

 

[Tex Koder]

Would it have been more cost effective to get the 3S model? Yes.
For me 90% of the fun is actually working on it.

It probably be a better solution in the end to have a pure 3S or 4S model (Kraton 4S v2),once you realize you want More Power & Speed.

Used to do the same thing to my Harleys but this is much safer, cheaper, and keeps me out of trouble.

If you have an itch to tinker and wrenching , then look at the 6S lineup.. cause the price is not that far apart. A lot more sturdy chassis platform and more upgrade options available.

You can also look at the ArrmaForum Classifieds and find some great deals on Used or Facepalm Marketplace ,that's an option too..

Or even your Local Hobby Shops ,they may have some consignment of pre-owned rigs also. Never know what you'll find , doesn't hurt to take a look.

 

[ken01976]

This is my updated complete jennys list. Thoughts.

 

[Velodromed]

This is my updated complete jennys list. Thoughts.

View attachment 276616

View attachment 276617

Looks good. Now think real hard if you want to spend that much on parts to upgrade a car. You’re halfway to a new 4s car and 2/3 of the way to a new 3S car. Regardless of whether you upgrade or get a new car, you’re going to have to work on it. So don’t worry about not having fun tinkering if you decide to go with something new. Also, when you buy parts off of Jenny’s they are not covered under warranty like a new car would be.

 

[ken01976]

Which battery charger would be recommended for a 3s lipo battery as described in the second post.

 

[ken01976]

Went with a spectrum s155 charger and the hoovoo battery 2 pack 5200.

 

[ken01976]

Wow. That charges so much faster than the ic3 wall charger.