Best First Upgrades - ECX Barrage

[MattySlimz1987]

Awesome info for this specific rig posted here on the thread! Love the pricepoint and it would be fun to dismantle and build up.

The major mod and probably the most secretive is the 540 can size motor conversion. That seems like it would be on my "Must do" list for this rig, the standard size servo conv. is also on the must do high priority list.

 

[Mancub]

I'm inclined to stay with the stock motor/trans until one of the two breaks on me, seems to have plenty of power for the size. Gearing could be better as it sits now but I don't know how the MSA axles are going to affect the gearing.

I have completed the full-size servo install this morning, and I have to say, I'm very excited to get this thing out for a couple more packs before I do anymore work on it!
"thumbsup"

 

[hillbillyrc]

It comes with a slim case standard servo. I'm working on a cms set up which I think I got figured out just haven't had time to work on it. Also the 540 can is with a rc4wd r2 trans the stock I don't think with hold up since it has plastic gears and haven't found metal gears. I thought about losi mrc trans gears but haven't sourced any yet. If they work I will use the stock trans as my t-case.

 

[jester27]

Thanks for the insight fellas. For now maybe we'll just stick with the standard battery and pick up at least one extra. Good info on the pinion HillbillyRC, will pick up a Losi 12t pinion too in that case. Also plan to outboard the shocks and upgrade the servo with one of the options from the cheap stuff that works well thread. But if anyone has a suggestion that might be better than either of those I'm open to ideas.

 

[Natedog]

Barrage comes with a 370 motor, so how about upgrade to a Traxxas 380 motor? Nice size increase without dealing with 540 motor size and power.
TowerHobbies.com | Traxxas Titan 380 Motor 18-Turns

 

[MattySlimz1987]

Barrage comes with a 370 motor, so how about upgrade to a Traxxas 380 motor? Nice size increase without dealing with 540 motor size and power.
TowerHobbies.com | Traxxas Titan 380 Motor 18-Turns

Good alternative Natedog. It looks like the forward mount 540 conversion would need a lot more bulletproofing and the adding of expensive parts like transfer cases and/or complete trans.

 

[hillbillyrc]

Good alternative Natedog. It looks like the forward mount 540 conversion would need a lot more bulletproofing and the adding of expensive parts like transfer cases and/or complete trans.

When I first planned on it I was going to get a Everest 10 trans since you can find them for about 15-25 dollars on ebay And pick up an eBay t-case (which still might happen) for 25-30. Roughly 40-55 dollars. But I also had a spare stock Everest 10 motor after upgrading my son's. Just got a good deal on the rc4wd r2 trans. There is a couple YouTube videos about putting a Everest/hsp trans in the barrage to run 540 motor in place of stock but I'm a little leery of that with running stock axles. I have Everest axles under mine.

 

[Mancub]

Barrage comes with a 370 motor, so how about upgrade to a Traxxas 380 motor? Nice size increase without dealing with 540 motor size and power.
TowerHobbies.com | Traxxas Titan 380 Motor 18-Turns

This is an 18T motor? IIRC the ESC is rated for an extremely low-turn motor, something like 8T IIRC...not 100% sure. It's on the side, I'll look when I get a chance.

Just got back from putting a full pack through after installing the full-size servo and dang, this thing is *WAY* better after doing that "thumbsup" once I get a chance I'll try to post a couple pics and get the write-up written "thumbsup"

...cannot wait to get this thing 4-linked asap, the torque twist on this thing is mad-crazy. Couple it with bad shocks and :shock::shock::shock:

 

[Waitwhatsthat?]

Here's my rgt with a 540 motor and axial style trans. Burned up the stock motor pretty quickly on 2s power. I prefer a 3s rig but the tiny 1a Bec in the esc wasn't liking the full size servo so it glitches on 3s. First run with the 540 motor, I got it bound up in between some rocks and broke the diff. Locker. Anyone know of a metal diff. Locker out there?

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[hillbillyrc]

Dravtec used to make some but not anymore. Best luck for a locker is a slickrock diff case, ring gear and metal locker.
https://www.amainhobbies.com/vaterr...u4s5YTTSZfUP0NnjhGYr_eSFkPIdldxzjKhoCEZrw_wcB
https://www.rcplanet.com/Vaterra_Me...gF7pGS_0PkUTnUTDVrlOHiEpY9YEscy33rhoCh6Lw_wcB

EDIT: after looking for transmission info without taking mine apart lol. I found this little goodie https://www.ebay.com/i/272641283880...3D711-117182-37290-0%26rvr_id%3D1232586351853
It is an aluminum spool for the redcat everest16 same as the ecx temper and barrage axles

 

[jester27]

Alright, after looking at a few more servo options I have another couple of questions. The Solar D772 numbers are impressive but it seems to get mixed reviews, what is ya'lls opinion on that one? Also since I'm going to be upgrading the servo should I go ahead and wire in a BEC at the same time just to be safe? New to this whole RC thing, just want to make sure I do it up right.

 

[hillbillyrc]

Wire in a bec, your electronics will thank you.
And a good read on good cheap servos.
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/electronics/578969-what-newest-cheap-servo-hotness.html

 

[Mancub]

Alright, here are a couple pics from my most recent rock run! 8)

Spot something, yet?

How about now?

Haha yes, I used Lego to mount my servo, works great so far! Write-up coming soon "thumbsup"

Oh, and here's a body I recently picked up, for a Vaterra on-road RTR...Wheelbase is very close, close enough to consider adding longer rear links and seeing what happens!! "thumbsup""thumbsup"

Picture was taken on Flexy Friday 8)

 

[hillbillyrc]

I had a feeling their on road bodies would be close enough to work out. Which is great that's just more choices of bodies for the barrage.

 

[Mancub]

I had a feeling their on road bodies would be close enough to work out. Which is great that's just more choices of bodies for the barrage.

The wheelbase is just about perfect! I'm currently in the process of devising a way to mount the body and mount the front bumper to a lower spot. Will need a little modification, though.

 

[hillbillyrc]

All the fun stuff.

 

[bob_suruncle]

Dravtec used to make some but not anymore. Best luck for a locker is a slickrock diff case, ring gear and metal locker.
https://www.amainhobbies.com/vaterr...u4s5YTTSZfUP0NnjhGYr_eSFkPIdldxzjKhoCEZrw_wcB
https://www.rcplanet.com/Vaterra_Me...gF7pGS_0PkUTnUTDVrlOHiEpY9YEscy33rhoCh6Lw_wcB

Will these actually fit in the stock axle Hillbilly???

 

[hillbillyrc]

I know the guy that runs dravtech, runs/ ran ecx temper spool and gear in losi mrc/ vaterra slickrock axles. So if the swap one way they should swap the other way. And temper axles are the same as barrage just the barrage has a longer stub axle shaft and wideners

 

[Mancub]

A build thread is imminent at this point, once I find the time to write up my servo install.

Currently waiting on axles, links, u-joints, yolks and tires 8)

Finally thought up a way to mount the new body, too, just need to model it and order thru shapeways 8)

 

[hillbillyrc]

I edited my post about a upgraded locker.