New Site Format
     As you know
  StampedeProject has
  become way more than
  just Stampede, Traxxas,
  to now include other
  RC brands, accessories,
  and cars. I still don't sell
  anything, I just
  enthusiastically promote
  those RC products I think
  are great.
     Take a look through
  the above links.
  I simply had too much
  information for my
  old site format.
  More fun projects
  coming...
  - Tony

  StampedeProject.com

  Please Private Message
  me Here on the
  Traxxas Forum    

  Copyright 2007
  all rights reserved 

HPI Savage X – From Salvage to Salvation
A Fast Lane Machine (FLM) Brushless Conversion

Working with RC Car on a article I ended up with a severely weathered Savage X that was in dire need of an overhaul and more than a couple replacement parts.  For the article I decided I would do a cool NTB (Nitro to Brushless) conversion using a big Hacker C50S Maxx brushless motor and originally a Castle Mamba Max ESC.

I mentioned this project in passing to my friends at FLM (Fast Lane Machine) who immediately wanted to use the opportunity to showcase all their new Savage products...The result was a full FLM Savage that showcases parts that have never been seen before.

How good is FLM at designing parts?  After talking over the project to Jamie while we were walking around iHobby he asked how I did the NTB conversion.  I said I fabricated a simple plate out of 1/4" aluminum plate.   Three weeks later a FLM package arrived with all the Savage parts and ... drum roll... a full brushless conversion kit for the Savage.  Jamie at FLM is a quiet guy but the gears are always turning... less than three weeks from idea to final product, amazing.

I ended up with an obvious favorite Savage that was not only a serious bashing favorite it was in serious need of more than a few things including a new motor and other replacement parts.  I decided on a NTB (Nitro to Brushless) conversion with a fan cooled Mamba Max but with a fat Hacker C50 Maxx motor delivering the spin. Instead of replacing damaged pieces, I started talking with Jamie of FLM – Fast Lane Machine.  Based on those discussions FLM actually developed their new NTB Savage kit for this article.  FLM’s kit features hardened machined aircraft aluminum parts including extended adjustable arms, extended and lowered chassis, shock mounts, diff cases, bulkheads, and all the servo and mounting hardware to transform the Savage into a brutally tough upsized 1/7^th scale hardened 6061 T6 Aluminum work of art. 

-----Call Out------
Savage Upgrades
Full Savage FLM Extended Chassis kit
FLM NTB Savage Conversion Kit
Ebay’ed Aluminum Shocks
Boca Savage Ceramic Yellow Seal Bearing Pack
Castle Mamba Max ESC
High Voltage Industrial Cooling Fan
Castle BEC ( Battery Eliminator Circuit)
Hacker C50S Maxx Motor
2 - 6.6V A123 4600Mh Lithium Ion Packs
Pro-Line 40 Series Mulchers tires
Axial 40 Series Beadlock wheels
RC-Monster.com Mod1 Pinion & 3.2 to 5mm adapter
Pro-Line Cadillac Escalade EXT Body
Signal Y Splitter
Hobbico CS-170 333oz/in Servo
-------------------------

A signal wire splitter was used to send stop signals to the brake servo and go signals to the ESC, and a Castle BEC was used to provide plenty of power to the upgraded Hobbico servo.  Toped off with Axial beadlocks, Proline tires and body, this was the perfect setup for a recycled Savage. Plug in batteries, and start having fun without worrying about tuning - crazy power and more speed with less hassle.  Although our roughly 45MPH figures and constant wheelie-ing torque were fun, the FLM chassis is a show buy itself and leaves everyone drooling.  Words cannot explain how unbelievable this kit is.