Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

So I got my Gen 8 back in February and love it but I haven't done much to it. Besides a servo and some wheel weights, its stock. I know there are tons of info on this out there, but I want people's opinions here. What are some absolute must upgrades to do for this rig?

I don't have a crazy high budget and don't want to go hundreds of dollars on one upgrade if you know what I mean. Maybe something a bit above middle ground. Should I go radio first, or aluminum portal covers? Aluminum Wheels and better foam? Maybe a hobby wing ESC?

Side question. I don't like the twitchiness of the Gen 8 start up. I want a slower, smoother crawl. Is that a ESC thing or radio? What is the best radio for the $100-150 range? Also , what does a good ESC go for?

Thanks for the input.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

A GREAT upgrade would be a Hobbywing 1080 ESC. That will help immensely with start-up, as would a better radio. If you don't want to spend a ton, I'd just get the ESC for now.

Otherwise I'd also say a good investment would be a better motor, I'd recommend a Holmes Hobbies Trailmaster Sport 550 can 21t or 27t.

ESC is about $40, motor is about $20. There is no way that you can improve the truck for less money on my opinion.

As far as radio, I really like my Spektrum DX5C! ($129 with a 5ch receiver last I knew.)

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Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Couldn't agree more, the 1080 with holmes motor for 60 is best bang for the buck, couple that with a flysky radio/receiver and you're in less than a bill for it all. legit contender on the trails.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

The stock ESC is fine imo. If you want excellent control put a holmes 550 27t in with stock gearing. The control is insane. No more jumpiness at all. Its because it has a 17t stock so the control isn't ideal. More basher speed.

The stock stires work pretty good but I would upgrade the wheels and foams atleast. The stock wheels are dished a little more then they should be so the front tires can rub on the stearing link ends.

The steel trans and transfer case gears are not required but they sure do help quiet it down. also less slop in the trans for better control.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Father's Day is coming up so I'm picking some goodies for my truck from the family LOL. Which particular flysky radio. I know there are a few. Is a 3 Channel enough or 5 Channel radio? Is a 5 Channel Overkill? Should I just invest in a hundred to $150 radio like a spectrum or Futaba is it really that much better than the flyski?

Also I don't mind spending an extra 20 bucks or so what's the difference between the homes Hobby 21 turn vs 27 turn?
Is it the higher the turn in the motor the faster top speed? Because I don't want top speed I just want a smooth or slower crawl.

Lastly can someone link me the hobby Wing ESC just to make sure I get the right one. I really appreciate everyone's feedback and please forgive the noob questions

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Another vote for the HW 1080. I have one in both trucks now. I fried my TRX4 ESC forcing me to need a replacement, liked it so much bought one for the Gen8.

This is a fitting video about motors ... After watching the video I see how my truck lurches some. I may upgrade motor soon...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7x3ZMS946Ts" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I also just upgraded to a 25kg servo off Amazon and the Club5 Racing servo relocation plate and big links. Time will tell if the 3d printed plate will hold up. It wasn't the easiest install since there are no instructions and there were a few minor clearance issues with the motor wires. However. it made a huge improvement to the steering geometry so it was well worth it to me.

Last thing was ditching the stock tire/foams. I got a set of dual stage foams but still didn't like the tires so much for my area, so I also just put on some proline Hyrax. Much better for where I spend most my time. I plan to get a new set of beadlocks. When I do I will throw the stock tires back on for more trail run type fun.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Here is the HW ESC...


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I bought the 1st one from Amazon, then I saw my LHS had it for a few dollars more so I got the 2nd one from them.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

For the money, Flysky Noble is probably the best radio system out there.

Any Hobbywing is going to treat you well if you buy the one that's rated high enough for your power setup... if that makes sense.

Power HD servos are excellent for the money.

Also, basic light kits are fairly cheap and add a nice touch.

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Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

This is bugging the hell out of me. Just got the Hobbywing ESC 1080. Im running stock 17T motor on my gen 8. Everytime I go forward or backward I get this constant beep. Then when I let go of either forward or backward the beep stops. Called Hobbywing and the rep said it was normal. My stock ESC certainly didn't do that. Could it be a bad combo with the Hobbywing and stock motor Im running? I messed with the stock radio settings and I can get the beep to stop but when I go forward again it had that constant beep again. Any suggestions?

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

What kind of beep is it? They might not have understood you.

If you haven't already, set option #13 (PWM Frequency) to Setting #5 (16k).

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

My 1080 esc and stock 17t motor are fine no beeps.
I understand that could get annoying. Like that dang on board audio noise.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

it sounds like a test mode or something i bet you can turn off the beeps if you had a programing box you might be able to do it with out the programer but i havent used that esc too much mine fried before i could get to deep in to it

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Hey your idea worked!! Just came home from work and did your suggestion. Thanks man, you're a lifesaver. That beep was so loud and almost made me want to put back my stock ESC.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

I think your description of "beep" threw people off. It's more like a "whine".

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Yup!

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

I just picked up a HH 550 27t yesterday. What a difference! Way more slow speed control. I was a bit surprised though how much slower it was at top speed..... guess its time for a 3s battery.

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Yes I run 3s in mine. Then it's about perfect.

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Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Long time lurker here...I'm thinking about buying my first crawler and I'm considering the Gen8 PACK. Has anyone tried either of the following:

Servo Relocation / Front Bumper Mount for Redcat GEN8 ( SLA Tough, 3DP ) https://ebay.us/yyXB3N

BWH-BRC-0010 BowHouse RC Redcat Gen8 N2R High Clearance Skid https://ebay.us/tO0eZM

Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

I have the Bowhouse skid, I love it!

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Re: Essential Gen 8 Upgrades
 

Having quite a bit of experience printing RC parts where strength is crucial I personally wouldn't buy anything that's not printed in PETG or PLA+ especially if you crawl anywhere that temps in direct sunlight can reach 100°F or higher. When the crawler is stirred inside your vehicle, temps cam reach hot enough to warp and/or destroy parts or bodies printed with PLA.
Also, PLA is strong but very brittle. PETG printed at 3mm thick or more will be far more durable than the same part printed in PLA with the same thickness.
They're great looking parts, but, if you can find them in PETG, I would do that.

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