Brushed vs Brushless - performance

[lordnikon]

I have just completed a build with a 12T brushed LRP motor and relevant speed control. The car seems quick as it is, would i see much difference going to a brushless setup with say a 9.5T motor ??

[bigred5765]

not just a performance thing its the maintenance thing as well a good brushed motor will need cleaning after every other run and skimming after every 2-3 runs to keep it tip top, plus a new set of brushes, brush less is almost fit and forget clean it 2-3 times a year and lube the bearings the same job done,

[lordnikon]

Good point, I'll hack this one around getting used to the buggy until it dies then stick a brushless setup in, didn't think about the maintenance side !

[Cardnim]

Just a word of caution. BigRed is spot on, except I think its dangerous to say brushless motors only need cleaned every few months or whatever.

Dont put a timeframe on it - think of how often you use the motor.

I just wrecked my excellent Speed Passion v3 motor because I didnt maintain it enough. Im using my car every day, so even after 2 months it was shagged.

This time, with my rebuilt motor, Im going to clean it every 10 batteries.
Hope that makes sense.

P.S. as someone who also went from brushed NiMH to brushless Lipo it is MASSIVELY worth it

[lordnikon]

Already running lipos through the brushed system and it pops up the front wheels no problems at all, can only think brushless will be insane

[bigred5765]

Originally Posted by Cardnim

Just a word of caution. BigRed is spot on, except I think its dangerous to say brushless motors only need cleaned every few months or whatever.

Don't put a time frame on it - think of how often you use the motor.

I just wrecked my excellent Speed Passion v3 motor because I didn't maintain it enough. I'm using my car every day, so even after 2 months it was shagged.

This time, with my rebuilt motor, I'm going to clean it every 10 batteries.
Hope that makes sense.

P.S. as someone who also went from brushed Nimh to brushless Lipo it is MASSIVELY worth it

to be fair you are not the normal user of RC cars, most race there car once twice a week so over 2-3 months thats 8-16 uses, but we have used motors continuously last year for 6 months to test them to destruction, took them apart and quick clean and of they go again,
but as you say 8-10 uses and check would do no harm

[Cardnim]

@Carl - fair point

@nikon - if you got front wheels coming up under acceleration, you might want to slacken off your slipper clutch slightly, or adjust the throttle curve on your Transmitter if it allows that. You usually dont want that happening so you keep good control of the car at all times.