Truckzilla, good replacement for Hotbodies .46?

[neocrin]

Hi,

My brother recently gave me his HPI Savage to look after (so it gathers dirt, not dust). It was originally (still is?) a Savage 21, but after the Nitrostar engine died he bought a Truckzilla conversion kit. It came with a new (larger) engine - Hotbodies .46 - and extended body plates to accommodate the new powerhouse. As I understand it, the kit also came with larger (heavier) wheels, but these are not installed. He never got the engine properly because he moved country and it sat in our parents garage for years.

Now, I have some experience with RC engines (mostly for RC planes) - but this engine is an absolute PIG to get tuned. I've tried so many times, with varying degrees of success. Most recently I spent an entire day tuning and troubleshooting, and got it perfectly stable. It was ripping up and down the street perfectly! A week later, it wouldn't even start. I've done some research and everyone seems to agree that this engine is nigh on impossible to get running smoothly. I'm not averse to tuning and troubleshooting, but at this point I'm getting very little enjoyment out of the truck.

So I'm looking for a replacement engine. What would be a good engine and how can I make sure it will fit in the truck given it's current modifications?

I was thinking about getting a LRP .32, will it fit? Most people seem to use these in Savage XL trucks? What is a good pipe to go with this engine?

Thanks! 🙂

 

[rcnut14]

just about any nitro engine will fit in the truck. they all are relatively the same.

the lrp .32 is a great engine. you will enjoy it. the .30 or .28 will have a little higher of rpm's though, and will give you a little more top end.

any other questions, ask.

and welcome to the forum.

 

[francis Labarbara]

I changed out a K4.6 for a LRp zr32. It ges right in.

 

[neocrin]

Hey guys, thanks for the answers. 🙂

the lrp .32 is a great engine. you will enjoy it. the .30 or .28 will have a little higher of rpm's though, and will give you a little more top end.

I figured I'd stick with the .32 since I'll mostly be bashing around the woods where top speed is less important.

I changed out a K4.6 for a LRp zr32. It ges right in.

Great to hear. Is it easy to tune/start? I've heard that it is - that's my main draw to this engine.

What clutch bell and spur gear teeth combinations would be best for the LRP .32? I'm not even sure what I have on the truck right now.

Can I use the standard pipe? Should I even get new pipe?

 

[francis Labarbara]

18/47 with an hpi tuned pipe and the header from the 4.6

 

[neocrin]

18/47 with an hpi tuned pipe and the header from the 4.6

And starting/tuning? Easy? 🙂

 

[francis Labarbara]

Starting is easy. Tuning is what it is

 

[francis Labarbara]

With the ZR 32
If you pull the trigger and hold it the truck will accelerate. Then the front will come up then it will flip for 30-40 feet end over end.
You have to drive it different. You have 50% more power at least, maybe more. If you gear it up to make it have less torque it will become very fast. The Savage becomes savage. It changes it's nature.

 

[olds97_lss]

Take your time for the break-in. Since you run Air engines, you might want to read up on the land engine heat cycle method.

The LRP28's I have were the hardest to break in engines I've had yet. Tight pinch that takes about 1/2 gallon to become usable and a full gallon to settle down and tune right. Once you hit the gallon mark, they hold a tune all day long with only minor tweaks for weather changes required.

I'd assume these aspects from the 28's would be similar on the 32.