Hopups/Upgrades to Re-Re Grasshopper???

[albert465]

Hi,

I've just built my first Tamiya a Re-Re Grasshopper only completed it on Saturday morning and what fun it is[]

Now i'm wondering what i can do to it to upgrade it. How much faster will it be with a 540 motor? What else should I consider and what would the benefits be?

John.

[Mad Ax]

Hi,

Glad you're enjoying the 'hopper!

A 540 motor is the

easiest way to get more speed from your grasshopper.  A basic

silvercan can be had for very little and will make a noticeable

difference to the acceleration.

You can also fit the rear shocks

from a Hornet, as I believe this are slightly different - although I

love my old Hopper even in standard trim.

Did you build the

'hopper with sealed metal bearings?  If not, fit those too - £10 -

£15 should get you a set from a good hobby store or Ebay.

Some

companies made suspension upgrades for the front-end, try looking in

the Vintage forum, although you might have trouble getting hold of new

parts for those.

[monster_beetle]

I'm also still searching for oil-filled shocks for the hornet, haven't found them yet. I think they are very difficult to become.

And I can really recommend ball bearings or sealed ball bearing.

About the motor, you can buy a standard Mabuchi or Johnson 550 or 540 (I can recommend A johnson). And if you want to spend some more money on the motor you can buy a superstock BZ (by dinball), the TEU-101BK esc can have this motor. If you take the superstock you will go much faster then with a standard 550.

But be sure to buy ball bearings first if you want a faster motor in it.

[Guest DImblum]

I'm also still searching for oil-filled shocks for the hornet, haven't found them yet. I think they are very difficult to become.

And I can really recommend ball bearings or sealed ball bearing.

About the motor, you can buy a standard Mabuchi or Johnson 550 or 540 (I can recommend A johnson). And if you want to spend some more money on the motor you can buy a superstock BZ (by dinball), the TEU-101BK esc can have this motor. If you take the superstock you will go much faster then with a standard 550.

But be sure to buy ball bearings first if you want a faster motor in it.

Agreed. I had to do some decent searching on Ebay to find the vintage front and rear oil-filled shocks for my GrassHopper. I also had luck placing some want adds on TC. You would be surprised what some of the members have for sale. Most parts I bought were from members who don't often post in the forums or in their showrooms.

I have a few vintage items for sale if you are interested. Feel free to check my showroom for some of the parts I have found and/or can help you locate.

[necronomicon]

Hi there, a 540 motor will be much faster than a 380 kit supplied job. Just bought a hopper myself and replaced motor. you will also need the 18 tooth pinion gear for it to work (part number 3515006, about £3.00, hornet pinion gear, NOT 18T AV pinion gear from touring cars).

A few suggestions for you to think about!!

Hornet rear shocks are oil filled and higher performance (given the rigid rear axle of the grasshopper)

Full ball bearings are a must have before other hop-ups and are available quite cheaply now.

ESC to replace mechanical speed controller if that is what you were supplied with  (although I think the re- releases all have TEU type tamiya ESCs)

 you might consider another bodyshell or 2, perhaps a hornet lexan one, or the 'sand scorcher' type shells can be made to fit the Grasshopper for a budget sand scorcher look.

Rear spiked tyres, again from a hornet, will give differing performance than the 'paddle' kit supplied tyres, should give better grip on some surfaces.

A higher capacity NiMH battery or 2 to give longer run times.

dont think there are really that many hop ups for a grasshopper, certainly not compared to TT-01/ TL-01 type tourers etc...

hope that helped

Neil

[monster_beetle]

@DImblum,

should be great if I can get a couple of those front shocks from you.

if you have a pair for sale, please contact me.