The power of the mighty 380 motor

[mongoose1983]

For years now I've been returning to this video to surprise myself again and again about the qualities of the 380 Mabuchi motor.

I would like to fit one to my Wrangler Jeep. Performance & longer running times seem more than appealing. Best of all, the way the F-350 runs looks more realistic than the stock 540-powered High-Lift chassis (I had a Hilux five years ago).

What do you guys say?

[PaPeRo]

I use 380 size brushless motors in many of my cars, plenty of power if you gear correctly. They also weigh less and take up less room.

[mongoose1983]

I'm sure you're right re: power, but the 380 in the video is a stock Grasshopper motor, which is what I would like to install in my XC-01 Wrangler.

[PaPeRo]

So you're limited by motor can size? Anyway here is a picture of my motor...can diameter is same as 540 but length is much shorter.

[mongoose1983]

Nope. Actually limited by ESC and battery costs.

Anyway, I just wanted to point out the performance of the small & unloved Grasshopper Mabuchi 380 motor, which judging by the video is actually far better than most RCers think it is. If you're running a Wrangler Jeep chances are it's because of its realistic looks. And if there is a motor that allows longer times and in a more realistic way, and on top of that is cheaper, then... all of a sudden I'm very interested.

[B.M.T.]

I'm sure you're right re: power, but the 380 in the video is a stock Grasshopper motor, which is what I would like to install in my XC-01 Wrangler.

Where you will run into problems there is finding a A.V. (.06mod) pinion to fit the 380's little shaft and give you the right mesh with that two option motor plate.

[mongoose1983]

Where you will run into problems there is finding a A.V. (.06mod) pinion to fit the 380's little shaft and give you the right mesh with that two option motor plate.

I'm aware of that after making a first try earlier on this year, but... not giving up yet. When I have more time to search or think of possible solutions I believe I'll sort that out. If not, what the heck, I'll have to turn myself on to some cheap 540

[B.M.T.]

Since posting, I have an idea.... Two, even.

Mounting: The Tamiya 380 mount is off set. However, Marui's (some did, not sure which ones now) came with a 380 plate in the box, molded in grey plastic, that positioned the motor shaft exactly where the shaft for a 540 would sit.

Gear: If you could get a 380 pinion off without cracking it, you could get someone with a jeweler's lathe to turn that brass pinion down to 1/8" (or 3.18mm) and use it as an adapter sleeve.

[RS2RSR]

The RM-01 comes with the adapter in the box, but seems like alot of trouble instead of just using a 540 motor..

[GregM]

On top of what RS2RSR said, the #51487 Type 380-S motor and #54393 Type 380 Sport Tuned motor (designed for the RM-01 and TA M-Four) even come without a pinion, so you can use one of your choice. The shaft diameter is 2.3mm, but the motors have brass sleeve adaptors #9804535 for regular 3.17mm shaft pinions included.

You can find these motors for an even cheaper price than the Holiday Buggy/Grasshopper "fixed pinion"-style #7435039 RS-380S motor.

[XV Pilot]

There are some arguments in favour of a little 380 in a scaler, however I can't help thinking that a big, lazy, high-turn (60-80t) 540 is a better option. You get the slower speed and extended battery life that you would have from the 380, but you also get the extra low-down grunt, and you avoid the mounting hassles.

[bromvw]

There are some arguments in favour of a little 380 in a scaler, however I can't help thinking that a big, lazy, high-turn (60-80t) 540 is a better option. You get the slower speed and extended battery life that you would have from the 380, but you also get the extra low-down grunt, and you avoid the mounting hassles.

I have to agree . I have a 55t 540 size in my CC-01 with a 3:1 reduction unit . The speed is very scale but it has the low end grunt and extended run times into the bargain. The best of both worlds . The motor is a rc4wd and at £10 delivered you cant complain

[mr crispy]

Those 380 sport tuned are pretty reasonable

http://bit.ly/15Cyf3B

or Blacksmiths sell a budget 70T crawler motor for only £7

http://bit.ly/15m6A3y

I have a one in my CC01 and its give a great scale speed with lots of climbing grunt. I've even fitted one in my Wraith and turned it into a crawler!