501X and TrakPower Cells
 

I fitted a set of larger TrakPower 4800SP cells with very few modifications to my 501X.

First, this was to lengthen the rear battery post hole by 1mm. This allows the eacg cell pack to sit between the 2 posts. Photo1
Next, cut / file the chassis brace to allow for the extra hight in the packs. If I did this again I would up a bigger rad on the corner. And added some spacers under the post. Photo2
And that's it. Photo3 & 4

The top of the post does just touch the body, but it still fits ok.

Nice work!
Awesome car buddy!

Yeah good job! The cells look huge compared to my MaxAmps 4000 mAh saddle packs (about the size of the smaller TrakPower 3200 saddles)!

New pics with the motor and controller

Again, looks good! :drool: Where do you race, surface, class, etc? Just making conversation...

How much mod's are needed for the smaller packs like 3200's?

I assume they fit under the topdeck, but do they need the battery posts redrilling, or just narrower battery posts instead?

I used the larger 4800s for the extra run time, but The 3200s will fit under the rear deck and be lighter (IMHO a good race option). Just use narrower battery posts (or file a 'flat' but this will weaken them) or only use longer screws up to the battery plate.

I found cutting away the battery shrink rap, in the area next to the posts helps. It is tight but the 4800s & 3200 will fit.

Plus I used velcro under the battery plate to hold the battery. So far I have not had any problems. The run time is great. There are lighter then cells, cheaper and easy to look after - Lipos is the way forward.

You many find the terminals are very close to the top deck, and being carbon will conduct if they touch the terminals.

I just modified one of my 501X to accept the Trakpower 3200mah lipo - was quick and easy. I have the old 501X shells, and I don't think they are high enough for the bigger lipo saddles? so I didn't try to modify the car for those, but 3200mah should be plenty.

to get the cells to fit I just flattened the inside edge of all four posts - the bottom flares out to keep the nimh cells firmly held. I used a sanding drum and it took about 10 minutes from start to finish.
The cell strap would fit upside down (foam facing up) but to get the foam to press on the cells I had to raise the battery posts slightly with a small 1mm Xray washer.

You missed a spot... :p

Just kidding. Looks great! Custom ano job? Losi ballcups? Found another option (but pricier) - Lunsford makes 3mm thread titanium ballstuds that fit AE/Losi/JConcepts/RPM ballcups.

haha yeah, that bit is so battered that I didn't bother with it - you'll not see it with a wheel on so I'll pretend its OK :drool:
Yeah I used HotBodies ball studs on this car - didn't know about the lunsford ones but I doubt I could really justify the cost of that.

Red 501 looks SWEET Jimmy! ruf, where do you find the Lunsford metric ball studs?

WOW, is that a TRF501XSE (surikarn edition) ^^? Maybe a little bit off topic but jimmy, could you post some additional pics of that splendid red TRF please? It is absolutely stunning!!! Oh, and can you tell me where you can get that kind of "customisation"? (I want a green one:drool:)

Thanks in advance.

Here ya go - I'll ask and see if my man wants to do any more, but I think it might be only for people he knows - I'll ask.

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/misc/501xred01.jpg
http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/misc/501xred02.jpg
http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/misc/501xred03.jpg
http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/misc/501xred04.jpg

The 'stiffner' in the centre usually has a laser etched TRF logo - which of course got covered by red - so I used a sticker here.
The only bit that didn't match the rest was the front pin brace - which is a different alloy I guess, but it's fairly hidden and the slightly darker hue isn't so noticable.

Red screws, washers and nuts are from NORTECH.

The 3200 & 4800 saddles fit fine in my 501 ;)

Love the red bling Jimmy

One word=> beautiful !! Big thanks for the very fast response. (btw the little sticker makes it look even more special:D) Looking forward to more information about this great "paintjob".

Whats this 501X all about then Jonathan? never knew you had one! what gives!

I've not raced the red car yet, I've got to finish painting the shell and stuff yet - I was gonna race it at the euros but didnt paint the shell in time - I might save it for the indoor season now.

At my LHS, OCRC in Huntington Beach, CA. Part numbers are 7115 for 5mm shank, 7117 for 7mm shank, 7119 for 10mm shank. These along with some JConcepts ballcups should be the heat!

JC''s 501 looks mint :thumbsup: definately not standard. :woot: