BJ4 v BJ4WE - 2009 update
 

As one of the very few still using an original BJ4 (recently acquired), I've been researching the best course of action for the next few years, before commiting to buying parts for a discontinued car instead of eventually replacing it.

My research brought me to the original BJ4 v BJ4-WE thread - it's a useful read. However, with the advent of LiPos, I wanted to know how this effected the relationship between the BJ4 original and World's editions?

With NiMh cells, the WE (and it's derivatives such as the B44, D4, ZX-5 FS and 501X) is clearly the better car. Is this still the case with LiPos?

Also, would the BJ4 benefit more from a stick pack, or front-mounted saddle pack arrangement? I've just acquired TrakPower LiPos of each kind, so have the option.

I too have just acquired a pre worlds BJ4. Whats the best way to keep a stick Lipo in? Is there a cradle to stop it sliding out the side or into the shaft? Or is the battery strap tight enough to stop it from moving?

I taped the lipo (a Trakpower 4900) directly to the battery strap. When it needs charging, I do it in situ or remove battery, strap and all. For users of multiple batteries, it would be easy enough to cut enough straps for each pack out of G10 sheets or something similar.

If you replace the tape with heavy duty velcro that removes the need to have a strap attached to each battery.

FWIW your original BJ4 has the huge advantage that it takes stick lipos. These are much more common, cheaper and have great capacities than the saddle versions. For example the cheapest currently available saddles are Demons at £60, whilst you can pick up several different stick packs for just £40

Yeah that's why I went for the pre-worlds version, I already have a heap of stick Lipo's and didn't really want to have to buy saddles. I might try the velcro idea or maybe fabricate some small stopper of some kind. I use my packs in other cars too so its not practical to tape it to the battery strap.

Original BJ4 rereleased!
 

I've just noticed the original BJ4 is available for sale again on the JConcepts website!

I wonder what prompted this rerelease - perhaps they've come to a similar conclusion to me.