Conversion kit for T-Maxx with Mach .26 engine
Konneker, David C
Dynamite
Conversion kit for T-Maxx with Mach .26 engine
DYNAMITE’S T-MAXX CONVERSION kits include everything you need to shoehorn a nitro-snorting, big-block engine into a T-Maxx and the new 2.5; they are available with or without the Mach .26 engine. I tested the 2.5 conversion that comes with the engine and the kit contents include:
* Dynamite Mach .26 engine with pull-starter and slide carburetor
* 3mm-thick, hard-anodized chassis
* Hard-anodized aluminum chassis braces
* Four heavy-duty universal drive shafts
* Heavy-duty, universal center drive shafts
* Six drive cups
* Hard-anodized, aluminum, big-block engine mounts
* Polished tuned pipe and header
* High-volume air cleaner
* Essential hardware
* Photo-illustrated instruction manual
INSTALLATION
I converted my 2.5 T-Maxx with the full version of this kit in about four hours. The superb quality of the kit’s parts can make a difference in the truck’s performance and durability. The drive shafts have rubber boots fitted over the universals to keep dirt out, and the hard-anodized parts on the chassis plate and braces resist damage from the abuse that off-road running can dish out. The polished tuned pipe and header will increase the power of the big-block Mach .26 engine that features a pull-starter, ABC construction, slide carb and large, powder-coated heat-sink head.
The kit instructions weren’t written with the novice in mind; general topics are covered, but ambiguous descriptions and vague pictures led to guesswork and head-scratching between steps. I disassembled and cleaned all of the parts from my donor Maxx. I mounted the suspension assembly first, and then added the electronics, the fuel tank, the transmission, the engine and the exhaust system onto the new longer-than-stock chassis plate. The new chassis plate increases the wheelbase 1.6 inches (40.6mm) to make room for the larger engine. In the final steps, I centered the servo trims and set the linkages. Advice for big-block beginners: take your time and be sure to install the gear mesh between the clutch bell and spur gear correctly, thread-lock all drive-train hardware, and don’t forget to tighten the slipper clutch to handle the increased power. Overall, the kit went together very smoothly; I didn’t have to make any major modifications to get proper fit and finish.
PERFORMANCE
The throaty exhaust of the Mach .26 made it difficult to restrain my trigger finger during engine break-in. The first few tanks of fuel didn’t last long because the rich carb settings made the big-block thirsty for nitro. After break-in, I adjusted the shift points and watched the Mach .26 whip the truck around like a rag doll.
The increased chassis length helped make the truck more stable, but the mighty Mach .26 engine can still wheelie the truck onto its lid. The mods made a difference in the truck’s balance. A slight rearward shift in the vehicle’s center of gravity (CG) is evident during jumps and in the increased understeer in the corners, so I adjusted the caster shims to the rear position to help compensate for the CG shift. This made the truck well mannered around the track and a very well-balanced performer.
VERDICT
Dynamite packs its conversion kits with high-quality parts; everything you need to get the job done is included and the assembly is trouble free. If you’re in the market for one of these kits, and you value your dollar as I do mine, go with the kit that includes the Mach .26; it’s worth the dough. The Mach .26 engine is reliable, powerful and a perfect complement to this kit. Bottom line: Dynamite has put together an explosive kit that will propel your truck’s fun-factor off the charts. -David C. Konneker
Dynamite
Conversion kit for T-Maxx (without engine)-DYN7400; $150.
Conversion kit for T-Maxx (with Mach .26 Engine) – DYN7401; $290.
Conversion kit for T-Maxx 2.5 (without engine)-DYN/402; $150.
Conversion kit for T-Maxx 2.5 (with Mach .26 Engine)-DYN/7403; $290.
Dynamite; distributed by Horizon Hobby (800) 338-4639; dynamiterc.com.
Copyright Air Age Publishing Mar 2004
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