B1G's (Shinny and Nearly New) ProPulse

[TheB1GDude]

So for the past few months I've been on an all time low with the RC scene, the combination of a number of things had bummed me out to the point that I just couldn't be bothered any more....

I really wanted to get back into Nitro as that was where I started and where my heart was but I just couldn't find the right ride... I had my eyes on a really nice Traxxs on eBay but didn't win and was about to give up full stop when Zippo855 contacted me about a ProPulse he had up for sale (yes I know its not a nitro), the price was just right and a number of upgrades where included, so I paid him and then the bug hit me once more....

I am so impressed with the ProPulse, I'd wanted one for a while but my RS had been out of them and all the spares for months, now that I have one I am amazed that RadioShack released something this good ::::)

In the deal with Zippo I got the black Truck, the chassis had the aluminum shocks and dual motor upgrades installed, Zippo also threw in a high torque motor and a spare set of tires, RX / TX, antenna covers, etc....

I've had two runs with the truck so far and its insane! Its currently on charge so I can take it out again tonight, so far its been pretty much unstoppable, I've taking it on tarmac, concrete, grass, mud, mulch, rock, etc and it just keeps going.... the best has to be the mulch, you drive it into that and the tires just dig in and spray it everywhere.....

Now as I said my RS was all out of spares so I had to buy from eBay, I didn't get the 97c deals but I don't feel as though I got ripped off, I brought everything from 1 seller and got a pretty decent hookup so I now have:

5 sets of NIB tires - one of each tread type.
Replacement NIB hardware kit
Replacement NIB antenna covers, caps and body clips
NIB Titanium Turnbuckle and Servo Saver kit
NIB Spur and Pinion Gear Kit
NIB Driveshaft and Gearbox kit
NIB Replacement Bumper Kit
NIB Replacement Shock Tower Kit

Like I said they weren't 97c's each but I didn't pay a ton for them either.

I've since been back and purchased the 1400MAh official battery pack upgrade from the same seller for more power.

So without further ado here are the first few photos of my new toy:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00747.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00748.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00749.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00750.jpg

Once it finishes charging I'll take some more exciting ones, maybe even some outdoor ones :)

I've done some reading on these and I know that they have a few week points, I'm going to be looking into getting various upgrades that will strengthen the chassis and drive system once all that is in place I'm going for power with a new ESC and probably a brushless mamba setup...

I'll also need new tires to hook up the mambas power and word on the street is that the foam tires from the RC18T cars work best.

Stay tuned because for the moment this is where my spare money will be going :gun5: and a big thanks to Zippo for hooking me up!!

[FloydfanYodaman]

congrats and welcome to the propulse crew...any chance you'd like to divulge the name of the ebay seller...i am looking for some upgrades and a esc or 2 thanks...and have fun with it

[amorton94]

How about the all aluminum upgrade from atomicmods? And what size wheel hex do these have? I would like to get a propulse, or a rc18. From my understanding they're identical? I'd love to see some video with the mamba, I love brushless power!

[TheB1GDude]

congrats and welcome to the propulse crew...any chance you'd like to divulge the name of the ebay seller...i am looking for some upgrades and a esc or 2 thanks...and have fun with it

Sure thing - the ebay ID is tombrad111 he has been very easy to work with and in my eyes has given me some great deals, his stock changes all the time I find it easier to email him directly.

How about the all aluminum upgrade from atomicmods? And what size wheel hex do these have? I would like to get a propulse, or a rc18. From my understanding they're identical? I'd love to see some video with the mamba, I love brushless power!

I've found some better looking ones elsewhere but AMs have a good product range, from what I've learned so far most of the RC18T stuff will fit but a few pieces do need slight modifications to work correctly.

Mamba won't be for a while, I want to build up my chassis strength first then I'll add power.

[Donziikid]

Awesome find, B1G. Be sure to get us some quality video. ;)

On the topic of RC18 vs ProPulse, you may want to check out the new article posted on AtomicMods written by RCCarAction.

Cheers,
Kyle.

[TheB1GDude]

Is the article about how RC18's are better than ProPulse???

I'll check it out and see what it says but at this point all I can say is I'm super happy with my ProPulse and think it rocks...

[Donziikid]

No, it's an article comparing the RC18, Xray 18, Vendetta and ProPulse (plus a few others I can't remember, I think). It's an interesting article that points out the pros and cons of each chassis (like ProPulse's FM radio, something the rest do not offer) and how all of them lack stock adjustable turnbuckles. Interesting article and worth the read. ;)

Cheers,
Kyle.

[TheB1GDude]

Oh cool OK I'll look it up be an interesting read....

[amorton94]

Donzii, can you post up a link? I searched all over on AM and I found nothing about that article. When really, it's probably right in front of me. But a link would be much easier for me.

Edit: Nevermind, it was right in front of me. Thanks for pointing that article out!

[TheB1GDude]

Few more random photos....

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/1.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/2.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/3.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/4.jpg

The first of my upgrades arrived today so I'll post some more tomorrow once I've had a chance to play.....

[youngxmodder]

nice ProPulse i remember seeing this around when i had it.... man i had great times with this thing, when i sold it to zippo i was weary about it, but finally let it go, well take good care of it hope to still see it around on this site and not sitting in somebodies closet.

[kendallcschm]

nice job dude.. any future mods in mind?

[TheB1GDude]

OK so the first of my upgrades arrived yesterday.... but it was to late in the day for me to do anything with them....

First lets start with what I purchased:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00761.jpg

1 of each of the tire sets - the ones in the baggy are from Zippo and the original sale. So that's:

1 slick set
2 drift sets
2 all terrain
1 spiked
1 ribbed

All surfaces are now my *****.... :)

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00762.jpg

1 of each of the parts needed to keep this bad boy running... this includes:

Titanium Turnbuckle and Servo Saver upgrade
Hardware kit - spare screws, clips, antenna covers, etc
Antenna Kit - spare tubes and caps
Carbon Fiber driveshaft kit
Front / Rear spare shock towers
Front / Rear spare bumpers
Spur gear and pinion upgrade kit

I don't want to run into the same problem as with XMODS of never being able to find upgrades :)

So far I've installed the slick tires and the titanium turnbuckles:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00765.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00766.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00768.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00769.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00770.jpg

I continue to be impressed with these things.. the titanium turnbuckles are adjustable so I've been able to remove some of the toe in from the front wheels which was screwing up my straight line....

I haven't yet installed the CF driveshaft as I have a bunch of other drive upgrades on the way and will put everything on in one hit....

Also managed to break the wrench when putting the slicks on:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00772.jpg

Sometimes I just don't know my own strength.....

In terms of future plans I'm still a little undecided as to which route I want to take, I'm definitely going to replace the ESC and Servo with some better quality components but motor wise I'm just not sure... however this motor:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00763.jpg

Which is the high torque one might be modified slightly and used but how its going to be modified will remain a secret for the moment...

[TheB1GDude]

Got bored of looking at the dull stock rim color so started painting the all silver:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/5.jpg

Was being really lazy so didn't bother masking anything off so now I need to tidy up the tires a bit... I'm sure a bit of dirt will take of that though...

[XmodzICON82]

that's pretty sweet big...i got me a propulse and i have the f/r bumpers on and switched the motors...the torque motor was originally in but i put the high speed motor in it and love it....i also added the cf driveshaft and it's smooth...i plan on adding another motor to it but don't know when...i bought a couple sets of rim/tire combo like you did...i have the terrain ones, 2 sets of ribbed ones, and the other set has tread on one side of the tire with a couple of lines spread out...don't know which those are...but i love it...and i plan on putting the titanium turnbuckles on it as well...

[TheB1GDude]

Well even though its currently broken I figured I'd keep myself busy by doing some more work on the rims... left the lip and center cap silver and did the rest black:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/11.jpg

Need to finish them off but overall I think there pretty sharp....

[lol]

So.. do you know which parts fit on the PP from The RC18? Will you be willing to sell/trade parts? Im pretty sure I can use sum

EDIT: You guys still have 97C parts are your local RS? I might check mines.

[TheB1GDude]

Take a look here for what I found:

http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?p=220254#post220254

[TheB1GDude]

OK so few more upgrades:

Quick Charger:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00783.jpg

This is kind of disappointing, it doesn't come with an outlet plug so you either have to buy / make one or charge it in your car....

1400MAh Battery Upgrade

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00782.jpg

I haven't run this in a fully built car yet but I did test plug them in and turn it on, on my desk to test my rear diff and they ripped the car plus a whole heap of stuff straight off so they seem pretty potent.

Now for a whole bunch of photos focusing on the rear diff, the RC18T dog bones and the Super MIPs.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00777.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00780.jpg

This is stock vs. Super MIP:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00799.jpg

Super MIP is the bottom one.

RC18T Dog Bones with stock rear diff.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00800.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00801.jpg

Missing front gears...

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00793.jpg

Super MIPs with RC18T dog bones.... it can be done.....

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00794.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00792.jpg

[zippo855]

b1g sent this back to me to check over and well i've been working this over, and ordered some shiny new parts. and here's what i have come up with. super mip steel out drives are just slightly too long to be used in the propulse. did some reasearch and i have been told mip makes their products just slightly larger. so i order some stainless steel ones, 3 racing if i remember right. and some steel swing shafts. got these in yesterday, and got them installed. batteries charging, then theres testing time. so far the chassis is rolling very very smooth, now we just need to pwoer to it, and then b1g will get his propulse back :)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/100_1949.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/100_1950.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/100_1951.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/100_1957.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/100_1958.jpg

[winner]

lol those dirt tires are what im running on my xmod crawler lol and i got them on clearance at rs for $1.36 lol no joke! best deal ever!

[zippo855]

short video i shot last night driving around the kitchen. shes running good so far, tomorrow im going to take it out to the tennis court and open it up, make sure everythings good.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/th_100_1959.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/zippo855/?action=view&current=100_1959.flv)
shes up and running b1g:D

[TheB1GDude]

So after getting the ProPulse back from zippo with its upgraded and finally working steel diffs and now almost fully re-enforce drive train and after ProPulses first day out in the woods I finally have some new parts, so far only one has shown its face but the other should hopefully be here in the next day or so....

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00845.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00846.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00847.jpg

Oh and if this seems familiar its probably because you've already seen it in Zippos thread :)

[TheB1GDude]

Oh yeah look who's rocking now.... brushless motor and ESC, aluminium chassis upgrade, aluminum rims, slick tires... the beast is finally finished :gun2:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00852.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00853.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00854.jpg

Eat it ZIPPO :)

[BART]

I think I want one.

[TheB1GDude]

Nah stick with that big thing... :) trust me its way better!!

[zippo855]

I think I want one.

i'd trade you straight across for one of your big ones :lol:

b1g that thing is starting to look really nice. ill get your final pieces out tomorrow. then it will look even better

[TheB1GDude]

thanks dude! Time to start saving for the next set of upgrades....

2.4GHz and Lipo... :)

[TheB1GDude]

More photos:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00855.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00856.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00858.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00859.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00860.jpg

Finally think I've got everything dialed in correctly... the brushless is mean... the slicks hook up nicely... the suspension is just about right... the drivetrain is pretty solid except for the fact that the diffs unscrew themselves in about 15 minutes :)

Will try for video soon.....

[zippo855]

i'm going to have to wait to take mine to the tennis court to see how it is compared to the sidewinder. but if its anything close, you can turn any tires into slicks ;) and your parts are in the mail

[TheB1GDude]

More updates...

Chassis is pretty much done and about as rock solid as you can get:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00900.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00901.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00899.jpg

There was another sale over on MegaTech so I decided it was time to switch from my rather beaten black body to a sexy new blue one:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00897.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00898.jpg

As MegaTech had them listed as a buck each I also grabbed a buggy shell:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00902.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00903.jpg

Obviously it needs the correct mounts installing but I figured it was good to have it as a spare and I can pickup the parts as I find them.

I also purchased the official MegaTech 12v adapter:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00904.jpg

Now I can put my quick charger to good use and charge each of my packs in about 30 minutes which is way better than the 8 hours it takes with the regular charger.

Next upgrade will be more power.

[Donziikid]

Buy a real charger with adjustable charging currents (most cheapos now come with 0.1A to 5.0A!) and you'll never look back. ;)

She looks as solid as a rock. Probably weighs as much as one, too. :lol:

Very clean, B1G. Certainly jealous of all that blue alloy.

Cheers,
Kyle.

[TheB1GDude]

I'm going to convert to LiPo at some point so I'll buy a decent charger then for now the official ProPulse Quick Charger will do for the 4 battery packs I own.

[Donziikid]

LiPo? Oh geez. :lol:

What's the MegaTech/MegaPro/ProPulse brushless ESC rated for voltage wise? 7.4v? 11.1v?

[TheB1GDude]

LiPo? Oh geez. :lol:

What's the MegaTech/MegaPro/ProPulse brushless ESC rated for voltage wise? 7.4v? 11.1v?

I'm not 100% sure, the ESC does come with a programmable LiPo mode but looking at the instructions all I see is

"Up to 2 to 3 Lithium Polymer Cells"

I'll have to do some more reading for exact figures... I'm sure its on here somewhere...

[TheB1GDude]

So I picked up a Prerunner body as part of a big parts buyout from another member, he had cut it so that it could be run on a ProPulse, so I slapped it on mine it needed (and still needs a few minor) adjustments to get it sitting right, also the support posts on the ProPulse need to be lowered a notch otherwise it lifts up at the front end but I got to say that I'm pretty happy with it :)

The choice of aftermarket bodies for the ProPulse is limited and anything you buy needs some adjustment, I'm digging this one because it makes the ProPulse seem so much bigger....

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00088.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00090.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/TheB1gDude/propulse/IMG00091.jpg

Will have a go at stripping the paint and putting a new color schema on when I get a chance....

[BART]

I think it looks good as it sits, kind of T2.

[TheB1GDude]

Yeah I really like it :) its not the prettiest body in fact its kinda squat and ugly but it changes the whole PP appearance which is why I think its pretty sweet.

Next will be power upgrades.