Going on Hiatus...
Since life is getting in the way, I’ve decided to put Project Blindside on hiatus for a while. How long? I’ll be getting back to it by the beginning of Winter.
I’ll still be making posts on a semi-regular basis just not about the project itself…
Participate...
I wanted to do something a little different for this space. Instead of just posting my experiences of running an HPI Baja 5b, I want everyone who reads this tumblr to have the chance to share their thoughts as well. To encourage that, I just finished adding a comment system so anyone can leave their thoughts on everything that’s posted here.First-Run Checklist
I figured that it would be a good idea to share this checklist for those people that are just getting their bajas. I have learned alot in a short amount of time thanks to my hobby shop’s owner and the fine folks over at the HPI Baja Forum.
What follows is a compiled list of hints, tips, and do’s and dont’s gathered from experienced 5b owners.
* Check each screw to make sure it was tightened at the factory.
* Check the steering servo saver.
* Do not use the fail safe brake hold for more than 25 seconds.
* Charge the Nicad batterywith the wall charger the first time. After that you can switch to another charger.
* 25:1 mix for the first 1/2 to full gallon. Then use anywhere form 25:1 to 40:1.
* As a preventative option. clean out all greese in pullstarter, replace with Dry Grafite lube.
* Cover Pull Starter with screen to keep dirt down to a minimum, but allow as much airflow as possible.
* check fail safe operation is correct.
* check that throatle butterfly is opening fully. i ve seen 2 so far ( the only 2 ive seen. lol) that needed linkage stop adjustments.
* Be aware your stock battery may false peak the first few charges. mine did, neighbors didnt.
* Check all top and bottom Shock caps
* Linkage check, full throttle and full brake
* Check that Axle boots are in place
* Check that your hyper adjust pistons are set right. Mine right rear was set at softest and left rear set at medium.
* Check failsafe setting.
* Check spark plug tightness!
* Check to see that airfilter is set correctly
* Re-Oil air filter & grease the contact face!
* After you wish you had more bottom end, just remove the stinger.
* Keep an eye on your beadlock screws. (use CA to hold them in)
This list is by no means complete. I simply posted this to help new Baja 5b owners get their newfound addiction off on the right foot. For even more tips check out this thread on the HPIBajaForums.
If you have some of your own tips that you’d like to see added to the list feel free to leave them in your comments.
Download: HPI Online Baja Manual
Helpful links for Baja 5b owners
In my pursuit of gaining as much knowledge as possible about hopping-up my Baja 5b, I have come across a few key online communities that offer tons of information and help.
HPI Baja Forum - Awesome community of Baja 5b addicts who are always more than willing to help a fellow 5b owner out. There is tons of info on everything from engines and exhaust to tires and wheels. This should definitely be your first stop.
LargeScale Forums - From the owners of HPIBajaForum, LSF covers all things related to Large Scale R/C. LSF is home to some very useful Baja 5b info.
5th Scale Racing - Another community devoted to the world of Large Scale R/C. Plenty of useful Baja 5b information can be found here.
HPI Racing - The official homepage for the Baja 5b.
The Mad Baja - …Coming soon…
Introducing "Project Blindside"
Now that I’ve run my 5b through it’s paces and have had as much fun as I could with a bone-stock buggy, I have decided to lay out my plans for what I’m calling Project “Blindside”.
The following is a run down of the intial hop-ups and mods I currently have planned. There will, of course, be changes and additions to this list as the project moves forward. Any changes I’ve made will be noted in subsequent entries.
- Powder Coat all the aluminum
- Carbon Fiber Body
- Upgraded Shock Towers & Braces
- New Engine - (ESP 30.5 ?)
- New Exhaust - (jp3 Pipe w/Silencer ?)
- Straps for front A-arms
- Metal-gear Servos
- Relocate rear shocks
- Outerwears
- 2-Speed Tranny !!! (someone’s got to come through!)
If you’re wondering why I failed to mention specific manufactuers and parts for most of the list, it’s because I haven’t come to a final decision on most of them. In fact, if you have any suggestions feel free to leave me some comments. I’m always looking for input to help me make this buggy as durable and high-po as possible.
Object of my bashing obsession...
Seeing as how this blog will chronicle my penchant for r/c bashing, and this is my first entry, I figured that I would share which r/c vehicle will be my main focus from here on out.
The ultimate in large-scale buggy performance, HPI’s Baja 5b is a r/c bashing enthusiast’s dream come true. With the potential for absolutely insane performance, this gas-powered beast will leave a permanent grin on your face the first time you experience the thrill of driving it. I’ll be updating this blog on a regular basis. I’ll be covering everything from Engines, Suspensions, and Drivetrains to Hop-up parts, Tires, and Electronics. You’ll find entries about my selection of key hop-ups and mods and how they affect the buggy’s performance and durability. I’ll share my secrets for keeping your 5b buggy performing at it’s highest level. In addition to the primary focus on the 5b, I’ll occasionally share my other r/c exploits, including my upcoming Crawler project.
