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While the Villain EX is a great performer out of the box, there are
steps you can take to increase the speed of the boat.
1. Adjust the trim angle correctly.
The trim angle should be
trimmed down just enough to keep the bow of the boat from
porpoising (bouncing up and down) in the current water
conditions. If the trim is set too low, then it pushes the bow
lower and increases drag in the water (see page 20).
2. Maintain your boat.
Your Villain EX will be faster if it is kept
clean and in good working order. Replace the props if they get
nicked or damaged. Keep bushings and gears lubricated. Keep
the motors clean and oiled. Make sure the drivetrain turns
freely with no binding or excess friction. Maintain the batteries
by completely discharging the packs after each use. This will
minimize the “memory” effect of NiCd batteries.
3. Use the best batteries and charger you can afford.
Rechargeable batteries will lose their “punch” over time and
should be replaced when their fully charged performance
decreases significantly. Consider replacing worn-out sport
packs and a timed charger with high-performance batteries
and a good peak-detecting charger. A peak-detecting charger
charges batteries to their peak voltage and then automatically
shuts off. This assures perfectly charged batteries every time.
4. Use aftermarket metal props.
Polished and balanced metal
props can significantly increase the speed and efficiency of the
Villain EX. To fit aftermarket props with 3/16 inch threads, use
the Traxxas accessory prop shaft (part #1529X). For the best
performance, choose props that can be purchased as counter-
rotating pairs, such as the Octura X447 props (available from
your hobby dealer). When larger props are used, it may be
necessary to use smaller pinion gears on the motors. For
example, it is necessary to use 12T pinions, 32 pitch, (part
#3942) with the Octura X447 props.
5. Use more-powerful aftermarket motors.
Note: Do this at your
own risk! Changing the motors will void the warranty for the
EVX speed control. Damage to the EVX caused by excessive
current flow is not covered by warranty. Changing the motors
is only recommended for experienced users who understand
the gearing needs and the increased loads and cooling
requirements placed on the electronics.
The Titan 550 motors
are matched to the EVX speed control to provide the best
balance of performance, efficiency, and run time. Higher
performance, zero-timed 550 or 540 motors may be used,
however efficiency and run time will decrease (sometimes by
more than half!). Aftermarket performance motors will run
much hotter and often require their own water-cooling system
to survive. 540 motors are not designed to operate at the
Villain EX’s higher voltage so they are less efficient and
generate much more heat. The stock gear ratio will need to be
modified by changing the pinion gears on the motors. Adjust
the gearing to control current draw, run-time, and destructive
heat build-up.
Improper gearing can destroy motors,
batteries, and electronics very quickly.
Always start with
small pinion gears (12-tooth) and closely monitor the motor
and battery temperature, and run time. Pinion gear size may
be increased until any one of the motors, batteries, or speed
control become too hot, or the run time becomes
unacceptably short. Both banks on the EVX water-cooled heat
exchanger may need to be utilized for extra cooling. There are
practical limits to what the electronics system in the Villain EX
is capable of. For example, it may not be possible to use the
fastest 10-turn modified 540 motors and the largest
aftermarket props without generating so much current
draw and heat that expensive batteries and electronics will
be immediately destroyed. Be reasonable and conservative
with your motor, gearing and prop choices to avoid
expensive damage.
Increasing Performance