Tamiya Grasshopper Customization: 540 Sport Tuned Motor Upgrade & New Paint Job!

Build Diary

With the suspension fully dialed in, it’s time to upgrade the heart of the machine. We’re boosting the power by swapping the stock 380-size motor for a potent 540. To top it off, we’ve also given the body a fresh new look.

The Source of Power: 540 Sport Tuned Motor

For this upgrade, we’re using a classic hop-up from Tamiya: the RS-540 Sport Tuned Motor. It’s the perfect first step for anyone looking to get more speed and punch from their RC car.

Here is the motor itself, out of the box. The black can with the iconic “Sport Tuned” label looks fantastic and adds a touch of performance style.

Installing the Pinion Gear

The Grasshopper chassis is designed to accept a 540-size motor as an option. We’ll consult the manual for the proper installation. For the 540 motor, we will use the 18-tooth (18T) pinion gear.

Here is the motor with the pinion gear installed on the shaft. It’s now ready to be mounted in the gearbox. Make sure to tighten the set screw securely.

The Motor Swap Process

Here is the rear end of the buggy before the swap, with the stock 380 motor visible. This motor was fun, but we’re ready for more power.

With the wheel and motor removed, you can get a good look inside the gearbox. The motor is held in place by just two screws.

The new Sport Tuned motor is now installed. The larger can size gives it a much more powerful presence. We’ll connect the red (positive) and black (negative) wires to the ESC.

With the wheel re-attached, the motor upgrade is complete. We can’t wait to feel the difference in acceleration and top speed. Always ensure your ESC can handle the new motor.

A Fresh New Paint Scheme

We also took this opportunity to update the body’s paint job. This is the “before” shot, with its primarily white color scheme.

And here is the “after” shot. We increased the amount of black, especially on the side panels. We think it gives the buggy a sharper, more aggressive look.

That’s all for this round of upgrades! With more power and a fresh look, our Grasshopper is really taking shape. Next up, it’s finally time to hit the track and test it out!

Custom Parts Used

The parts used for this customization are listed below.

タミヤ/OP.68/スポーツチューン モーター

価格:1452円
(2025/11/2 20:26時点)

Want this awesome RC gear for yourself? Here’s how you can easily get it shipped from Japan!
Get Your Favorite Japanese RC Gear Shipped to You!

Comments

Copied title and URL