It’s been a while, RC fans! I hope you’ve all been enjoying your time on the track.
Since my last post, my Tamiya Grasshopper has undergone a radical transformation. After countless runs and tweaks, I’m excited to share its current, monstrous form.
The Current Overall Look
First, here’s how the Grasshopper looks today. I’ve returned to the stock wheelbase for a more nimble feel. The decals have been swapped for a Monster Energy theme, giving it a much more aggressive vibe.
State of the Front End
As you can see, the front bumper is missing. This was the result of a high-speed encounter with a wall, which also broke the body’s mounting point. Such is the price of pushing the limits!
The front tires and wheels have also been changed. I’m now running Tamiya’s Star Dish Wheels (10448047) paired with Rib Spike Tires (OP.1896). This combination is aimed at achieving sharper cornering performance.
Rear-End Revisions
I’ve reverted the rear oil dampers back to the Eagle Racing units.
>> Catch up on the previous article here: Tamiya Grasshopper Ultimate Customization : Rear Damper Upgrade & Hornet Conversion!
The rear tires and wheels have also been swapped back to the Dish Wheels (OP.1339) and Square Spike Tires (OP.84) combo.
>> Catch up on the previous article here: Tamiya Grasshopper Legend! Ultimate Customization Blog : Upgrading the Suspension to Modern Specs!
The Main Event: Full Brushless Conversion!
Now for the biggest news. The electronics have been completely overhauled. I’ve finally taken the leap into the world of brushless power.
This is a 120A brushless ESC I purchased from AliExpress. The receiver has also been changed to a Futaba-compatible unit.
Of course, the motor is now a powerful brushless unit as well. This beast is rated at 5200Kv, an insane amount of power for a lightweight buggy like the Grasshopper. The original’s gentle nature is long gone.
A Transmitter Upgrade to Tame the Beast
To control this newfound power, the control system also needed an upgrade. I’ve replaced the basic Tamiya Finespec transmitter with a Futaba T4PM Plus.
This is a significant step up, offering more precise and reliable control to handle such a machine.
That’s the full rundown of the current specs. From its appearance to its powertrain, it’s a completely different animal now—a true “monster” Grasshopper.
Custom Parts Used
The parts used for this customization are listed below.
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