Le Mans motor restorations

[coxbros1]

Its always a good decision after a few drinks!
the next day, maybe not so much

[R6cowboy]

This is hilarious because that's how/why I spontaneously purchased the 240S at halftime. Had consumed a mixture of different bottles and brews throughout the day. Good note, I yet to regret it

[Coelacanth]

Guys, I have some RPM results to share. Bear in mind these were tested with a fully charged 2S LiPo, so max voltage would be ~8.4V, *not* the 7.2V I believe these were originally tested at from the factory. The numbers scale down pretty neatly, though. I set all motors to max timing advance.

480 Gold: 26,054 rpm
360 Gold: 25,187 rpm
240 SB: 30,457 rpm

If you scale down the voltage to 7.2V, the estimated numbers are pretty much in line with Kyosho's factory-stated specs:

480 Gold estimate @ 7.2V: 22,332 rpm
360 Gold estimate @ 7.2V: 21,589 rpm
240 SB estimate @ 7.2V: 26,106 rpm

Notes and Conclusions: The 480 Gold was a fresh rebuild with a brand new endbell. The 360 Gold was rebuilt recently too, but all original parts...nothing new. The 240 SB was almost brand new when I bought it, I just soldered the wires and not much else. The 240 SB indeed underperforms at 7.2V, but it puts a smackdown on the 480 Gold, nonetheless. It makes me wonder if Kyosho tested the 240 SB at 8.4V instead of 7.2V...

I'm disappointed with the 360 Gold performance, I might have to take a closer look at the timing. I just rebuilt that motor with a brand new endbell, too. Strange.

Biggest surprise of the night? I don't know what's inside my 480S, I rebuilt that motor many years ago...but it hit 33,446 rpm!

I also tested a Trinity D3 motor that hit 29,753 rpm. I got this motor in a motor lot I purchased many years ago...it was already in decent condition so I just cleaned it up, I didn't even rebuild it...didn't mess with timing or anything. Pretty impressed with it!

[coxbros1]

great report! also, put that 480g or 360g in a vintage 4wd car, put timing at 6 degrees and gear it to the moon and u will be like "holy fxxk!"

[R6cowboy]

Thanks for reporting Coel. Do you have a voltage meter to hook up to the motor terminals while testing?

great report! also, put that 480g or 360g in a vintage 4wd car, put timing at 6 degrees and gear it to the moon and u will be like "holy fxxk!"

So the 480G probably a better fit for the CAT XLS, not the FXT...? Shoot, and I'm bidding on a Trinity 427 16x2 4wd modified (36,000rpm) that I was thinking would be a good candidate for the CAT. Oh by the way, when I asked if you knew what a 427 armature was (which was scribed on the can of one of my 240ST's), I found out its an old Trinity Speedworks 4wd motor.

[Coelacanth]

Thanks for reporting Coel. Do you have a voltage meter to hook up to the motor terminals while testing?

great report! also, put that 480g or 360g in a vintage 4wd car, put timing at 6 degrees and gear it to the moon and u will be like "holy fxxk!"

So the 480G probably a better fit for the CAT XLS, not the FXT...? Shoot, and I'm bidding on a Trinity 427 16x2 4wd modified (36,000rpm) that I was thinking would be a good candidate for the CAT. Oh by the way, when I asked if you knew what a 427 armature was (which was scribed on the can of one of my 240ST's), I found out its an old Trinity Speedworks 4wd motor.

I considered testing with a voltage meter but ultimately, the LiPo was freshly charged and balanced at 4.2V per cell, so I didn't think that spec would be off. If my charger says the battery cells are at 4.2V each, it's 8.4V total. I also have no way of accurately adjusting the voltage; the servo tester is a cheap China part and I don't trust it much. So, to keep any variables constant, I just used a freshly balance-charged battery and each motor was only tested for a few seconds, with the servo tester dial turned beyond the point where the motor would spin no faster. I'd guess when you turned the dial past about 80%, the motor was at full speed for the battery voltage and wouldn't go any higher.

[coxbros1]

This is the hardest Le Mans to find, Period...unless u have an original Turbo Scorpion. Its the Holiest of Holy Grails! Adjustable timing/bushings just like a 600e. Its all original, factory brushes, barely ran (not rebuilt) but does of a new MCI decal

[R6cowboy]

Energy IL, where folks change holy grails like underwear.

[Coelacanth]

At some point, they just end up being ordinary grails.

[juicedcoupe]

At some point, they just end up being ordinary grails.

A lot of truth to that, simply being something that is sought after.

Perhaps, being raised in the south, my view is a little different.

[coxbros1]

Its all fun an games till u try and buy a 360e...then you'll see the light....cause u just wont be able to raise the cash!

[R6cowboy]

Its all fun an games till u try and buy a 360e...then you'll see the light....cause u just wont be able to raise the cash!

Not long ago there was a new, or excellent condition 360e on ebay, the price quickly had me scrolling swiftly passed it. Lol
If I remember right, it was one of the Le Mans that were in the close to or above $200 range.

[coxbros1]

yup...its the priciest cause it was never available as option or aftermarket for whatever the reason...came in the Turbo Scorpion and thats it as far as i know of

[winner_evo]

This is the hardest Le Mans to find, Period...unless u have an original Turbo Scorpion. Its the Holiest of Holy Grails! Adjustable timing/bushings just like a 600e. Its all original, factory brushes, barely ran (not rebuilt) but does of a new MCI decal

received_1120107675081240.jpeg

Nice! Do you have every 3 piece Le Mans motor now?

[TheDiamondOne]

This is the hardest Le Mans to find, Period...unless u have an original Turbo Scorpion. Its the Holiest of Holy Grails! Adjustable timing/bushings just like a 600e. Its all original, factory brushes, barely ran (not rebuilt) but does of a new MCI decal

received_1120107675081240.jpeg

Nice! Do you have every 3 piece Le Mans motor now?

He does as far as i am concerned, it the 90s there may have been some goofy ones that didnt matter. But its a done deal as far as the vintage ones everyone drooled over as a kid. At least i know we did anyway. Not Thumbs tho.