Learn how to add Extreme Velineon Brushless Power

The Traxxas Rustler® is equally at home on the pavement or off the beaten path. Rustler’s low and wide stance makes it ultra-stable whether it’s kicking up powerful roosts of dirt or flying through the air off a massive jump. Already capable of 35+ mph out of the box, the Rustler’s high-performance platform begs for even more power. In this video you’ll see just how easy it is to add Velineon® brushless power to your Rustler for extreme performance and incredible 70+ mph speeds.

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Tools and Parts
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  • Velineon Brushless Power System (3350R)
  • 4000 mAh 3-cell LiPo battery (2849X)
  • 28-tooth (48p) pinion gear (4728)
  • 83-tooth (48p) spur gear (4683)
  • Fixed Gear Adapters (3790)
  • Traxxas Tool Kit (3415)
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Step 1. Remove the old motor and Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
Unplug the two wires connecting the motor to the ESC. Next, open the waterproof receiver box; remove the plug from channel 2 of the receiver; and pull the wire though the box opening. Once your XL-5™ is disconnected, unscrew it from the mounting plate.

Unplug the motor wiresUnplug the motor wires
Unplug ESCUnplug the ESC
Remove the ESCRemove the XL-5 ESC

Step 2. Installing the new ESC
Remove the old plastic ESC mounting plate and install the new one that came in the kit. Secure the new VXL-3s ESC to the mounting plate.

Remove ESC mountRemove the old ESC mount
Install the new ESC mountInstall the new ESC mount
Install the VXL-3s ESCInstall the VXL-3s

Step 3. Plug in the new ESC
Run the new wire from the VXL-3s into the receiver box and plug it into channel 2 of the receiver. Once plugged in, reseal the receiver box. Next, remove the right rear wheel from the Rustler.

Plug in the VXL-3sPlug in the VXL-3s
Reseal the receiver boxReseal the receiver box
Remove the right rear wheelRemove the right rear wheel

Step 4: Remove the original motor
With the rear tire removed, unscrew the transmission cover and set it aside. Unscrew the original spur gear by removing the three screws holding it onto the slipper clutch. Remove the two chromed screws that hold the motor to the transmission case and pull it out. If you already have a large pinion gear installed, you may need to remove it for the motor to come out.

Remove the transmission coverRemove the transmission cover
Remove the spur gearRemove the spur gear
Remove the original motorRemove the original motor

Step 5: Install the new brushless motor
Begin by installing the fixed gear adapter marked "A B." Some models include fixed gear adapters in the kit. These helpful spacers make setting gear mesh as simple as turning a screw. They will also help keep the motor in place despite the massive bump in power. For this gearing, use the hole marked "A." Tighten the motor down and then install the new spur gear.

Install fixed gear adapterInstall fixed gear adapter marked A B
Install the Velineon motorInstall the Velineon motor
Attach the new spur gearAttach the new spur gear

Step 6: Reassemble the truck
Install the new pinion gear onto the motor shaft. Be sure the set screw has a small amount of blue thread locker on it to prevent loosening. Reinstall the transmission cover and reattach the rear wheel.

Install the new pinion gearInstall the new pinion gear
Reattach the transmission coverReattach the transmission cover
Reattach the rear wheelReattach the rear wheel

Step 6: Finishing up
Notice that brushless motors have three wires instead of two. The wires are color coded to make installation easy. It is very important to plug the wires in the correct way. Install your battery, turn on your remote control, and then turn on the new Velineon VXL-3s. You must use the low-voltage detection feature with a LiPo battery. This is imperative to avoid damage to the battery. If the light on the ESC is red, press and hold the button for approximately 10 seconds or until you hear a tone and the light turns green. Your Rustler is now ready for action!

Plug in the motor wiresPlug in the motor wires
Activate low-voltage detectionActivate low-voltage detection

Enjoy your new Rustler
Before you drive your new brushless-powered Rustler for the first time, take a moment to inspect it for any problems. Ensure that your tires are in good condition and securely glued to the wheels. Be sure that your steering operates properly and that there are no damaged, bent, or broken parts. Your brushless Rustler is now packing more than double the power it did just a few minutes ago. This level of extreme power requires proper care and attention. Start off slowly until you get accustomed to the new power and wait until you are comfortable before attempting top speed runs. Once you have familiarized yourself with your new Rustler, take it out and experience why Traxxas is the Fastest Name in Radio Control®.

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