Which motor for Hobby Lobby Thunderbird EDF

[ggcrandall1]

I have a Hobby Lobby Thunderbird EDF.

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/thunderbird.htm

It has a 66mm 3 blade fan. The HL description says it is 6 blade but it came with a 3 blade. The plane is stock. I am using a 3s 2100 lipo. The plane flies OK but has poor vertical performance. It will loop but only after a shallow dive. One of my flying buddies says it needs a motor upgrade. I don't want 100 mph performance but would like better vertical performance. Can you make a motor/esc suggestion?

Glen

[lashmett75]

Wicked 4800 and a pentium 40 amp ESC should take care of it. Looks like the same a a SF fan setup.

[The Don]

Wicked 4800 and a pentium 40 amp ESC should take care of it. Looks like the same a a SF fan setup.

Exactly what I would have said :)

Don

[ggcrandall1]

Thanks guys,

Which standoff / plug option do I specify for the 4800?

Glen

[The Don]

Thanks guys,
Which standoff / plug option do I specify for the 4800?
Glen

You want the XF/Eflite option if you get it with the standoff, or for 3S operation in this fan you can buy the motor with the 2.3mm shaft and no standoff and it will fit into the stock EDF unit and use the supplied rotor collet.

Don

[lashmett75]

Actually you dont need any standoff. It is the same fan unit they use for the Executive jet. Just order the motor, no standoff.

[The Don]

You are correct, my mistake, for 3S in that fan just order the 4800 KV with the 2.3mm shaft then you can use the stock rotor collet as the motor will fit into the housing.

Don

[ggcrandall1]

Thanks for the help.

Glen

[rick88ss]

I have the same airplane and I converted it to a pusher prop setup with Dons 2700kV wicked motor, 5.5x4.5 APC prop, 40A ESC, and a 3s 2200mAh 25C lipo. Really good performance with this setup and much faster and maneuverable than the ducted fan and an Esky 4000kV motor that I had in it. It also balances with the lipo in about the same spot as with the ducted fan back there.