Ive always liked Nikko's r/c's. My current project is a Nikko Super Dictator - which I am revamping -top to bottom. It comes standard with twin Mabuchi fs390sh motors and I would like to replace them with Graupner 480 race motors (the trannies will not accomodate 540's). Has anyone ever heard of this being done? Will it work? Other upgrades include a Proline Lexan shell (crowd pleaser b4) - Ball bearings on all wheels - oil shocks all around - wheel drive shafts upgraded to RC10 (single-pin) - and Tamiya wheels with racing slicks. Thanks for any input.

OK..I managed to get the graupner 480's to fit(with some coaxing). It wasnt nearly as fast as I had thought it would be about 18-20mph). I have removed the motors and relaced them with one 540 stock (took some serious dremmeling). It now has much more torque and is actually easier on the battery - tranny is a little noisy, though. Next I would like to try a Peak Jaguar 11x2. It should handle it considering it took the twin Graup's with ease. I will keep you posted.

Serious learning experience -
It is nearly impossible to correctly mesh a stock motor and pinion with a tranny originally designed for a Mabuchi 380 (fs390). Once I did get it working, it was only a matter of time until the increased torque load and now questionable gear-meshing tolerances destroyed my project. I can not over-emphasise the importance of having your motor and tranny line up properly on ALL axis'. I have now moved into what I call "phase III". I have scrapped the rear tranny and fitted (with some modification) a Nikko Evolution gearbox into its' place. This tranny is designed for a 540 stock motor. I installed an Orion 17 x 2 and it seems to work perfectly. It is much faster now (about 25 mph) and is much smoother and quieter. To be honest it is somewhat of a "dog" from takeoff but then quickly accelerates once it gets going (gear ratio is less than desirable). I am reluctant to put the 11 x 2 motor into it - as I know the limitation of the stock speed control is about to be exceeded (it is getting pretty warm with the 17 x 2). I also put the stock shocks back on (used my old a-arms and dogbones with the new tranny which altered the suspension geometry too much - upper control arms had to be shortened 3mm) and installed a set of Proline "Road Rage" tires on the rear - stock tires went back on the front (slicks were too hard and slipped too much). Again, I will keep you all posted.

As you can see my wing and paint job didn't hold up too well after a few tumbles!!

As you can see I have now swapped out the original front wheels for a set of Losi's. This actually made the car considerably quicker and it turns much more resposively now (exibits a bit more push now through when turning under power). Next I am going to add a matching set of Losi's to the rear and see what happens. The Prolines I have on now probably have much more rolling resistance and add to the unsprung weight. We'll see.

Originally Posted by sarbjr138

OK..I managed to get the graupner 480's to fit(with some coaxing). It wasnt nearly as fast as I had thought it would be about 18-20mph). I have removed the motors and relaced them with one 540 stock (took some serious dremmeling). It now has much more torque and is actually easier on the battery - tranny is a little noisy, though. Next I would like to try a Peak Jaguar 11x2. It should handle it considering it took the twin Graup's with ease. I will keep you posted.

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Hi! Can you send me photos to show me how to put a 540 motor on the nikko dictator III ? I am trying but I am Afraid! I can detroi the car's tranny if something go wrong.

Thank you.