HPI VENTURE UPGRADES - Stage One

FRESH APPAREL AND MERCHANDISE can be found in the HEMISTORE: teespring.com/...
A week and a half ago I visited Amain Hobbies in Chico, California. They have a huge store with an indoor crawler course and an insane assortment in hobby products. I decided to pick up a few parts to address the most important drawbacks that I noticed initially in taking a look at the new HPI Venture.
The most important upgrade you can get for your HPI Venture is without a doubt the steering servo. I decided to go with a ProTek RC 370 TBL Black Label waterproof servo. It packs some insane specs and is a crawler specific servo.
www.amainhobbi...
For weight distributing reasons, I went for a ProTek RC 3S 3600 mAh LIHV battery. This is a new generation of silicon graphene batteries, that holds a charge longer than any conventional LiPo battery. Compact in size, without having to compromize performance.
www.amainhobbi...
I installed a system which I run in most of my crawlers, the Castle Creations Mamba X with in this case a 2850kV Slate 1406 sensored motor. Delivering some incredible control in any condition, it has an 8A BEC ready installed, an aux wire to allow you to adjust your drag brake on the fly through the third of 4th channel on your radio, and unique in this scale, is a fully hybrid system which switches from sensored into sensorless when the motor RPMs allow, so you run efficient and at peak performance at all times, while being waterproof.
www.amainhobbi...
I then continued by installing a dual motor RC4WD Warn Zeon winch. It fits well and looks ace!
www.amainhobbi...
Next up were the wheels and tires. I opted for some gun metal anodized Vanquish Products Roost 1.9 rims, these are machined aluminum and will add even more weight to these already heavy axles.
www.amainhobbi...
Next year I want to get a bit more involved in comping. A great tire for this purpose is the Class One PBX A/T, by Pit Bull Tires. The thread on them is extremely scale and they are using the legendary "Alien compound" rubber, meaning they will stick in all conditions and provide the traction you are looking for out on any trail.
www.amainhobbi...
In the video I forgot to mention the Dirty Richard foams, in a soft compound, which I installed on all corners.
www.amainhobbi...
After the unboxing, I have also repainted the HPI Venture to give it a personalized look. I also installed some Pro-Line Racing lightpods in the front. The code HEMISTORM10 gives you a 10% discount on the www.prolineracing.com website.
Many people will wonder if after such a long delay, the truck is still relevant, if it still has a place in a market which is mostly dominated by trucks like the Axial SCX10, the SCX102, the Vaterra Ascender and more recently the Traxxas TRX4. I dare to say that it has. The HPI Venture has some promising features, a very nice chassis layout and comes very complete right from the factory.
The weight of the axles impresses me right out of the gate. Cast aluminum shock mounts/ link mounts and diff covers make for a center of gravity which sits nice and low. The stock Venture features steel C chassis rails, has a 35T brushed motor up front, a waterproof ESC and receiver and feels well balanced overall, with shocks that are of high quality. You will find an aluminum bodied shock absorber which is fully adjustable and dual rated springs. I'm not to keen on the hard tire compound, or the steering servo, but these are all items that will get switched out in the long run anyway.
In my opinion HPI enters the RC arena after a long hiatus, with a very good looking contender for the Scale Truck market.
www.hpiracing.com
/ venturehpi
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[@MakeItRC]

Great video. Those upgrades you did really takes that Venture to the next level, especially that wheel/tire combo.

[@hemistormrc]

Makes it look a bit better, some less clearance but nothing too worrying.

[@paulpitmon6663]

Looks great man. Those servos are killer. You got that vision, for taking simple elements, and combining them for a stunning effect. My favorite is still the five-0 truck, though. You have taught me much about painting, many thanks for your time sharing that.

[@hemistormrc]

Thank you a very kind comment, Paul. More paintwork ahead, for sure!

[@pauledwards7739]

Hi Hemistorm from the land down under, great video with excellent info. I second your comment about Amain, they are awesome people to deal with. Being from the other side of the globe and not up with buying online all that much l was nervous about the process. Man you should have seen the way the box of parts, including two Trophy Truck bodies was packed, absolute perfection from Amain dispatch!!!, You could see the care taken, really nice work! Thanks again for your videos, totally enjoy your no bullshit approach. Cheers from the land of OZ

[@hemistormrc]

Good to hear about your positive experiences with them as well, Paul! All very kind and dedicated, while still having time for some shenanigans and joking around.

[@rodcognito002]

Ready see it twisting up. Looks way better.

[@hemistormrc]

Thank you, Rod! It is a nice truck to work on, very straight forward.

[@RcNickster709]

Looks awesome man!! Great new look on the Venture.. :)

[@hemistormrc]

Thanks! It is a truck with a lot of potential.

[@ShenRC]

Nice! i already moded the crap out of my redcat Gen 7 already also!

[@hemistormrc]

Nice! That one looks like a promising truck as well, have fun!

[@amtrobia]

Looks great with the wheels and tires!!

[@hemistormrc]

I agree, adds quite a lot to the appearance of the truck, and those tires are sticky as can be.

[@mrmadmike427]

I see Hemistorm video I like even before I watch ....

[@hemistormrc]

And I always appreciate the support, Mike!

[@mrmadmike427]

HemiStorm RC - Custom RC builds, painting videos and more it’s best I can do for being so far away Chris

[@humboldtef]

I also tried out those new Protec shorty Lipo's and I'm pretty impressed, I've already gone back for more. They have a higher voltage (12.6) and are said to be less likely to puff because of the graphene. I think I may have convinced one of my friends to pick them up instead of much cheaper batteries due to its long run time. It was nice to meet you at the RPP Jamboree, I'm hoping you might have a video in the works with some footage. BTW one of those Protec shorties got me all the way through course B at the RPP Jamboree, everyone else with me had to swap batteries at least once, they were smaller capacity but it was still impressive.

[@hemistormrc]

I had a great time at the Jamboree! So much, that I spent all my time chatting with people and driving, so I didn't get any filming done. :) The shorter packs are impressive indeed, and I am thinking of having another look at placement in some of my other cars as there is a lot of potential with these.

[@humboldtef]

Ah bummer, but it was a really fun event. I also planned on filming but ended up focusing on having fun, I ended up with less than a minutes worth of footage.

[@BlueDually4x4]

I think the stock servo is fine for just trailing and bashing, I haven't had any problems with it. Its a fun truck than has kept up with an Axial Deadbolt... and been more reliable.

[@krashkingrc9715]

Is a nice truck and then you worked on it. Wow hope to see it in action soon

[@hemistormrc]

Running videos will be next on the long list of "to do's". :)

[@krashkingrc9715]

HemiStorm RC - Custom RC builds, painting videos and more understand I'm trying to finish my cross rc pg4l been trying to get it painted

[@newtonfoster7581]

Well, since you own many Axials, a Vaterra Ascender, and a TRX4, along with the Venture. I haven't gotten into the crawler seen yet but I plan on it pretty soon, but I have been researching, watching videos like yours which are informative, so thank you for that. I like them all, but I was a Toyota Master Technician for almost 20 years until I had to start the process of being placed on disability unfortunately last year, so the Venture has been on my mind the most because I believe the brand, hands down the best full size vehicles in the world in my opinion. Between the Venture, the Bomber & Bomber Kit, Wraith and Ascender Chevy truck cab with rear cage, which one would you go for first knowing what you know about all of them now? I plan on getting multiple over time, just need advice on where I possibly should start?

[@PAPA-zi6fz]

Hello Chris I am actually new to the RC Game and the FJ was the first vehicle I bought. I was trying to look into your descriptions but I didn't see any info for the Axial Light kit or the Proline Light buckets... Is there any chance you can share the part numbers for those items? Also can you tell me where do you connect the winch? By the way I am glad that you recovered and you are doing well... Peace!!

[@odomandr]

Is there going to be a stage 2?

[@SnarkyRC]

Not a bad looking rig. I was thinking of picking up a Venture for a class 1 rig. It's big pumpkin might be a hindrance though.

[@RCFest]

You have been on roll uploading content!

[@hemistormrc]

Lots to do, and lots more in the works!

[@LonelyRavenProductio]

Got the HPI FJ Cruiser! I'm having trouble finding the lights you used. What buckets are those in the front? I want realistic looking ones, and not just LED bugging through the lid! :) Or should I wait and see what kits are coming down the pipe?

[@LonelyRavenProductio]

Also looking for lower links - know of any that will bolt right up?

[@hemistormrc]

Hello Eric, parts are becoming more widely available for the HPI Venture. The light pods I used in the front are Proline ones, not sure if they are discontinued but they come as a set of six.

[@bucksrcworld8119]

nice. very cool upgrades!!

[@odomandr]

Chris can you talk a little about the windows painting and how you did that

[@jacksmith3246]

I watch all your videos and you in spier me the 12 year old kid to do so much with my two cars

[@hemistormrc]

I'm real happy to hear that, Jack! Have fun!

[@ehrenkrause9861]

Are you running the winch with the transmitter? I like the rig but I like the older toyo land cruiser bodies from the early 70's

[@hemistormrc]

Haven't set it up yet, but I will run it off the 3rd channel indeed.

[@richardfazio2417]

When u take an rc on a plane do u take batteries with u buy new batts once u arrive to ur destination.Also did they ever find ur friends vette that was stolen?

[@hemistormrc]

Hi Richard, you can carry up to 100A in batteries in your hand luggage. My friend did find his Corvette, getting it back is a slow, painstaking process though. Thank you for asking about that!

[@policeswat64]

Ready for stage Two or to see you run this

[@wooty8721]

Awesome vid as well,very informative.

[@hemistormrc]

Glad to hear that, Michael!

[@TheDezmoon1]

Awesome, Thank You Chris!!!!

[@hemistormrc]

Thank you guys for making great products, Desmond. The tires are awesome!

[@LonelyRavenProductio]

What charger are you using with that new battery? I've not done RC in 20 years and I'm going to order this HPI and paint it to match my real FJ. ;) I think I want to try that battery you have and I'm looking for an affordable charger.

[@hemistormrc]

Hi Eric, I'm using a Hitec X4 charger, it is absolutely amazing and will charge almost any type of battery.

[@newtonfoster7581]

I use the same charger as well

[@toddbertram6556]

I still feel with the solid front axle vs IFS the venture should have come with the fj80 cruiser body. Anyway, truck looks great. I don't really see the draw to the hpi over axial. The truck seems nice but I'm not seeing any real stand out feature on the hpi. Am I missing something? Or is it just what it seems?

[@hemistormrc]

There are plenty of reasons why the HPI can hang with some of the more seasoned trucks out there. I think the most important one is motor placement, as the layout of the Venture really has the edge over the competition. The transmission is nice and compact, drops down directly and the transfer case is very small. Also, don't underestimate these axles. It is hard to convey how well they're built from just video or pics. I think there is nothing better than having more options out, and perhaps growing your collection. Some days I feel like driving my Axials, sometimes my Ascender, then my TRX4 or the Venture. Plenty of character in each of them!

[@toddbertram6556]

I don't doubt quality of the hpi and I agree in that a different days different trucks call my name. I was just looking to see if the hpi had something I wasn't seeing in terms of something greatly innovative. Thanks for the reply, look forward to seeing your venture on the rocks.

[@hemistormrc]

It will get some serious run time in Hong Kong I think! Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos.

[@mrknowledge9468]

Hi. Just bought venture. Thanks for your video. Was really helpful. Can I ask where you are from? Can hear bit of accent, em I right?

[@Ikqu]

Nice upgrades! Why don't you whip up a new brace and tray in Sketch up or something and get it printed, it's super easy.

[@hemistormrc]

I think a few companies are on it, and we should see some options appear soon!

[@latimus6669]

hey you should make your own cross brace or insert to move the battery on that x-carve. videos are great man.

[@hemistormrc]

I'm indeed thinking that could be a good idea!

[@Cameron_OKG]

So my scx10 ii kit shows up tomorrow and I was wondering if you have any tips to make the shocks work better . I know the stock axial shocks are famous for failure . Any tips would help . Thanks Chris

[@hemistormrc]

The best thing to do is honestly to pick up a set of Proline Powerstrokes.

[@Cameron_OKG]

Thanks . I used marine grease on the bottom cap and o-rings and the top cap and o-ring and can't make them leak yet . I stole some of your ideas for my paint and used flat clear on the outside in just a few key places like the hood bump ,fender flairs, and raised stripes on the roof . And it looks sick if I do say so myself . Wish I could post pics to show you . Not as intricate as yours but good for a beginner .

[@antrc]

Nice work.

[@hemistormrc]

Thanks!

[@davegrasser2774]

So how's the run time with the lihv batts with the mamba x , obviously it can run those batteries? And so I understand properly if I'm getting 4-5 hrs of run time on a 5000 math 3s Lipo on the mamba x with the slate 3800kv , I should get more run time on these new batts

[@hemistormrc]

Any Lipo capable ESC will take these LiHV batteries, run times are a tad better than regular LiPo power, from what I can guess so far.

[@rachad66]

hello, what light kit did you use on it? thank you

[@hemistormrc]

Hi Rachad, I used an Axial light kit in the truck.

[@markzanger64]

Killer truck. Do you think a honcho cab and cage will fit this rig ?

[@hemistormrc]

I think it will, Mark. Could mean that you need to relocate the battery, but there is plenty of room.

[@shrimperlincs3395]

What's the biggest Castle or Hobbywings motor you could fit in here? That's biggest servo that will fit unmodifie

[@hemistormrc]

Any stock sized servo, and cans up to a 550 size. Have fun!

[@humblerc841]

looks good!

[@hemistormrc]

It is a pretty truck indeed! HPI did well.

[@mossonitmossey]

Just picked one of these up just curious about the charging system setup when plugged in the wall block has a green light does that change when fully charged?

[@hemistormrc]

I have no idea to be honest, I recommend buying a good charger, takes out the guesswork. Safer too!

[@mossonitmossey]

HemiStorm RC - Custom RC builds, painting videos and more i ended up buying some 2s lipos and a Venmo dual charger

[@rc_holixdiecastcollection8437]

Sir how do you install the headlights and rear lights of this HPI FJ Cruiser?

[@hemistormrc]

Ised some Proline Racing lightpods for the headlights, and scraped away the inside paint in the tail lights before shoe gooing a light kit from Axial in place. It works perfect.

[@rc_holixdiecastcollection8437]

thanks sir

[@chrisgaalen]

How do i get those decals on that Venture ?

[@arsalrc]

Wow, nice

[@hemistormrc]

Thanks!

[@rezblade1565]

Really been put to the test with that mouth, but once again provided great content !, Expresso , any work on the team associate rival mt 1/18 ?

[@hemistormrc]

Hi, I don't have the Rival, you must have me confused with someone else.

[@wooty8721]

Hey chris, can you do a collection video with all your R/C's? You havent done one of those in ages.

[@hemistormrc]

I can, it will be a pretty long video though!

[@wooty8721]

That's ok, i'm sure it'd be more interesting than others. :p

[@TheTankRC]

Awesome upgrades, now there's one thing missing dirt and mud

[@hemistormrc]

Those are the best accessories! Say hi to the family, Francois!

[@Antonio-RC]

Yeah............ nah, not for me but, I am happy you like it.

[@hemistormrc]

It is nice to see more options I think, it will only raise the bar!

[@HALOman-vi2tg]

Just wondering. How do you feel about nitro?

[@hemistormrc]

My climate makes for having to constantly tune, not a fan.

[@HALOman-vi2tg]

HemiStorm RC - Custom RC builds, painting videos and more I have 3 hpi savage 25s and a Team associated mgt 4.6. I live in the United States in the south so tuning is easy

[@rccrawlerextreme]

How much is this truck? Any bad review

[@hemistormrc]

I think they ar around $ 379,- and they should be a bit easier to get these days. HPI is getting stock levels back up to where they should be.

[@rccrawlerextreme]

Thanks

[@satishpenumala5320]

How much price

[@barharborbasher249]

🍻

[@hemistormrc]

Cheers Josh, have an awesome weekend man!

[@dirtydsrc]

1:12 MST.

[@hemistormrc]

Looks like another interesting truck.

[@jacksmith3246]

Hi

[@clarionjasmin6069]

Pleas tes drive