DO THIS FIRST! 11 Top Mods Upgrades to Do to the Element Ecto Before the First Drive

[@javabeans6355]

I picked up an ecto and loving it. Thank you for bringing this rig to my attention. This rig is awesome out of the box, and will be even better. Much appreciation.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you like it! Mine has MANY MILES on it now, and still going strong.

[@brianellison3525]

The Ecto was my favorite release in 21. I buy them all. I've been doing small scale car stuff all my life. I started with nitro tether cars in the 70's. Your take on what this truck needed first was interesting. Not far off the mark. My first thing. FIRST ! disassemble the entire truck. And then rebuild it a lot lighter and lower with about 30% od. It only hurts side hilling on smoother stuff, or smooth vertical climbs. I comp mainly on sharp rocks. But this isn't one of my actual comp rigs. It's my fave backyard crawler. Cool vid, I'll have to put you on my list. Have fun. Be well and have fun.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I fully agree, this truck has been a great add in 2021!

[@kts8806]

That seems to be a really nice truck right out of the box!

[@RoadsideRC]

I am VERY happy with it and agree, right out of the box, quite the good truck!

[@outdoororiginal4364]

Just got mine today… any chance you have/or could do a video on the conformal coating of the receiver ? I am one of those guys that need to see it done to understand how to go about it. I certainly don’t want to ruin a brand new box. Thanks and God bless

[@RoadsideRC]

I'll add it to the video list!

[@Darknynja2]

Some great tips. Especially the conformal coating idea. Thank you.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@332_RC]

I'm sold on the Ecto. Can always add a sealed receiver box that looks like a fuel cell from RC4WD Trailfinder 2 to put the receiver in. Mount best location foward.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I ended up using conformal coating, which saves weight and cost.

[@Quitmotorsports]

Super glad I picked up an Ecto as well! Noticing myself that it can use a more powerful servo and possibly a BEC for that servo, I've had limited testing, but have a lot of trouble steering in rocks. This ESC seems much better than the enduros ESC, so i'm not 100% sure it needs to be replaced yet. I also had a hub cap sitting in the bottom of the box, love the videos as always!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes - I have since swapped out the servo. The stock is 15kg, which is not bad for a RTR. Still, I typically go with the ZOSKAY 35kg servos, and the difference is noticeable for sure!

[@garyborbotko126]

Nice video. Very good explaining all the little problems and bugs. It's a nice Heads up

[@caponecruz6259]

My Ecto Black should be arriving to my home sometime Friday! I can't wait! I got the combo & I do plan on upgrading it, but money wise I have to wait! Looking forward to my first 1/10 scale crawler! I have an SCX24 Deadbolt all modded out with upgrades & a Komodo brushless motor!

[@RoadsideRC]

You made a GREAT choice! This ECTO has continued to surprise me to this day! I hope this video helps you get started on the right foot as well!

[@caponecruz6259]

@@RoadsideRC Thank you! I'm glad I stumbled onto your video. Great video & very helpful! It'll be raining here in california again tomorrow, perfect weather to run it hoping no floods happen! Man I can't wait!

[@JMHZ2401]

I like that bumper tuck.

[@RoadsideRC]

Works great...and is FREE!

[@deankline2814]

I love your video, question....I do alot of rock crawling and some trail. by lowering the shocks as in your video, seems odd because it would seem i would want more ground clearance?? I am new to this, but i find my front diff already hitting stuff? Next, went climbing steep inclines, it seems my front tires to not bite enough from what i can see. any thoughts? Also I have a ton of treal brass already, it more weight always better? considering buying some heavy beadlocks and jconcepts tusk tires.... please advise and thank you

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi there! Great questions. VERY common questions. Ground clearance: lower center of gravity helps keep you on your wheels instead of tipping over. Especially on side hill. The comment you leave about the front diff hitting things is actually not impacted at all by lowering the rest of the truck. That dimension is controlled by the axle design (you can watch the front diff while moving the body). Front tires on steep inclines: see the comment about lower center of gravity. Weight: NO! Heavier is worse! Gravity pulls on weight. Walk up some stairs...then try again while holding heavy weights. Which is easier? Your truck is doing the same thing. Very simple guideline for performance: add weight down low and on the front axle only; make everything else as light as possible. Here is the magic - when you combine the lower center of gravity with the weight in the front. Yes - the center skid of the truck will drag more - but the front will pull the truck over the obstacle.

[@joweemac]

What a great informative Video, Well Done my friend ..... you just might have sold me on the Ecto I must say!! :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to be a bad influence! :) The ECTO is literally one of the best RTR crawlers you can possibly get!

[@coolrcshorts2023]

Merci pour tes précieux conseils thank you for your valuable advice good video

[@RoadsideRC]

Merci à vous

[@arni7810]

Awesome!! Can we use 3s lipo battery on this or only 2s lipo?

[@RoadsideRC]

3S works great!

[@arni7810]

@@RoadsideRC great thanks

[@audiosoil1]

Super informative ive had my eyes on this truck doing some research. Been interested in the trx4 Chevy as well. But the ecto seems to be more performance savvy.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - the ECTO is in a different performance league compared to a full-blown TRX4. This truck out crawls so many, at a fraction of the price.

[@fraggle716]

@RoadsideRC did you end up removing the sway bar?

[@RoadsideRC]

I never did - the truck works great as-is!

[@jerroldtaylor3047]

Will have to try some of the mods

[@RoadsideRC]

I think they are a good idea!

[@robertwhitaker2536]

Just bought this truck yesterday and you have alot of good info and ideas for things to do. Could i use dielectric grease to protect the receiver

[@RoadsideRC]

Honestly, I think the dielectric grease will not last long in that application. I would suggest getting a small bottle of conformal coating. It isn't expensive.

[@robertwhitaker2536]

@@RoadsideRC thank you sir I'm new to the rc rockcrawler world but have raced slashes but two different worlds and learning new things

[@fibula74]

Thanks for those inexpensive ideas ! I did them, thank you ! As a noob (with a brain), I’m wondering what are those 2 free connectors coming from the ESC ? Is it for accessory stuff like winches, lights ...?

[@RoadsideRC]

Honestly - I forgot what they are for. They are called out in your truck's manual.

[@rcwildrockcrawler]

Hello, I found cool stuff on your channel. Now I think about buying ecto trail. Is there any option for steel transmission gears? I was looking on google but no luck. Im worried if the plastic gears are longlife. I would to like to slow crawl, offroad, no water. Thanks.

[@RoadsideRC]

The gears in this transmission are strong. As long as you do not really bind the truck up, you will be OK. Still, I have also replaced some of the gears with metal doing an overdrive upgrade. Here is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXOxZ3qwmdx2nbM I 100% recommend the ECTO. It is a GREAT truck.

[@rcwildrockcrawler]

@@RoadsideRC Ok, thanks a lot, you've got a new subscriber. 😉

[@billapogues9360]

Im new to the hobby and im between the ecto and the trx4 sport for my first rig im leaning towards the ecto, any thoughts or suggestions 🤔

[@RoadsideRC]

The ECTO is the best truck out of the box that I have had. With a few more mods, it is a VERY capable truck.

[@billapogues9360]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks for getting back to me really appreciate it your videos are alot of help!!! Love the look of the new ecto black with the weatherable paint!! Now just need to wait for next weeks paycheck!! 😩

[@tayzoito]

When I move the pan hard bar to the top most holes on the panhard mount, the panhard bar will hit the servo arm when it is all the way down. Do you have that issue?

[@RoadsideRC]

I did not ever notice it during crawling. Had you also moved the shocks like I showed?

[@scalehavenrcpark113]

Just ordered up the gatekeeper, pretty close to the same rig, really looking forward to getting my mitts on a new rig!

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! I hope you enjoy it!

[@mxsty8829]

Is it possible to put the gatekeeper body on the ecto chassis?

[@cesco_rc]

@@mxsty8829 Yes you can with the right parts. The Ecto is basicly a Gatekeeper with a lexan body. Check both manuals for what parts you need and what you need to change.

[@luigavino631]

Do you have any fix for the clunking sound on the rear axle? I heard elements are pretty known for that issue?

[@RoadsideRC]

I have not had that issue at all! I guess I am lucky?

[@rcdabbler]

Both my Trailrunner and Sendero HD exhibit that clunky axle sound, and mostly from the rear. I've read that placing a shim inside the lockout(?) will alleviate that issue. Haven't tried it yet, but plan to.

[@miger12]

Brilliant 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@Chris18RC]

Nice video my friend 😍😍👍👍👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@rcdabbler]

Thanks for the tips. Managed to nab a new green Ecto via a "scratch and dent" deal. Looking forward to seeing it up close, but I'm going to wait until September(b'day) to open it. 😝

[@RoadsideRC]

Such a great truck - you will love it.

[@IansRcFun]

Great ecto video! This will be my next rig so this is helpful! Would it be possible to fit a real winch on there?

[@RoadsideRC]

Great choice. Really good truck! Yes - they made it so you can fit a real winch there.

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

Hello haven't you tried yet the ifs2??

[@RoadsideRC]

I have not had the chance yet, no.

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

@@RoadsideRC I will be waiting for that..

[@travissouerdike1335]

I'm curious to see how the extra amount of O/D works on that rig. I had a 27/8t overdrive and a 33/8t under-drive in my Wraith 1.9. (30/8t is stock gearing) I found it was too much for that particular build. Too much binding and the rig fought itself. Went back to the stock gear up front, keeping the under-drive in the rear. Now it's a beast

[@RoadsideRC]

Check some of my other videos on the truck. I have gone all the way to 37% total overdrive and it runs great!

[@brianellison3525]

I've never seen a class 2 or 3 win without something over 25% od. I've been doing this a long time. Ive got a cheater that runs over 40% and it will just outright go anywhere.

[@nj2033]

Great video! Thank you

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edjunker]

I'd like to know what you are seeing in doing overdrive on the front axle? I think I'm missing it because I can't see how that will help at all. THanks!

[@RoadsideRC]

Happy to help! Over driving the front axles helps with: - smaller turning radius - easier uphill climbing as the front wheels help pull more - slight improvement in downhill rolling over. Typically in my other trucks, I run more than the 12% Element gives you. I have around 25% in my TRX4, and even higher in my SCX10iii. Many people have concerns on trailing with these setups, but I don't have any issues in my experience.

[@okcutr.c895]

Nice Video My Friend 🤟 Thank you for the great video today. I'll look forward to your next video.😁

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@MrBumbles2]

rx i usually use spray platic dip clear.

[@RoadsideRC]

That should work also!

[@MrBumbles2]

@@RoadsideRC yea it does fully submerged lol. Looking at ecto

[@dramacidalrc9714]

I’m not an owner of one but great stuff brother. See ya next time my friend 😁💯💯🤙

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! This truck has really surprised me with how much I like it!

[@mattsgarage61]

What rims are those? They look great

[@RoadsideRC]

They are Varihub wheels from Ottsix. I believe they are called "babyface"

[@brasher12a]

Im torn between one of these and a TRX4 sport.... which one is more capable?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is a really tough one. Both are truly great. My son and I drove them side-by-side at a recent event. Both performed very similarly. With that said, the TRX4 has a lot more modifications done to it than the Ecto does. I might have to suggest the ECTO...but you can't go wrong with either.

[@koolkrawler6028]

I am also really torn between the ecto or trx sport some one has to change my mind lol

[@RoadsideRC]

Both are really good. There are more aftermarket parts available for the TRX4...but the ECTO doesn't need them. The ECTO is really good, with less $$$ invested.

[@ReggieMan85]

@@koolkrawler6028 damn same here 😂 I’m almost leaning towards one of these!

[@sebas888888]

I have both and the ecto crawls better out of the box hem and after doing a few free mods shown here and also recommend big sun hobbies videos. He's a crawler freak and provides very valuable advice. The trx4 sport is way heavier and doesn't really crawl as well as the ecto out of the box. After a few free mods and 3d prints and upgrades it's ok but I still see it as a trail that can crawl more than a true crawler. For the price of the trx 4 sport I can buy the ecto and upgrades like a 1080 , proline trenchers and beadlocks. I even got a power hd continuous servo to make myself a winch. I didn't buy foams but did the hair bun hack and it's so good it's genius witchcraft like just scalin describes it. My trx4 sport has cost me quite a bit more so far. Box stock Costs the same as ecto plus upgrades. And then on top of that, between the steering servo which broke at around the tenth battery pack, the swap of esc to 1080, changing wheels to beadlocks and proline hyrax predators and also the proline dual stage foams because the truck is so heavy... The light kit is ridiculously expensive and is not even controlable (on/off) (well you can if you hack an old servo and all, but it means you still add up to the tally). So yeah the Traxxas has lots of hop ups and all, but the ecto has so many more plus points in comparison, .... It's really a great rig and it won't deceive. And no matter how much you put in the trx4 sport it will never keep up with the cheap ecto. Like I said ecto + free mods + 1080 + wheels= big smile on your face and in your pocket leaving you with some extra money to buy another RC or a nice remote control to rule them all. It's only my point of view, and others might see it otherwise, but it's my experience and feeling about this. May the torque be with you all

[@sebas888888]

in my case, the screws inside the driveshaft turned loose on the second battery pack, so i put them back with loctite. and about the shocks, they were not correctly built and tight and were leaking. it was already soaking everything inside the box! so more than checking I had to rebuild and change oil on the 4 shocks before even using the car

[@RoadsideRC]

Ah man! Interesting. Thanks for the add!

[@toddmcclure757va2]

Alot of the upgrades I'm looking at for my ecto like the ssd/treal stuff it is listed for the enduro sendero. Do these work for the ecto?? I think it's basically the same chassis right?? Thanks!!

[@RoadsideRC]

So far, it has all worked for me.

[@toddmcclure757va2]

@@RoadsideRC the hex is 12mm right? What would you suggest for an upgrade on those

[@RoadsideRC]

No need to upgrade hexes. Nothing wrong with the stock ones.

[@toddmcclure757va2]

@@RoadsideRC thanks again. I should be getting mine today. Can't wait

[@907arcticrc6]

Awesome video and info on rc upgrades Thanks for sharing my friend and stay safe. 👍🥶👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks, you too!

[@chaoticadventure]

I'm torn between this and the traxxas 2021' trx4 bronco in black. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@RoadsideRC]

If you are looking for performance, then it is the ECTO hands-down. If you want more scale looks - then you will have to go TRX4. My ECTO has a fraction of the mods done to it that my TRX4 has, and it walks all the same lines - plus some. Mine is even the TRX4 Sport, so compared to what you are considering, has even better performance.

[@sorracing9225]

Good info!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you think so!

[@1118tcox]

Would you recommend anything over this rig?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is really hard. This truck is great for sure. I like a lot of the crawlers...but this might be the most capable straight out of the box.

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

your channel rocks

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@sebas888888]

Inspired by big sung but I pushed his mod even more, I have a free battery mod. I flipped the tray brace left to right and also upside down. I had to shave and file the sides a little to fit the rails but this achieved 2 things. Lower down the tray a little bit more and make it flush with the rails. So it lowers the cg some more. Free easy mod!

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaeljohnson254]

Everything he did here wqs big sung...but big sung copied me if u aint found out by now guess you better know me son

[@islandrc-duke1972]

cool info and mods to do

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@nolaweezy6366]

Good tips. I like the fact that these won’t cost a fortune unlike other channels that promote “upgrades” that cost more than the truck itself. It seems like more and more channels are just advertising for expensive aftermarket parts.

[@RoadsideRC]

That does happen for sure! And I put a bunch of parts on my trucks also - but it doesn't always have to be about that. It is interesting how often you can get away with just some creativity!

[@dezertdestroyer7782]

Thanks tight

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it helped!

[@koolkrawler6028]

So will anything enduro fit on the ecto???

[@RoadsideRC]

I think so.

[@stevenbrooks7776]

The enduro stuff for the rear suspension will not work only this and gatekeeper are intrerchangeable

[@NoodlesNJ1]

Is that a 2 speed?

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope - single speed transmission. I find 2-speed transmissions are not actually very useful.

[@NoodlesNJ1]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks for the Reply, appreciate that. Nice video

[@scalehavenrcpark113]

Is it just me or is that chassis identical to the gatekeeper?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - it is.

[@jettthomas9453]

25 percent od gears from knk, also shocktowers on ebay or from rockpirates

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I have 25% gears on their way. What benefit are you getting from the shock towers?

[@rajisuke]

いいね👍️ チャンネル登録しました🔔

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@twain772]

clear plastidip is another way to waterproof and di-electric grease to keep the prongs from getting corroded.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - that is a good tip.

[@maximumrpm1868]

👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@nhmtrhd]

With all the talk & worry about waterproofing by everyone. I guess I must be the only one that doesn’t run his r/c cars-trucks near water, ever!! I do run my boats in the water. Is there a problem with me? 😢 LOL

[@RoadsideRC]

Once you go wet, you won't go back! :) Water and mud is just part of the fun!

[@nhmtrhd]

@@RoadsideRC Thx for the reply 👍

[@mikeeklund18]

why worship this truck?its not that good.do we really need 24 different shock positions. if you have to fix 11 things just hang it on the fn wall and enjoy the beauty of it

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! This is literally one of the best RTR crawlers on the market. Just because there are 11 easy upgrades doesn't mean the truck is bad.

[@mikeeklund18]

@@RoadsideRC hey roadside you got me, for a guy who hasent driven or worked on one i should have never said that. im sorry,mike