4 ECX Amp Upgrades For Beginners

traxxas slash 2wd upgrades

I love the ECX Amp, which offers one of the coolest and strongest drives I’ve seen in a monster truck. But while strong and robust, I knew I could add even more ECX Amp upgrades to make it even better! With all the different upgrades and accessories available though, it can get tough figuring out which is best for you.

That’s why I began doing extensive research and trying out some suggestions on ECX Amp MR upgrades myself. So if you’re wondering which upgrades are worth it for the ECX Amp, read on! I’ll show you the top four upgrades you should consider doing with the ECX Amp MT to make your drives even better.

Four Awesome ECX Amp Upgrades

Most of the ECX Amp MT review articles I read are excellent and positive, even I love this little monster truck myself! But it’s time for a step up as you continue to progress and learn more about the ECX Amp. So if you’re a beginner or looking to begin upgrading it, start off with these four first (thanks to Arma Forum for some suggestions!):

1. Batteries

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Of course, the first things you need to operate your ECX Amp are the batteries. These batteries are used for the transmitter included with your monster truck, requiring FOUR AA batteries. I highly recommend that you use rechargeable batteries for it so you can use it right away.

I suggest that you invest in a LiPo battery,

There’s no need to upgrade your transmitter’s batteries, but for your ECX Amp, that’s when things get different. Your ECX Amp includes a 1,800mAh NiMH battery, which works excellently if you’re starting out. But if you want to have the ECX Amp reach its full potential, I recommend you replace it.

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I suggest that you invest in a LiPo battery, which offers longer run times AND amazing power to stock systems. This is actually the first thing you should consider doing when looking for an upgrade. Not only is it useful, but it’s the most affordable upgrade to do.

So if you run LiPo batteries on stock electronics, there’s the risk of destroying the battery, the AMP or even injuring yourself.

However, there are things to take note of! The ECX Amp is listed as LiPo compatible, BUT the ESC/Receiver pack the ECX Amp comes with has no low voltage alarm or cutoff. So if you run LiPo batteries on stock electronics, there’s the risk of destroying the battery, the AMP or even injuring yourself.

So if you plan on running LiPo batteries on stock electronics, make sure that you get a LiPo voltage alarm with it. That way, it monitors your LiPo battery voltage and alarms if ever it gets too powerful, saving the ECX battery and device.

2. Bearings

I recommend you get bearing kits made of steel or metal opposed to the plastic ones the stock systems come with.

Like the battery included with the ECX Amp, the bearings are enough to operate well as a beginner. But when you advance and learn the ropes, there’s very little to learn from and it leaves little to be desired. Besides this, you’ll notice that the stock bearings are either sloppy or unreliable, requiring adjustment or repair because of its low-quality.

Because of that, getting a new set of quality bearings should be your next upgrade. I recommend you get bearing kits made of steel or metal opposed to the plastic ones the stock systems come with.

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If you plan to build a kit version of your ECX Amp, I suggest you get new bearings with the kit. That way, you save time and effort having to go back and purchase new bearings, then replace the stock ones. You’ll definitely see the difference in how sturdy and stable the ECX Amp gets with quality bearings.

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3. Servo

It’s better to add power to its power steering by upgrading your ECX Amp’s servo.

While powerful enough and something I admire about the ECXAmp, the stock steering is still underpowered. It isn’t noticeable for beginners, but it gets a bit irritating to steer smoothly as you advance! It’s better to add power to its power steering by upgrading your ECX Amp’s servo.

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There are many different servos available, though I highly recommend you get either the Hitec HS5645MG or Power HD 1501MG or MG996R. They provide enough power without the huge price tag and there’s a significant difference compared to the stock power steering. It becomes even smoother and more responsive as you take sharp curves as you race or drift.

4. Electronic Speed Controller

Last but not least, I recommend you get a new transmitter or Electronic Speed Controller/Receiver combo. I never like the stock units that come with ANY RC, and unfortunately, that includes the ECX Amp. It isn’t that it underperforms, but it’s very expensive and such a hassle to upgrade if you want to!

Plus, if there’s an issue with just one part, the entire unit becomes useless, which is such a waste of money.

Because it comes in a combo kit, you can’t just upgrade the receiver or ESC alone. You’ll need to replace BOTH, costing a lot more and adding more effort in finding the proper one. Plus, if there’s an issue with just one part, the entire unit becomes useless, which is such a waste of money.

it’s worth it for the extra power and advanced interface for more freedom in controlling your ECX Amp.

With that said, there are fortunately inexpensive upgrades which have positive differences against the stock units. But do take note that with a whole new electronic speed controller and receiver, you’ll also require new radio setups as well. It’s a bit confusing to configure but in the end, it’s worth it for the extra power and advanced interface for more freedom in controlling your ECX Amp.

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If anything, this can be your ultimate upgrade as a beginner before you begin studying more on intermediate upgrades for your ECX Amp.

Wrapping It Up

While these are made best for beginners or as the first upgrades to do on your ECX, it’s best to take note of it even as an advanced monster truck enthusiast. That way, you can take steps further to improving your ECX Amp and enjoy its full capabilities more.

I hope my article on the different ECX Amp upgrades helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and look into following any of these upgrades now.

If you have any questions or want to share your own ECX Amp review, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.