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Can I Install a Felony ESC on a Kraton? A Comprehensive Guide

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Rehan Kamran
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5 min read

When it comes to upgrading or swapping parts between RC (remote control) vehicles, enthusiasts often wonder if certain components can be interchanged between different models. A common question that arises is whether you can install a Felony ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) on a Kraton. Both vehicles, the Felony and Kraton, are popular models produced by ARRMA, a brand known for its high-performance RC cars and trucks.

If you're contemplating installing a Felony ESC on your Kraton, here's a comprehensive guide that will help you understand compatibility, installation steps, and considerations you should keep in mind.

Understanding the ESC and Its Role

First, it's crucial to understand the role of an ESC in an RC vehicle. The ESC is responsible for controlling the motor’s speed and converting power from the battery to ensure smooth throttle control and braking. Simply put, it's the brain behind your vehicle's acceleration and deceleration.

Both the ARRMA Felony and ARRMA Kraton use brushless motors and ESCs, making them powerful and capable vehicles on and off the road. However, they are designed with different purposes in mind:

  • ARRMA Felony: A street basher with a sleek, muscle-car-inspired design, optimized for high-speed performance on paved surfaces.

  • ARRMA Kraton: A high-performance stunt truck (monster truck), built for off-road driving and stunts, capable of handling rugged terrain with ease.

Compatibility of Felony ESC and Kraton

While both the Felony and Kraton are from the same manufacturer and share some similar features (such as brushless motors), their specific components are tailored to their unique functions. Here's what to consider:

1. Motor Compatibility

The ESC from the Felony is typically paired with a 6S-capable BLX185 or Firma 150A ESC, depending on the version. This ESC is designed to handle high-speed demands from the Felony’s 2050kV brushless motor. The Kraton, especially the 6S model, also uses the BLX185 ESC, meaning they share some common ESC configurations.

If your Kraton already uses a similar brushless setup, then yes, installing a Felony ESC on a Kraton should work. However, if you’re dealing with a lower-spec Kraton model (like the 4S version), you might encounter issues with the ESC being too powerful for the motor or battery system.

2. Battery Considerations

The Felony ESC is built to handle 6S LiPo batteries (two 3S batteries or one 6S battery). Ensure that your Kraton can support a similar battery configuration if you’re planning to use the Felony ESC. If your Kraton is designed for a 4S setup, then using a Felony ESC could result in overheating or overloading of components, which could lead to failure or even damage the vehicle.

3. Mounting and Space Constraints

While the electronics might be compatible, you should also consider the physical dimensions of the ESC. The Felony ESC may have a different mounting plate or size compared to what the Kraton is designed for. Before you proceed with the installation, make sure the ESC will fit securely in the space available in your Kraton. It’s possible you may need to fabricate a custom mount or make slight modifications to the chassis to accommodate the ESC.

Steps to Install the Felony ESC on a Kraton

If you’re convinced that the Felony ESC is a good match for your Kraton, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to install it:

1. Gather Tools and Materials

  • Felony ESC

  • Soldering iron (for motor or battery connector modifications)

  • Screwdrivers (to remove the existing ESC and attach the new one)

  • Double-sided mounting tape or ESC mount (if needed)

  • Heat shrink tubing (for any wire connections)

2. Remove the Existing Kraton ESC

  • Disconnect the battery and motor wires from your Kraton’s current ESC.

  • Unscrew the existing ESC from its mounting position.

  • If necessary, de-solder any connections that won’t be compatible with the new ESC (e.g., motor or battery connectors).

3. Mount the Felony ESC

  • Fit the Felony ESC into the available space on your Kraton. If the size of the ESC is different from the stock one, you may need to modify the mounting position.

  • Use double-sided tape or screws (if applicable) to secure the ESC firmly in place.

4. Connect the Motor Wires

  • Ensure that the motor wires from the Felony ESC match the polarity of your Kraton’s motor. This will often involve matching color-coded wires (usually black, red, and yellow). If needed, use your soldering iron to attach new motor connectors.

5. Connect the Battery

  • The Felony ESC will likely require a 6S battery setup, so make sure your Kraton is equipped with a compatible battery system.

  • Check the battery connectors to ensure they are the same or compatible (e.g., XT90 connectors). If not, you may need to solder on new connectors.

6. Calibrate the ESC

  • Once the new ESC is installed, you’ll need to calibrate it to work with your transmitter. Follow the instructions provided with the Felony ESC to ensure proper calibration for throttle control and braking.

7. Test Drive

  • Before hitting full throttle, run a series of tests to ensure everything works properly. Start with low-speed tests and gradually increase speed to verify that the ESC and motor are in sync.

Important Considerations

  • Warranty: Swapping components between vehicles can sometimes void warranties, especially if the ESC wasn’t designed for your specific model. Check the terms of your warranty before making any modifications.

  • Heat Management: The Felony ESC may generate more heat than the stock ESC in the Kraton, especially if you’re pushing it hard. Ensure there’s adequate airflow or consider installing a heat sink or cooling fan to prevent overheating.

  • Weight and Balance: Installing a different ESC could impact the overall weight and balance of your Kraton. This might affect how it handles, especially during stunts or off-road driving. Be mindful of this during your test runs.

Conclusion

In most cases, installing a Felony ESC on a Kraton is possible, especially if both models are using similar components like a 6S battery and brushless motor. However, you’ll need to ensure that the ESC is compatible with your Kraton’s motor and battery setup, and that there’s enough room to securely mount the new ESC.

If you’re comfortable with some basic modifications and soldering, this upgrade can give your Kraton a new burst of speed and improved throttle response, especially for those looking to push the limits of their RC truck. Just remember to take the proper precautions to ensure everything runs smoothly, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from fellow RC enthusiasts if you’re unsure about any part of the installation process. Happy bashing!

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