Page 3 - Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas S-Maxx (Stadium Maxx) nitromonster truck. Traxxas engineers focused on the essentials ofperformance by putting plenty of horsepower in a lighterweight, more agile monster. The new WideMaxx suspensionfeatures multiple shock mounting adjustments, adjustable rideheigh...
Page 4 - Before You Proceed; Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a; Refers you to a page with a related topic.; Support
Before You Proceed Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and anyaccompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your S-Maxx. Failure to follow these instructions will be consideredabuse and/or neglect. Before running your S-Maxx, look over this entire manual, andexamine the truck ca...
Page 5 - Important Points to Remember; R/C fuel is dangerous and highly poisonous.; Always follow; Keep all fuel out of the; Safety Precautions
All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new S-Maxx.Operate your S-Maxx sensibly and with care, and it will beexciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure tooperate your S-Maxx in a safe and responsible manner mayresult in property damage and serious injury. The precaution...
Page 6 - on; Batteries; Your S-Maxx comes with these specialty metric tools:; Other Required Tools and Supplies
Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment Your S-Maxx comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’llneed to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer,to operate and maintain your model. For more info onbatteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 13. A peak-detectingcharger isrecomm...
Page 7 - Anatomy of the S-Maxx
Anatomy of the S-Maxx Battery Box Fuel Tank Fuel Tank Lid Steering Servo Suspension Arm (upper) Bumper (Front) Bumper Mount Skid Plate (front) Cross-brace Shock (Oil Damper) Turnbuckle Throttle/Brake Servo Receiver Box Transmission Air Filter Tuned Pipe Exhaust Header Engine see pg. 21 for details P...
Page 8 - Quick Start: Getting up to Speed
The following guide is an overview of theprocedures for getting your S-Maxx running, from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine.Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for theQuick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages. 1. Charge the battery pack •...
Page 9 - Gluing The Tires; Hub
The factory tires on your S-Maxx are already glued to the rims.The tires must be glued to the rims to prevent the rims fromspinning inside the tires. The instructions here are provided toshow you how to glue replacement tires to the rims in thefuture. Use CA tire glue available from your local hobby...
Page 10 - Decorating Your S-Maxx; Applying The Decals; Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.
Decorating Your S-Maxx Applying The Decals The main decals havealready been applied toyour T-Maxx. The extradecals provided are die-cutfor easy removal. Use ahobby knife to lift thecorner of a decal andremove it from the backing. Carefully position the decalover the desired locationand press one sid...
Page 11 - The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
11 The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Your S-Maxx (model 5109) is equipped with the TQ-3 RadioSystem. The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides high-poweroutput up to a quarter mile and control for up to three servos.The S-Maxx makes use of two channels for throttle/brake andsteering. The third channe...
Page 12 - Radio System Terminology; Channel
Radio System Terminology Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system terms. They will be used throughout this manual. Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6 channels so that up to six models can be operatedsimultaneously. Each channel is referred to by its fla...
Page 13 - Installing Transmitter Batteries; Use the Right Batteries
13 The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Installing Transmitter Batteries Your TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The batterycompartment is located in the base of the transmitter. 1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and lifting the door up. 2. Install the batteries in the correct o...
Page 14 - Installing Receiver Batteries; Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.; If the
Installing Receiver Batteries The radio receiver in your S-Maxx uses 4 AA batteries. The batteryholder for the receiver batteries is located underneath the batterycover. The battery cover can be identified by the on/off switch. 1. Remove the batterycover by removingthe two 3x10mmbuttonhead capscrews...
Page 15 - Setting Up the Antenna
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System 15 Spray a little windowcleaner on the antennawire to make it easier to push through theantenna tube. Don’t shorten thelength of the antennawire. Its length is tuned to the frequency band;cutting it could severelyshorten the radio system’srange. Don’t push thetransmitte...
Page 16 - TQ-3 Radio System Controls; Throttle Neutral Adjustment; The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter; Electronic Throttle Trim; The electronic throttle trim located on the face of the
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System TQ-3 Radio System Controls 16 Other TQ-3 Radio System Adjustments In addition to the electronic throttle and steering trim controls, your radio system features throttle neutral adjustment andservo reversing switches. Throttle Neutral Adjustment The throttle neutral adju...
Page 17 - Electronic Steering Trim
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System 17 will roll freely). Do not use the throttle trim to raise or lower the engine idle speed. Make the idle speed adjustment on thecarburetor. Electronic Steering Trim The electronic steering trim located on the face of the transmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point o...
Page 18 - TQ-3 Radio System Rules; Always turn your TQ-3 transmitter; and; and; to avoid
TQ-3 Radio System Rules Each time you prepare to run your S-Maxx, you must clear your frequencyto be sure no one else in the area isusing the same channel as you. There are six possible channels,numbered 1 through 6. Each isrepresented by a color. Look at thecrystal plugged into the back of yourtran...
Page 19 - Using the TQ-3 Radio System
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Using the TQ-3 Radio System The TQ-3 Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory. Theadjustment should be checked, before running the model, incase of movement during shipping. Here’s how: 1. Fully extend the chrome antenna mast on the transmitterand turn the switch on...
Page 20 - Have a friend hold the model with the engine off.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Range-Testing the TQ-3 Radio System Before each running session with your S-Maxx, you should range-test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly. 1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as describedin the previous section (Using Your Radio Syste...
Page 21 - Break In; The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine
Introduction There’s nothing like the TRX 2.5 Racing Engine in your new S-Maxx. The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine is vastly superior to typicalR/C engines and belongs in the category of specialty high-performance racing engines. It’s the result of years of focusedengineering development, and thousands of ho...
Page 23 - Terms to Know
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine Terms to Know You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout thissection of the manual. .15 - .15 or “15” refers to the size of the engine. The TRX 2.5 is .15 cubic inches or 2.5 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 2.5”is derived from the cc measurement. ABC - Abbrev...
Page 24 - see “nitro percentage” definition
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine Flame-out - Occurs when the engine stops running at high RPM. Usually the fault of an excessively lean fuel mixture orglow plug failure. Fuel - (10% 20%) The TRX 2.5 must have model engine fuel to run. Traxxas Top Fuel is recommended. Fuel is sold in quartsand gallons from ...
Page 26 - The Fuel; Use the Right Fuel
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine The Fuel Use the Right Fuel It’s imperative that you use the correct fuel inyour TRX 2.5 for maximum performance andengine life. Traxxas Top Fuel should be used to ensure correct engine lubrication,performance, and ease of tuning. Traxxas TopFuel has been proven in thousand...
Page 27 - The Air Filter; You will not improve engine
The Air Filter The TRX 2.5 air filter is carefully designed to deliver maximumperformance while protecting your engine from dust and dirt.Use only the supplied filter. You will not improve engine performance by switching to an aftermarket filter , and you may risk engine damage due to poor filtratio...
Page 28 - The Carburetor; Understanding the Carburetor adjustments; The Fuel Mixture Needles; affects engine tuning.; Air; Dense Air
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine The Carburetor Understanding the Carburetor adjustments The carburetor performs several functions. It controls theengine’s speed by restricting the intake of air and fuel into theengine. It atomizes the fuel (suspends the fuel droplets in theair) and also controls the air/f...
Page 29 - to provide a safety margin against having a lean; The Idle Speed Adjustment; Lean
pulled completely away from the needle seat leaving it fullyopen. At that point, fuel metering is entirely controlled by thehigh-speed needle. Again, using our water hose example, whenthe spray nozzle at the end of our garden hose is fully open,then the main water valve can be used to adjust how fas...
Page 30 - The Traxxas EZ-Start Electric Starting System; protection circuitry prevents damage to the; Installing the EZ-Start Battery; The most convenient
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 30 The Traxxas EZ-Start Electric Starting System The Traxxas EZ-Start brings the convenience of push-buttonelectric engine starting to your S-Maxx. The EZ-Start consists ofa handheld control unit and an on-board motorized starter. Power for the EZ-Start system comes from a ...
Page 31 - Motor
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine Using the EZ-Start Your EZ-Start controller plugs into a 4-prong receptacle in thecenter of the pickup bed on your S-Maxx. When the red buttonon the controller is depressed, the EZ-Start motor begins to spinthe engine, and power from the control unit heats the glowplug. Ass...
Page 32 - on page 5 for; Engine Break-in Procedure
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 32 See Important Points to Remember on page 5 for other precautions. Never run your S-Maxx indoors. Sincethe TRX 2.5 Racing Engine exhaust fumes areharmful, always run your S-Maxx outdoors, in a wellventilated area. Your TRX 2.5 RacingEngine doesn’t usuallyrequire priming. ...
Page 33 - The; Off
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 33 As you gainexperience in thehobby, you may discover that many peoplehave differing opinions onwhat is the properprocedure to break-in amodel engine. Only use the Traxxas break-in procedure.Other break-in procedurescould result in a weak,damaged, or otherwise poorperformi...
Page 34 - Tuning the TRX 2.5 for Best Performance; Indications; Cutting out or sudden loss of power during acceleration.; There is no longer any performance improvement
34 The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine For your convenience,the low-speed needlehas a positive stop that prevents it from being overtightened and damaging theneedle and seat. This alsoprovides an easy way togauge how many turns outfrom closed the low-speedneedle adjustment is set to. When tuning forperformanc...
Page 35 - Low-Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment; Reset the throttle trim on the transmitter; Fine-Tuning the Carburetor; Humidity
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 35 Low-Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment The low-speed mixture is always set after the high-speed needleis correctly adjusted. The low-speed mixture will be set using thepinch test. 1. Once the engine is warm, do several high-speed runs toconfirm that the high-speed needle is s...
Page 36 - Tuning The Engine By Temperature
36 Winter Break-in Tips During the break-in process, the piston and sleeve wear into eachother to form a precise fit. The engine needs to heat up to atemperature around 200 to 215 degrees to allow the piston andsleeve to achieve this fit properly. A precise fit between these twocomponents is critica...
Page 37 - Driving Tips
37 Driving the S-Maxx Introduction Your TRX 2.5 Racing Engine is broken in, the fuel mixture isbalanced, and the idle is set…now it’s time to have some fun!This section contains instructions on driving and makingadjustments to your S-Maxx. Before you go on, here are someimportant precautions to keep...
Page 38 - Adjusting the Slipper Clutch; The S-Maxx features an adjustable slipper clutch on the spur; Adjusting the Camber; Two pivot balls are accessible through; Adjusting the suspension; Fine Tuning the Shocks; Adjusting Your S-Maxx
Once you become familiar with driving your S-Maxx, you mightneed to make adjustments for better driving performance. Adjusting the Slipper Clutch The S-Maxx features an adjustable slipper clutch on the spur gear to help protect the drivetrain from sudden shock loads(such as landing off of jumps with...
Page 40 - Spring rate; For easier access to the; Fo; Wheel Force vs. Wheel Travel
Adjusting Your S-Maxx Spring rate (at the wheel) increases as the lower shock mounting position is moved from position (1) to position (4).This is equivalent to using stiffer springs. Use higher spring ratesettings for flatter terrain with smaller and fewer bumps, andlower spring rate settings for b...
Page 41 - Adjusting the Two-Speed Transmission; Remove the large rubber plug from the transmission housing.
41 Adjusting the Two-Speed Transmission The S-Maxx comes equipped with a two-speed transmission.When the shift point on the transmission is adjusted correctly, itwill maximize acceleration and improve drivability. If necessary,use the supplied 2.0mm hex wrench to adjust the shift point. 1. Stop the ...
Page 42 - Radio system does not work properly:; It is normal for the engine to; Troubleshooting Your S-Maxx
42 The following section addresses some very basic engine andradio questions you may have about your S-Maxx. Most questionsarise from simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easyto correct. If you can’t find a solution for your S-Maxx here, thenvisit our Web site at www.Traxxas.com and clic...
Page 43 - Engine spins but will not start:; Fine Tuning the; Engine performance sluggish:
Engine spins but will not start: If the engine is spinning but will not start, first check to makesure that both the motor and glow plug LEDs on the EZ-Startcontroller light when the button is depressed. If the glowplug LED does not light, make sure the blue glow plug wire istightly connected and is...
Page 44 - Maintaining and Storing Your S-Maxx
44 If the engine is worn ordamaged enough torequire replacing the piston, sleeve, orconnecting rod, considerexchanging your oldengine for a brand newengine under the terms ofthe Traxxas Lifetime EngineReplacement Plan (ERP). Itcould save you time andeffort. Details are in yourmodel’s documentationpa...
Page 46 - Index
46 Index ABC, 23After-run maintenance, 21, 43, 44After-run procedure, 44Air density, 28, 35Air Filter 7, 22, 23, 27, 35, 43, 44 Cleaning, 21, 27foam, 23maintenance, 42oil, 6 Air Intake, 22Air temperature, 36, 42Air/fuel mixture, 28Air/fuel ratio, 28, 29, 32Airflow, 36Ambient temperature, 36Antenna (...
