Rovan 5b 36cc

[Crazybajabuild]

Hey guys I’ve been looking for another Baja for a while and I wanted a hpi but it’s hard to come by those nowadays so I picked up a new Rovan 36cc rtr Baja. Does anyone have any experience with these 36cc engines? I know they had they’re problems in the past but have they resolved them? Any input on these would be great! Thanks

 

[Milo]

Just run it til it blows. Then get a proper motor or just get one now.

Don’t waste your time with the Rovan motor.

 

[spents]

what miles said mate ,
rovan engines aint that great, i own a rovan/rofun45cc and its hit or miss whether you get a good one or not,
i got a good one , but only bought as a cheap engine to mess around with and try/practice porting it etc,
get yerself a stock g320 zenoah and you will be much happier than with the rovan 36

 

[Seandonato73]

I got a 36cc laying around here somewhere. One of the guys donated it to get play ported when I get free time. I did pop it apart and have a look at it. Open port design, nothing special. Casting was kinda janky. But looked ok for a rovan. Worth running till it pukes. Squish was really really big. Have some.036" solder wire and it wouldn't clamp it at all. With a stock gasket. Bit of work and I'd bet you could glmake a half decent runner out of one. Nothing mesmerizing, but a decent runner if you cared to tear it all apart and once over it all.

 

[RcJunkie13]

i had one and just rebuilt it (less than an hour on rebuild now). You will be impressed until you get a "real" engine. It seems fine at first but it wears out pretty fast.

 

[Crazybajabuild]

Just run it til it blows. Then get a proper motor or just get one now.

Don’t waste your time with the Rovan motor.

Do you think the esp 34 would be too much for the Rovan drivetrain?

i had one and just rebuilt it (less than an hour on rebuild now). You will be impressed until you get a "real" engine. It seems fine at first but it wears out pretty fast.

I’m considering getting a esp 34 or I’ve seen some obr 30.5 for pretty cheap around here. I would like to get a 34

 

[spents]

if you really want the esp 34 mate, get one and run it ,
then upgrade the baja as stuff breaks, diff outdrives/cups/bones etc will be the first things to go cos the cops are a bit weak,
all bajas end up upgraded anyways so go for it

 

[Milo]

Do you think the esp 34 would be too much for the Rovan drivetrain?

I’m considering getting a esp 34 or I’ve seen some obr 30.5 for pretty cheap around here. I would like to get a 34

Get the ESP mate. I’ve got one but not fitted it yet. Our Mod Rep has had a couple and I’ve vids of them and they fly.

 

[Crazybajabuild]

My buddy had one and it was pretty impressive. Another buddy of mine bought a obr 34 full mods ss and he didn’t like it compared to the esp 34

 

[Seandonato73]

I have one as well. Pretty impressive, even the 32 shits and gits. No issues blowing thr tires off the 5ive t (32) or the vekta (34)

 

[Crazybajabuild]

I have one as well. Pretty impressive, even the 32 shits and gits. No issues blowing thr tires off the 5ive t (32) or the vekta (34)

So maybe you can help me?
On Dave’s sight he has 3 esp 34 engines to choose from. All three are different price. Which one would be best to go with for most power ?

 

[Seandonato73]

There's a race ported version and a standard ported version. The other 2 are the 32cc versions. I'll see if I can link to the recommended one.

 

[Crazybajabuild]

There's a race ported version and a standard ported version. The other 2 are the 32cc versions. I'll see if I can link to the recommended one.

That would be sweet I don’t want to get the wrong one.

 

[Seandonato73]

Pretty sure this is the one you would want for a baja fitment
https://www.ddmracing.com/ESP-Modif...-Complete-with-Clutch_2?quantity=1&custcol4=1

That would be sweet I don’t want to get the wrong one.

We just used ro get long blocks and swap components over from our other engines, but I think you'll be better off with the complete engine. Ddm descriptions pretty well suck any more and I'm 99% sure this is the standard ported version. Really it will be more then enough power for a baja basher platform. The $500.00 dollar version I'm pretty sure is the race ported version. Truly imo there isn't a huge leap in power for the extra money.

 

[Crazybajabuild]

What about the one thats 579 ? What’s different about that one it seems pricey

 

[Seandonato73]

Pretty sure rgays the race ported version. They both have the same description, that's the only difference I know of between the esp engines, besides a 32cc and 34cc version. Stock port and race port set ups.

 

[Bandit2013]

Been down that road with the Rovan 36, it is ok for starting out but lacks power. It is an ok engine for a beginner but will get lame quick. The King Motor 30.5cc engine is a way better performer than the Rovan 36cc engine. Not suggesting it, just comparing the two.

Changed over to Zenoah-ESP G340 standard port. Best change I ever made.
I would recommend the Outerwears engine cover and one for the pull start to keep the crap out of the cooling fan.

 

[Milo]