Traxxas Titan 12T 550 Motor Alternatives [IN 2024]

Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

The Titan 12T 550 motor is a popular brushed motor made by Traxxas for use in 1/10 scale radio-controlled models like the Slash, Rustler, and Stampede.

With decent torque and top speed capabilities, it’s a good general-purpose motor suitable for bashing and racing. However, at some point you may find yourself needing to replace the stock Titan 12T motor and have to decide which motor to choose as an alternative.

There are a few important factors to consider when selecting a replacement motor. You’ll want to match or exceed the performance of the original motor while maintaining compatibility with your vehicle’s drivetrain.

Cost and availability are also key considerations – you likely want an affordable motor that’s easy to acquire.

This article will discuss the key factors in detail when choosing an alternative to the Traxxas Titan 12T 550 motor. It will provide an overview of several top brushed and brushless motor options from brands like Velineon, Hobbywing, TrackStar, and Tekin.

To help you select the right motor for your needs and budget, direct comparisons between the motors will be provided along with recommendations based on application.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative

When evaluating potential replacement motors, there are some key factors you’ll want to examine:

Performance

The Titan 12T 550 motor has moderate power – it’s capable of pushing 1/10 scale models to around 20+ mph. Alternative motors should match or exceed this level of speed and acceleration.

Torque is important for initial punch off the line and climbing inclines. Thermal properties affect how long a motor can run before heat buildup causes issues. Good heat dissipation via a cooling fan and venting is desirable.

Compatibility

For an easy direct replacement, you’ll want a motor with the same physical dimensions and mounting pattern as the Titan 12T. Many 550-size motors follow this standard pattern. It also needs to be compatible with the pinion gear on the existing motor shaft, so the spur gear mesh is correct.

Price

The Titan 12T motor has an MSRP of around $30, so there are plenty of brushed and brushless alternatives at the same price point or lower. Even high-performance brushless motors can be very affordable. You can also spend more on premium materials and construction if needed.

Availability

Being able to easily source the replacement motor is important. The Titan 12T uses very common 550 size dimensions, so most hobby shops carry compatible alternatives. However, less common motors may be harder to find.

Overview of Top Alternative Options

Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s take a high-level look at some of the best alternative motor choices:

Velineon 3500 Brushless Motor

This sensored brushless motor from Traxxas offers big power upgrades over the Titan 12T. It has much more torque and 50+ mph top speeds. Thermally efficient, silent operation. Drop-in fit for some models.

Hobbywing Justock 3650 G2 Motor

Hobbywing’s 3650 size sensored brushless motor offers excellent performance for the price. 4-pole design revs higher than a 550 motor. Runs cooler than the non-G2 version.

TrackStar 17.5T Sensorless Brushless Motor

Affordable sensored brushless racers motor alternative. 17.5-turns for high rpm. Powerful low-end torque. Requires ESC capable of running sensorless motors.

Tekin RSX Pro 4-Pole Sensored Brushless Motor

Premium option from top RC manufacturer Tekin. High efficiency and super durable. Large heat sink and balanced rotor. Sensored for smooth low-speed control.

Now that we’ve highlighted some top options, let’s do a deeper comparison between them.

Direct Comparison Between Alternatives

To help you select the right replacement motor, here is a direct, head-to-head comparison of some alternatives based on performance, compatibility, pricing, and availability:

Performance

The Velineon 3500 has by far the highest power, torque, and speed capabilities out of the options. It can provide nearly double the horsepower of a Titan 12T when geared properly. For all-out bashing performance, the Velineon 3500 is hard to beat.

The TrackStar 17.5T sensorless motor has excellent low-end torque punch but tops out at 30+ mph, so a bit less speed than the others. The Tekin RSX Pro has very linear, smooth power delivery and great efficiency for runtime. The Hobbywing 3650 G2 hits a nice sweet spot between power, thermal handling, and price.

Compatibility

The Velineon 3500 is a drop-in replacement on some Traxxas models but requires gearing changes on others due to its higher output. It may also require a beefier ESC.

The 3650 size motors like the Hobbywing will require some mounting modification to fit in a 550 size chassis. Gear mesh may need adjusting too.

The TrackStar and Tekin use standard 550 size mounting and gearing so direct replacement on most vehicles.

Price

The TrackStar 17.5T sensorless is the most affordable at around $25-30. The Hobbywing 3650 G2 offers great bang-for-buck at around $50. The Tekin RSX Pro is a premium motor at around $90. And the Velineon 3500 is at the top end around $150-170.

Availability

The TrackStar, Hobbywing, and Tekin motors are easy to source from most major RC retailers. The Velineon 3500 is only available directly from Traxxas currently, so harder to acquire.

So in summary, the Velineon 3500 is the top performer but has compatibility challenges and high cost. The TrackStar 17.5T is the budget pick but gives up some speed. And the Hobbywing 3650 G2 hits a nice middle ground on performance and value.

Recommendations Based on Budget and Needs

Given this comparison of specs and attributes, here are some recommendations based on budget and application:

Best Budget Option: TrackStar 17.5T Sensorless

If you just want an inexpensive drop-in replacement for occasional bashing, the TrackStar 17.5T sensorless motor gives you decent low-end power for under $30. Requires ESC for sensorless motors.

Best Performance Option: Velineon 3500

If you’re ready to upgrade your power system and want maximum speed and power for racing or hardcore bashing, the Velineon 3500 brushless motor is hard to beat but costs over $150.

Best All-Around Option: Hobbywing Justock 3650 G2

This Hobbywing motor hits the sweet spot of great performance for basher and racers at an affordable $50 price point. Thermally efficient and durable. May require some mounting modifications.

Conclusion

When selecting an alternative motor to the stock Traxxas Titan 12T 550, you have many great brushed and brushless options from quality brands. Consider your performance needs, budget, and compatibility with your vehicle.

The Velineon 3500 offers maximum power, while the TrackStar 17.5T is a budget pick. Right in the middle, the Hobbywing Justock 3650 G2 hits a nice balance of value, power, and thermal handling for a variety of RC applications.

Putting a quality motor into your RC model will keep it running strong for years to come.