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The Stampede 4×4 ships with a brushed Titan motor and XL-5 ESC in base trim, and Traxxas’s own literature points to its Velineon brushless system as the factory-sanctioned upgrade path. These are real motor options for both directions – staying brushed for simplicity, or going brushless for the 40-60+mph performance Traxxas itself advertises for this swap.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Traxxas Velineon VXL-3s Power System (3350R) | $180-$220 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Traxxas Velineon 3500 Brushless Motor (standalone) | $60-$80 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Traxxas Titan 550 12-Turn Motor | $20-$30 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Traxxas Titan 550 21-Turn Motor | $20-$30 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Trinity 14-Turn Brushed Motor | $40-$60 | Amazon |
| 6 | GoolRC 550 Brushed Replacement Motor | $12-$20 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Traxxas Velineon VXL-3s Power System (3350R)
Traxxas’s own brushless combo for the Stampede 4×4, pairing a 3500Kv motor with a matched VXL-3s ESC for a factory-endorsed 60+mph upgrade on 3S LiPo.
- 3500Kv brushless motor
- Matched VXL-3s speed control
- Waterproof electronics
- Factory Traxxas fitment for the Stampede 4×4
- Officially documented by Traxxas as the Stampede 4×4’s top upgrade path
- Highest price on this list, and needs the pinion/motor-plate upgrades Traxxas also recommends alongside it
Traxxas Velineon 3500 Brushless Motor (standalone)
The same 3500Kv motor sold on its own for owners who already run a compatible brushless ESC and just need the motor.
- 3500Kv sensorless brushless motor
- Direct Stampede 4×4 mount
- Compatible with the VXL-3s ESC lineup
- Cheaper entry if you already have a matching ESC
- Needs a compatible ESC already in place – not a complete upgrade by itself
Traxxas Titan 550 12-Turn Motor
The stock-spec brushed motor the base Stampede 4×4 ships with, sold separately as a direct replacement when the original wears out.
- 550-size can
- 12-turn winding
- Direct fit for the stock XL-5 brushed system
- Standard mount
- Simplest, cheapest way to get the truck back to stock performance
- No power gain over what the truck already had
Traxxas Titan 550 21-Turn Motor
A cooler-running, torquier Titan variant for owners who want gentler power delivery while staying on the stock brushed system.
- 550-size can
- 21-turn winding
- Direct-fit brushed replacement
- Lower current draw
- Runs cooler than the 12-turn stock motor
- Slower top speed than the stock 12-turn Titan
Trinity 14-Turn Brushed Motor
A racing-heritage brushed upgrade for Stampede 4×4 owners who want more than the stock Titan without switching to brushless.
- 550-size can
- 14-turn winding
- Compatible with stock gearing/ESC
- Racing-grade brushed construction
- Real step up from the stock Titan while staying brushed
- Needs more maintenance (brushes/springs) than the sealed stock motor
GoolRC 550 Brushed Replacement Motor
A budget aftermarket 550 brushed motor sized as a direct Titan-compatible replacement for owners who just need the truck running again cheaply.
- 550-size can
- Titan-compatible mount and shaft
- Brushed design
- Multiple turn-count options
- Lowest price of any option here
- Aftermarket build quality doesn’t match Traxxas’s own Titan line
Buying tips
- Going brushless (Velineon) requires swapping both motor and ESC together unless you already own a compatible brushless speed control – the standalone 3500 motor alone won’t run on the stock XL-5.
- Traxxas’s own literature pairs the Velineon upgrade with a bigger 11-tooth pinion gear and a machined motor plate/mount for cooling – budget for those alongside the motor itself.
- If you’re upgrading for a young or new driver, a brushed Titan swap keeps speeds sane; save the Velineon brushless jump for once they’re ready for 40-60+mph.
- A wheelie bar is worth adding before the Velineon upgrade – Traxxas explicitly notes the added torque makes the truck want to loop over.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.