MSJ Products Fridge Head

Testing and Final Thoughts

The MSJ Fridge Head for the Traxxas 2.5 is a very well designed aftermarket head. The large surface area provides a substantial amount of cooling for the 2.5. The replaceable colored aluminum plate also adds a durability factor, as well as enhances the looks of the head.

I saw an average overall temperature drop of around 50°. Where I had been running around 250-260°, I experienced around 200-210° with the MSJ head installed. As this was a little on the low side for the warm day I was running on, I did lean the motor slightly, which provided a small increase increase in power. However I still stayed on the conservative side, and made sure that I still had plenty of blue smoke leaving the exhaust of the truck, as I didn't want to run too lean and damage the motor.

After leaning the motor slightly, I saw temperature readings in the 220-230° range. I felt this was a good compromise between more power and a good flow of oil through the motor. Even under sustained back to back full throttle runs, the MSJ head did an excellent job of keeping the 2.5 cool. Even though I could see temp readings approaching 255°, after coming off of back to back wide open throttle runs, I never saw it reach 270° or above. So if you have a heavy trigger finger, this head can help provide some extra cooling that the stock head can't. Keep in mind however, as I talked about earlier, a larger head is not a substitute for proper tuning. Even with the larger head, an improperly tuned motor can suffer from a quickly worn out piston and sleeve and overheating.

The MSJ head looks as good as it performs. It quickly catches ones eye with it's brightly machined finish. The fact that it has a protection ring, like the stock head does, makes it a perfect choice for someone who just bashes with their Traxxas 2.5 powered truck. The coating on the ring is tough, but if the head would strike pavement or another hard surface it can still show wear. However if that's a concern you can simply replace the ring with a new one, or have one for bashing and one for show. As it's one of the heavier heads I've come across, it's more suitable for bashing than one the race track, as it can affect your center of gravity. However for backyard bashing it's the perfect choice.

Priced around $55, the MSJ head is priced very reasonably. For that price you get an excellently machined motor head that works as good as it looks, and can even compliment the color scheme of your truck. The replaceable aluminum rings can be purchased for around $10 each, so picking up a spare won't break the bank either. MSJ was one of the first widely accepted aftermarket cooling head. With products like their Fridge head, it's easy to see why they continue to be a widespread favorite in the industry of RC aftermarket accessories.

Durability 9 Fit 10 Looks 10 Quality 10 Value 10

Overall Score 9.8

Rants	Raves

Heavier Than Most Heads

Replaceable Head Protector Provides Lower Operating Temperatures Easy Glow Plug Access Looks Sharp

Reviewed 12.02.2003