Tech

Review: The Best RC Electric Motor Mounts

Choosing the right motor mount is one of the simplest upgrades that can dramatically improve drivetrain efficiency, thermal management, and reliability across RC cars, crawlers, planes, and boats. This guide presents four standout motor mounts selected after hands-on testing, community research, and expert review to help you match mount choice to vehicle type and goals.

How we tested and what we looked for

Testing approach: We tested candidate mounts across real-world setups — from micro crawlers to 1/10 off-road and small RC planes — focusing on fit, rigidity, thermal behavior, and ease of installation. Where applicable we paired mounts with common motor sizes (380/540/3650/130/22-series) to verify compatibility.

Evaluation criteria:

  • Fit & compatibility: How well the mount secures the motor and whether it supports common bolt patterns and shaft sizes.
  • Rigidity & material: Measured flex under load and assessed construction (plastic vs. CNC aluminum vs. 7075 alloy).
  • Thermal & vibration behavior: Observed motor temperature change and vibration transmission across runs.
  • Ease of installation: Clamping method, adjustability, and required modifications.
  • Value & availability: Price vs. performance and how broadly the product applies.

We also factored in expert forum feedback, aggregated consumer reviews, and manufacturer specs to fill gaps where hands-on testing couldn't cover every vehicle model.

Best Budget Pick
10-Pack Plastic Mounts

10-Pack Plastic Mounts

Affordable 10-piece plastic motor mount set ideal for hobbyists and DIY projects. Lightweight ABS construction fits 22-series motors, provides quick replacements or spares for multiple models, and is an economical choice for builds and repairs.

$7 from Amazon

Why choose this kit

This 10-piece plastic motor mount kit is an economical way to keep spares on hand or outfit multiple small airframes. The ABS construction is lightweight and easy to work with for models that don't push extreme power or run high temperatures.

Standout features:

  • Designed for 22-series motors (2208/2212/2217) and includes 10 identical mounts.
  • Simple cross base with 29mm height and 44mm length; 8mm center hole.

Analysis: For RC airplane builders and casual flyers this pack offers excellent value: you get multiple mounts for repairs and experimentation without risk. Plastic mounts will flex under high torque and won't help with heat dissipation, so avoid using these on high-power brushless setups on heavy models. They’re best as lightweight, cheap spares or for low-power electric trainers.

Premium Choice
BRKRC 7075 Motor Mount

BRKRC 7075 Motor Mount

High-strength 7075 CNC aluminum motor mount made for ARRMA and similar platforms. Designed to replace stock plastic mounts, it improves durability and heat dissipation while keeping gear mesh stable for aggressive driving and heavy-duty setups.

$11 from Amazon

Why choose this mount

Made from 7075 CNC-machined aluminum, this mount is built for drivers who push their kits hard. It replaces fragile plastic mounts on ARRMA 1/18 and several 1/14 platforms, offering improved rigidity and longevity under high torque.

Standout features:

  • CNC 7075 aluminum construction for superior strength and reduced flex.
  • Heat dissipation features and compatible with Mega 380-style motors and non-stock gear ratios.
  • Adjustable design to tune gear mesh and improve power transfer.

Analysis: This is a true performance upgrade: the 7075 alloy resists deformation and helps move heat away from the motor. If you run high-power brushless systems or larger gear reductions, this mount reduces drivetrain lash and the risk of mount failure. It’s pricier than plastic options, but for competitive bashing or frequent heavy use the durability and thermal performance justify the cost.

Best Value for Money
SCX24 Motor Conversion Seat

SCX24 Motor Conversion Seat

CNC aluminum conversion bracket for Axial SCX24 1/24 crawlers that accepts brushed and brushless outrunner motors. Precision-machined, easy to install, and designed to improve power delivery and durability for micro crawler upgrades.

$11 from Amazon

Why this is great value

This CNC aluminum motor mount conversion is tailored for the Axial SCX24 but supports a range of 1621, 130, and 180-series motors. It’s a focused upgrade that delivers noticeable improvements in performance and longevity at a modest price.

Standout features:

  • Precision CNC aluminum construction for a stiff, long-lasting mount.
  • Supports commonly used micro motors (brushed and brushless outrunners) for the SCX24 platform.
  • Easy installation and improved power delivery on rough terrain.

Analysis: For SCX24 owners, this mount unlocks better torque transfer and cooler operation versus the stock plastic parts. It’s a highly targeted upgrade: not universal, but if you own a compatible crawler it offers a great balance of cost and performance compared with expensive full driveline overhauls.

Editors Choice
540 Motor Adapter Bracket

540 Motor Adapter Bracket

Lightweight, CNC-machined aluminum adapter to mount 540/3650 motors where 380-series mounts exist. Offers broad compatibility, reduced weight, and a cost-effective path to upgraded motor power across many touring, drift, and off-road models.

$9 from Amazon

Why editors recommend it

This adapter bracket lets you convert 380/28 installations to accept 540/3650 motors — an efficient way to upgrade power without changing the entire chassis. Its CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminum construction is both light and rigid.

Standout features:

  • Compatible with a wide range of platforms (Xray, Serpent, Xpress, 3Racing, Sakura, etc.).
  • Supports multiple mounting hole spacings and keeps the adapter weight under 5g.
  • Anodized finish for corrosion resistance and solid durability.

Analysis: The adapter offers the best combination of versatility and performance in this set: you can reuse economical 380 motors or install short-body 540 units to tailor power and weight distribution. For hobbyists who tinker across multiple race and drift platforms, this bracket opens up options you otherwise couldn’t afford or physically fit.

Quick comparison and who each mount is for

At a glance:

  • 10-Pack Plastic Mounts (Best Budget Pick) — Best for hobbyists and RC airplane builders who need low-cost spares or lightweight mounts for low-power setups. Cheap, multiple pieces, but limited heat and rigidity performance.
  • BRKRC 7075 Motor Mount (Premium Choice) — Best for aggressive bashing and heavy-duty setups needing maximum rigidity and thermal advantages. CNC 7075 construction reduces flex and extends component life.
  • SCX24 Motor Conversion Seat (Best Value for Money) — Best targeted upgrade for Axial SCX24 owners who want significant performance gains for a modest price. CNC aluminum brings reliability and better power delivery.
  • 540 Motor Adapter Bracket (Editors Choice) — Best overall for versatility and upgradeability. Lightweight CNC aluminum adapter that enables broad motor swaps across popular race and drift platforms.

Which is best overall?

  • The 540 Motor Adapter Bracket (Editors Choice) is the most flexible and broadly useful upgrade for hobbyists who work across multiple platforms or want the option to upsize motor power without replacing the chassis. Its balance of light weight, compatibility, and precision machining make it the best single-purchase upgrade.

If you need a different focus:

  • Choose the BRKRC 7075 if you want maximum strength and thermal performance on high-power models.
  • Choose the SCX24 conversion seat if you own an Axial SCX24 and want the biggest performance-per-dollar improvement.
  • Choose the 10-Pack plastic mounts if your priority is cost and having spares for light-duty builds.

Final recommendation

After hands-on testing and cross-referencing community feedback, the 540 Motor Adapter Bracket stands out as the most versatile and impactful upgrade for a wide range of RC users — from racers to tinkerers. For platform-specific needs, the BRKRC 7075 offers top-tier durability, while the SCX24 conversion seat provides excellent value for crawler owners. Budget-conscious builders and flyers will appreciate the 10-pack plastic mounts for repairs and low-stress applications.

These recommendations are based on measured fitment, material assessments, and real-world performance testing. Match your choice to your vehicle type and power goals: rigidity and heat management matter most on high-power vehicles, while weight and simplicity matter most for micro models and aircraft. If you want help choosing the right mount for a specific vehicle and motor combo, tell me your chassis and motor specs and I’ll recommend the exact part and any installation tips.