Reinforcing Echo 1 G3 w/ Systema Drop-in

[Esteban]

Hello all,

I have realized I have been reaching for my Echo 1 G3 in games just as much as my KWA rifles. I have started using an 11.1v Lipo for fast trigger response. However, I reshimmed and added a metal spring guide right before I switched to a better battery. I noticed my piston is wearing quickly, and I wanted to replace it. For about $50 I can get a cylinder and piston set, but I thought about just going ahead and getting a Systema drop-in mechbox so I have no mis-matched components that would lead to failure.

What I want to know from this community is anyone's opinion on the value of these drop-ins. Are they worth it? Or are they just as prone to failure as adding in any upgraded parts?

I was looking at purchasing this...

http://redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/airsoft/Accessories_AEG_Gearbox_Systema_ENERGY_CMB_M120_Complete_Mechbox_Gearbox_for_G3_A3_A4_SG_1.htm

ASGI has the same for cheaper, but it's not in stock.

I would just like advice of more experienced players. 

[Dominum]

The cost to benefit ratio for a drop in is not viable for most applications, just replace the parts that need to be upgraded. What spring are you running, or do you plan to run in it, what ROF do you want to have?

[Star_folder]

I agree that drop in gearboxes, while nice, are a huge waste of money. It sounds like your AoE is a little off. Just replace the piston and fix the AoE.

[Esteban]

After looking through the entire gearbox, I would say the components I want to replace are just about everything except for the shell, AR latch, screws, cutoff lever, bushings, and my new spring guide. I want to replace the gears and the entire upper assembly, but I'm afraid of mis-matching something and having my gun break in a game. My upgrades would be around $150, so I may shell out the extra $100 so I can be confident.

Henry, you said the M150 gearbox you put in your G3 was very good. Would you recommend it?

[2nd Ranger]

personally I have used a systema drop in Gearbox (also in a G3, go figure) and before me it had no telling how many rounds, then i got it and put ~40,000 (seriously, i am not kidding) without it breaking but then I hooked a 12 volt to it and ran it for another ~6,000 round before stripping it's piston, so I swear by anything Systema and would highly recommend it

[Esteban]

I may go ahead and get it soon. I end up using my G3 a good bit. I have put about 20,000 rounds through it with stock Echo 1 / JG internals, but it's wearing out (off of a 9.6v NiMH).

[2nd Ranger]

haha oops for got the 1 in front of the 40,000 making it around 140,000 rounds lol i figure that by me shooting  around 3,500 bb's or 1 bag a game, when i was using it and a low average of 10 games a year for 3 years, i say it held up pretty good

[Esteban]

What brand of G3 did you put it into?

[2nd Ranger]

A tokyo marui

[Dominum]

I did like it, but if I had to do it over I would have just used the parts that ended up in it. I replaced it with a better gearset, and replaced the pistoin after it failed. As far as mismatched parts, unless you let an ignorant tech do it you will not have any problems. I am telling you from personal experience that it will be more reliable and cost less money to NOT go with a drop in gearbox in this particular case. It's up to you though.

[Gabe]

Having owned 2 Systema CMB's, I can tell you that you won't be disappointed with the results you get.  I realize that it's a matter of opinion of if it's 'worth it' or not, but my opinion is that it is most definitely the simplest (sparing no cost of course, this IS Systema) way to ensure that pretty much nothing is going to go wrong with your internals.  After you get it shimmed and installed, you won't ever have to mess with it again, aside from the obvious routine services.

Breaking it is as easy as breaking a TM, just abuse the heck out of it. That said, please don't be like 99% of 'tards who abuse their stuff (not talking about just airsoft here) and blame the manufacturer when something goes wrong.

[Esteban]

I sold a few things, and I think I'm going to pick up that CMB with the M120. I really don't abuse stuff my guns. I store them in hard cases, clean out the barrels before and after games, reset my hopup to zero when storing, reset the piston using semi, and tear them down completely if they get wet.

I'll just have to be careful shimming the pinion gear to the bevel gear. Occasionally when I first insert a motor I get a squeaky grinding noise that never sounds good, but after adjustment I get it working well. I have an Echo 1 high torque motor that used to pull an M130 that I'll end up using for now. 

I may end up getting the Classic Army G3 just for the body, but I hear the stock breaks apart as well as other things.