HPI 1/5th Scale Upgrade Parts at Vertigo Performance: How to Choose

Updated

Vertigo Performance sells aftermarket and replacement parts for HPI Baja 5B, 5T, and 5SC, plus Losi, MCD, Redcat, and Vekta platforms. If you are upgrading an HPI Baja, the site's catalog is organized by model and by part type, so the practical approach is to confirm your exact model first, then pick parts that address a known weak point rather than buying by brand alone. The product pages list fitment, material, and price; monthly specials and factory seconds can cut cost substantially when cosmetic flaws are acceptable.

Start by confirming fitment, not by browsing upgrades

The catalog separates HPI Baja 5B, 5T, and 5SC into one category, and other platforms (Losi 5ive, DBXL, MCD, Redcat, Vekta) into their own. That structure matters because a part that fits a 5B may not fit a 5T or 5SC even though all three share the Baja family name.

Before ordering, check:

  • Model and version — 5B, 5T, and 5SC are distinct; some listings also distinguish versions (for example, Losi 5ive-T 1.0/2.0).
  • Engine size — some parts are listed by displacement range. The G320 vented clutch housing kit, for example, is listed for all models with 23cc–29cc engines (including Losi).
  • Hardware included — listings such as the 8mm HDV bolts (4) and 4x24mm hardened pins (4) show that some parts ship with specific fasteners; confirm whether you need them separately.
  • Instructions — the site has an Instructions page and a per-product "more info" link, so read the product page before checkout rather than assuming a generic fit.

Prioritize upgrades by weak point

A buying guide is only useful if it tells you what to fix first. On 1/5th scale gas platforms, the common stress areas are the clutch system, chassis flex, and drivetrain. Vertigo's catalog maps onto those areas:

Weak point Example Vertigo parts What it addresses
Clutch carrier and bell Easy Access Clutch Carrier (HPI Baja), Hex Drive Clutch Bell, Hex Drive Vented clutch Clutch wear, access for servicing, drive engagement
Clutch housing heat G320 Vented clutch hsg kit (23cc–29cc) Heat buildup around the clutch
Chassis flex Front Chassis Brace, Rear Chassis Brace (Losi 5ive-T), Centre Chassis Brace/Bellcrank plate (Vekta .5) Chassis and bellcrank rigidity
Drivetrain Differential Spool, Steel pinion gear (Hex), hardened pins Power transfer and wear items
Protection Delrin rear skid plate (EVO II/III) Underside impact

If you are unsure where to start, the clutch carrier and clutch housing are the most frequently referenced upgrade areas in the catalog, and the chassis braces are the simplest bolt-on rigidity improvement.

Aluminum vs carbon fibre, vented vs standard

Vertigo lists both aluminum and carbon fibre among its materials, and the choice is functional rather than cosmetic:

  • Aluminum — used for structural and heat-exposed parts such as clutch carriers and chassis braces. Aircraft-grade 6061 is specified on at least one listing (the Vekta .5/TT clutch carrier unit).
  • Carbon fibre — appears in the site's keyword set as a material option; treat it as a weight/stiffness choice where the specific product page confirms it.
  • Vented vs standard clutch housing — a vented housing (for example, the G320 vented kit) is intended to move heat away from the clutch. Choose vented if you run long sessions or higher-displacement engines; a standard housing is the baseline replacement.

The rule: match the material to the load. Structural parts that see impact or heat favor aluminum; parts where weight matters favor carbon fibre if the listing confirms it.

Factory seconds and monthly specials: same part, lower price

Vertigo runs a Factory Seconds category and a Monthly Specials section. The page evidence shows both can be steep:

  • 61680 Easy Access Clutch Carrier (HPI Baja), factory seconds — $170.00 marked down to $100.00 (41% off)
  • 130665FS Clutch carrier unit Vekta .5, factory seconds — $375.00 to $250.00 (33% off)
  • 130901/130902 Centre Chassis Brace/Bellcrank plate (Vekta .5) — $110.00 to $55.00 (50% off)
  • Delrin rear skid plate for EVO II and EVO III — $19.95 to $4.95 (75% off)
  • Titanium tie rods (6m x 96mm, 2pc) — $65.00 to $26.00 (60% off)

Factory seconds are the same part with cosmetic-only flaws, so they are a reasonable choice for parts that see abuse anyway (skid plates, carriers). Check the listing to confirm the flaw is cosmetic and not structural before buying.

Before you check out

  1. Confirm your model and version against the category (HPI Baja 5B/5T/5SC vs Losi vs Vekta).
  2. Read the product page for fitment notes, included hardware, and material.
  3. Decide whether a factory second or special is acceptable for that part.
  4. Check the Instructions page if the install is not obvious.
  5. Note the site's shipping terms and warranty pages if you are ordering internationally — the store supports USD, Euro, GB Pound, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar.

The site also lists a 50% off exchange program and dealer information, which are worth checking if you are upgrading multiple vehicles or buying on behalf of a club.