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It's not that simple! Please don't drop a 45k RPM motor directly into your stock Combat Machine.
Yes, getting an upgraded motor can make a difference in your AEGs trigger response. However, there are a number of variables to take into consideration before choosing which motor is right for you. Simply tossing a random "high speed" motor into your AEG could shred your internals or actually perform worse than the stock one. It's all about finding what works best with a certain assortment of parts! In this guide, I'll detail some of my favorite motors and their best use cases. We'll discuss the instances in which a given motor can be an upgrade and take a look some AEGs I think the motor would be a perfect first upgrade for. Before we dive in, let's go over how to properly install a new AEG motor!
How to Change a Motor & Set Motor Height
Different airsoft gun models (M4, AK, MP5) will require different steps to access the motor. Most of the time, they're going to be housed in your rifle's pistol grip (Bullpups typically excluded). Most commonly, you'll need to unscrew the base of your grip, which will either pop off it's lid or, in the instance of an AK, take the whole grip off entirely. For M4 users, these screws are going to be in the front and back. Do NOT unscrew the one in the center yet! Carefully remove the connector tabs connected to the motor (These are super easy to break if you're not careful!), then remove the motor from the grip. For AK users, you'll have to unscrew and disassemble a motor cage as well. Please take note of where the connector wires were originally located to ensure that you install the new motor the same way. Once you've removed your old motor, simply drop it into its grip or cage, properly reconnect the connectors to their associated tabs by color, then reassemble your grip. If your grip isn't reassembling properly or the motor doesn't seem to fit, it's likely your wires. Worst case scenario, it's your motor spring. Now that you've installed a new motor, it's time to set the motor height!
The main screw at the bottom of your grip or motor cage is the Motor Height Adjuster. It allows you to set how high or low your motor sits within your gearbox. If a motor is too high or low, it will make inefficient contact with your gearbox components and reduce the platforms lifespan. Though there is no perfect method of setting motor height without completely disassembling the airsoft gun, you can still adjust and check by ear. After you've successfully installed your new motor, first loosen the motor adjustment screw by a full turn. Then, pull the trigger of your AEG with a battery connected. Slowly tighten the motor height adjuster while taking shots in semi-automatic and listen for whether the motor gets louder or quieter. It should be at it's most efficient height when it sounds the quietest.
But which motors are the best?
Airsoft Motors Galore! Which are the best?
The Safe Pick
Balance is crucial when changing parts within your AEG. If your system's internals are pushed faster than they're rated for, they'll degrade and break down very quickly. Ideally, for quick trigger response, you're going to want more torque than speed. Higher torque will give you a faster trigger response with stronger springs, whereas higher speed will grant you a faster rate of fire. A good motor should have a good blend of both with a preference towards torque. This ZCI High Torque motor fits the bill perfectly for an all-around balanced motor. Not only is it inexpensive, but it's got enough torque to work with incredibly stiff springs and has enough speed to get you a few extra rounds per second. It's nothing over-the-top, offering a humble boost to all characteristics compared to a stock motor. This should be a top consideration if you're worried about stronger motors wearing your gun down too quickly.
Though this motor is very good, some higher end AEGs already come with motors that offer similar performance. If you believe your rifle is a variant or has the same internals as these ones listed below, getting this motor will not make a noticeable difference in your performance:
- CYMA Platinum Series Rifles such as: CYMA Platinum M4 QBS Airsoft AEG Rifle (Model: 13" M-LOK)
- High-end King Arms Rifles such as: EMG Troy Industries Licensed SOCC M4 Carbine M-LOK AEG Rifle (Model: 15" RIS / Black)
- Certain Premium G&G Rifles such as G&G CM16 ARP9 CQB Carbine Airsoft AEG (Model: Black / Gun Only)
- New VFC Avalon series rifles such as BCM AIR GUNFIGHTER AR-15 Airsoft AEG w/ Avalon Gearbox & GATE ASTER Programmable MOSFET by VFC (Model: 11.5" CQB / Gun Only)
- All 2020~ KWA AEGs have solid motors, such as KWA Full Metal VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine Airsoft AEG Rifle (Package: Rifle Only)
The High Torque Pick
Many players prefer torque over speed when it comes to AEG motors. Since most fields only allow semi-automatic, the majority of players try to center their gun builds around maximizing semi-automatic potential. The best motor I'd consider for that goal is none other than the Rocket 2022 motor. Not only is this wonderful piece of hardware affordable, but it also consistently outperforms other motors in it's price range in terms of strength and heat resistance. Though it's not as intense as some of the crazier motors we'll get into later on in this list, I still advise caution when installing one. Setting proper motor height is crucial when setting up a motor like this. It's not enough to just uninstall your old motor and drop this one in. You will have to carefully test it's engagement with your gearbox to ensure it won't grind down your internals over time.
This is a wonderful motor to go with if you plan on building a well rounded, reliable custom build on a budget as well. I often see players go overkill on their motor when selecting parts for their AEGs. Usually the thought process is: "better motor, more fast, more better, right?" While more expensive motors do have their use cases, if you're simply trying to build a solid custom AEG with a trigger response fast enough to let you perform at the top, a solid high-torque like the Rocket 2022 is all you really need.
Nonetheless, there's still plenty to be said about the crazier motors on the airsoft market. Let's take a look at a few!
The Premium Pick
First and foremost, this motor and the next are absolutely not recommended to be dropped in to a stock gun. They're a bit too strong to be trusted with factory gearbox tolerances, and will likely significantly reduce an unprepared AEGs lifespan.
Need a motor with some serious oomph behind it? The ASG Infinity 30k will surely fit the bill. Though on the pricier end, this motor excels at whatever torque and speed you need from it. It comes in a wide variety of speed variants depending on how you're setting up your specific build. If you need a serious amount of torque and aren't too worried about your rate of fire, go for the ASG Infinity 22k! If you just want something to rip on full auto for an intimidating "BRRRRRR" to show off with, give the ASG Infinity 40k a spin. All in all, there isn't too much to say besides this is an exceptionally well crafted motor with a degree of strength worthy of it's price tag. Give it a try in your custom AEG!
The Big Boi
The ASG Infinity is fast, sure. However, it pales in comparison to the raw power of a Brushless Motor. Though there are a handful of brushless motors on the airsoft market, Warhead has been my personal pick for their quality, consistency, and immense power. You don't simply add a brushless motor to your AEG build. You build an AEG for a brushless motor. Brushless motors work off of an entirely different system compared to regular brushed AEG motors, giving them a new degree of speed/torque capability. Though with great power comes great need for gearbox reliability. A Brushless Motor will easily shred any gearbox not adequately prepared for it. If you're able to pump your gearboxes durability enough to handle one of these bad boys, you'll gain a ludicrous boost to rate of fire, trigger response, heat resistance, and battery efficiency. Brushless motors are the pinnacle part of AEG upgrades and will forever change the way you dream of AEG performance once you've shot a gun with one installed. Realistically, they're a little over-the-top for what's needed to make an AEG fast and reliable. A Rocket 2022 motor, a set of 13:1 SHS gears, and a good electronic MOSFET will typically provide you as speedy of a trigger response as you'll ever need for regular play. But, sometimes, it's not about whether you should. It's about if you could!
Perhaps the title of "Easiest Upgrade!" may have been a little misleading. Though the process of installing a motor is one of the easiest procedures to do to your airsoft gun, it comes with a good amount of considerations that could cause problems if not properly thought over. I do hope that this guide has helped steer you in the right direction for adding some additional performance to your wonderful AEG! Upgrade, unleash, then upheave your enemies on the airsoft battlefield!