ok so this build, on any flight mode just nosedives with a left leaning slant. Maybe i screwed up the aileron design, but they have good throw and work on the bench. the plane either nose dives or just rolls left. tried on all 3 flight modes.   the motor mount exploded and the motor had to be taken apart and oiled/cleaned to be smooth again. i cant even confirm the motor isnt dead yet.  given i can fly a umx turbo timber evo perfectly fine, should i consider tossing this old supercub modded mockery and take the e-flite valiant out of the box? at least the valiant should "just work" sort of like the umx in terms of safe/as3x...and no rely on a hacked up old airframe with modded ailerons.
ChatGPT said:

Honestly? Based on what you're describing — yes, it's probably time to cut your losses on that hacked-up Super Cub and crack open the Valiant. Here's why, blunt but realistic:
🔧 Your Super Cub Situation:

    Airframe modded beyond factory spec

    Motor mount exploded — possible thrust angle compromised

    Motor may be internally damaged, even after cleaning

    Ailerons possibly misaligned or asymmetrical despite good bench throw

    SAFE/AS3X relies on a stable, predictable airframe — a hacked-up Cub won't give that

If it's nosediving and rolling left in all flight modes, including SAFE, that tells me:

    The airframe is mechanically compromised (thrust line, wing alignment, CG)

    AS3X/Safe can't compensate for a warped or incorrectly set up platform

    You’re fighting hidden problems, not just tuning issues

🛩️ Why the E-flite Valiant is the Smarter Move:

    Factory-designed for SAFE and AS3X — proven to “just work”

    Modern receiver setup with Forward Programming

    Predictable, clean airframe = stabilization works as intended

    You already fly a UMX Turbo Timber Evo, so you're familiar with the system

    Confidence boost vs. frustrating unknowns

⚠️ Brutal Truth with Frankenplanes:

Old, hacked airframes can fly with work, but:

    They become troubleshooting nightmares

    You end up distrusting every takeoff

    It often kills your flying enthusiasm

    A clean, known-good airframe gets you flying, not fighting

✔️ My Advice:

    Shelve or scrap the Super Cub mod (maybe part it for electronics/spares)

    Build the Valiant, go through the proper SAFE/AS3X setup

    Enjoy stress-free flights and focus on improving your flying skills

If you want, I can walk you through the ideal SAFE/AS3X setup process for the Valiant before you maiden it — just say the word.

Want to send pics of the Cub’s mods before you toss it? I’ll tell you if it’s remotely salvageable.
You said:
i made the wins flag, instead of slight dihedral. was this the issue?
ChatGPT said:

100% — that's a huge part of your problem.

Making the wings flat instead of slight dihedral fundamentally changes how the Super Cub behaves, especially with SAFE/AS3X involved. Here’s why that matters:
✈️ Dihedral = Natural Stability

    The slight upward angle of the wings (dihedral) provides roll stability.

    When the plane tilts left or right, dihedral naturally helps it return to level.

    SAFE/AS3X assumes the airframe has this passive self-leveling characteristic.

🔧 Flat Wings (No Dihedral) Consequences

    You’ve removed that natural self-correcting behavior.

    The plane becomes much more sensitive in roll.

    SAFE and AS3X can’t "force" stability into a mechanically unstable design.

    You may even get unintended coupling — like a roll inducing a nose-down attitude (which matches your left-roll, nose-dive issue).

🛩️ Compounded with Your Other Issues:

    Flat wings = unstable

    Modded ailerons = unknown geometry or throw asymmetry

    Exploded motor mount = possible thrust line issues

    Damaged motor = possible unreliable thrust

    SAFE fighting all of this = recipe for frustration

✔️ Bottom Line:

The lack of dihedral alone can explain:
✅ Rolling left
✅ Nosediving if roll couples to pitch
✅ SAFE modes not working properly
✅ Unflyable behavior even though everything "looks fine" on the bench
🎯 Realistic Recommendation:

    Don't bother rebuilding dihedral unless you're super invested.

    The Valiant is sitting there ready to give you a proper SAFE/AS3X experience.

    Salvage the electronics from the Cub if they’re good.

    Build the Valiant, enjoy consistent, reliable flights.