Best LiPo Batteries for Tamiya Wild Willy & Wild Willy 2 (WR-02)
The original Tamiya Wild Willy from the 1980s ran on 7.2V NiCd and NiMH stick packs, and the modern Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2 1/10 2WD Monster Truck Kit keeps that spirit. It ships with a pre-assembled gearbox, TL-01 style suspension arms, a RS-540 motor and a Hobbywing 1060 brushed ESC, which makes it very friendly for beginners. Several experienced builders still recommend staying with modest power: a sport-tuned motor and a sensible 2S pack are more than enough to keep the wheelies fun without turning the truck into a handful.
For drivers who want to move from NiMH to LiPo without over-complicating the build, a compact 2S pack such as the CNHL 2200mAh 7.4V 2S 30C LiPo Battery with T/Deans Plug is a very natural match. It offers a similar feel to a classic stick pack, with less weight than a large race pack and enough punch to pull clean wheelies and short bursts of speed on tarmac or dirt.
If you prefer longer runtimes and a stronger hit off the line, especially on grippy surfaces, a high-discharge shorty pack like the CNHL Racing Series LiHV 4000mAh 7.6V 2S 120C HV Shorty Hard Case LiPo Battery with EC3 Plug is a more aggressive option. The LiHV voltage and 120C discharge rating give the WR-02 extra snap in throttle response, which suits the stunt nature of the Wild Willy 2 as long as you are comfortable managing wheelies and keeping an eye on motor and ESC temperatures.
Tamiya WR-02 Battery Tray Size and Fitment Guide
One of the most common comments from Wild Willy 2 builders is how tight the WR-02 battery tray really is. It was designed around older 7.2V stick packs, and many modern hard-case LiPo packs that follow the “Tamiya shape” are just slightly larger in diameter or height. In a lot of Tamiya chassis this is not a problem, but on the WR-02 it can turn into a squeeze with little margin for foam or protective padding.
In practice, slimmer 2S packs in the 2000–3000mAh range tend to slide into the tray more easily, while full-size race packs or tall hard cases may feel “super tight” or require more force than most builders are comfortable with. Shorty-style packs can be used if you take the time to position them securely and avoid stressing the body or the battery door. Always check clearance with the body shell fitted before committing to a layout.
Connector Tips: Tamiya Plug, Deans and EC3 on the WR-02
The Hobbywing 1060 ESC that often comes with the Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2 is usually wired with a classic Tamiya battery plug. The two CNHL packs in this collection use hobby-grade connectors instead: one with a T/Deans plug and one with an EC3 plug. This means you will need to plan how you want to handle connectors when upgrading from NiMH to LiPo.
A simple short-term solution is to use adapter leads, such as Tamiya-to-Deans or Tamiya-to-EC3 adapters. These work, but they add extra resistance and more joints in the wiring. The cleaner long-term fix is to re-solder the ESC battery leads to match your preferred connector. Many WR-02 owners swap the 1060 ESC to a Deans plug, then run the 2200mAh pack directly and use a compact EC3-to-Deans adapter for the 4000mAh LiHV shorty. This keeps the wiring neat while avoiding permanent changes to the battery plugs.
Wild Willy 1 vs Wild Willy 2: Battery Compatibility at a Glance
The original Tamiya Wild Willy from the 1980s used an older chassis and a tighter battery compartment than the WR-02. It was built around NiCd and NiMH technology, so fitting modern hard-case LiPo packs often requires more compromise. The WR-02 Wild Willy 2 chassis is more forgiving in layout, but it still inherits that narrow stick-pack tunnel that limits the physical size of the battery you can run.
If you own both generations, the safest approach is to treat the WR-02 as your main LiPo platform and keep the original Wild Willy on NiMH or slim 2S packs that you have already confirmed as a good fit. The CNHL 2200mAh 2S pack is a sensible crossover candidate where dimensions allow, while the 4000mAh 2S LiHV shorty is better suited to the WR-02 and other modern chassis that offer more flexibility in battery placement.
Runtime and Driving Feel: 2200mAh vs 4000mAh 2S Packs
On the standard RS-540 motor with a brushed ESC, a 2200mAh 2S pack will typically give you a short, lively session of running and lots of wheelies before the voltage starts to sag. It is a good choice if you like doing a few packs in a row, swapping batteries and keeping the truck light and responsive.
Moving up to a 4000mAh 2S LiHV shorty pack increases runtime noticeably and holds voltage higher under load. On the Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2 this translates into more consistent punch and easier wheelies, even when the pack is halfway through a run. The downside is extra weight, which can make the truck a little more planted but also more eager to lift the front. Many drivers enjoy this, but it is worth testing on a familiar surface before running in tight spaces or around obstacles.
FAQ: Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2 LiPo Battery Upgrade
Q: Can I run a 2S LiPo pack in my Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2?
A: Yes, many builders run 2S LiPo in the WR-02. You need to choose a pack that physically fits the tight battery
tray, switch the ESC to LiPo mode and make sure your connectors are compatible.
Q: Do I need to change the ESC when I switch from NiMH to LiPo?
A: The Hobbywing 1060 ESC included in many Wild Willy 2 kits already supports LiPo. You just need to move the jumper
to LiPo mode so that low-voltage cutoff is active. There is no need to change the ESC unless you are planning a much
more powerful motor setup.
Q: Will these LiPo batteries plug straight into my WR-02?
A: The CNHL packs listed here use T/Deans and EC3 connectors, while the ESC often comes with a Tamiya plug. You can
use adapter leads or re-solder the ESC to your preferred connector. Re-soldering is the cleaner, lower-resistance
solution for long-term use.
Q: Is 3S LiPo recommended for the Tamiya Wild Willy 2?
A: For most drivers, 3S is not recommended on the WR-02. The chassis is short, tall and designed for playful
wheelies, not high speed. A sensible 2S setup with a sport-tuned motor already feels lively and keeps the truck fun
without stressing the drivetrain or shell.
Q: Which pack should I choose if I am building my first Wild Willy 2?
A: If you are new to the chassis, the 2200mAh 2S pack is the easiest starting point. Once you are comfortable with
the handling and wheelie behavior, you can move up to the 4000mAh 2S LiHV shorty for more runtime and a stronger
punch if you want a wilder feel.
Further Reading: Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2 Battery Upgrade Guide
If you would like a more in-depth look at how builders are setting up their Tamiya Wild Willy and Wild Willy 2 models, including bearing upgrades, servo choices and battery fitment tricks, take a look at our detailed blog article: Best Battery for Tamiya WR-02 Wild Willy 2 1/10 2WD Monster Truck . It pulls together build notes, user comments and practical setup advice to help you get the most fun out of your WR-02 on 2S LiPo.
More RC Car Battery Options
If you would like to browse more RC Car compatibility options such as 2S, 3S, Shorty, and Hardcase, please refer to our RC Car LiPo Battery Collection