| RC (radio controlled) cars, especially the nitro or gas | | | | hobbyist love tweaking and tuning their vehicles. In |
| powered RC cars, are becoming increasingly popular. | | | | addition, you'll need to maintain certain parts such |
| With speeds up to 70 mph, realistic looks, and racing | | | | as:Clutch |
| clubs in virtually every large city, it's easy to see why.If | | | | Differential |
| you want to join this exciting hobby, there're a few | | | | Air Filter |
| things you should consider before you buy your first | | | | Header and |
| nitro-powered RC car. The basic considerations are: | | | | Pull start cord2 or 4 Wheel DriveIf you're new to the |
| size, type, 2 or 4-stroke motor, maintenance, 2 or 4 | | | | hobby, you'll find a 2wd car less expensive and easier |
| wheel drive, and ready-to-run (rtr) or kit cars.SizesThe | | | | to work on. The 4wd car has the advantage of better |
| two most popular sizes to choose from are 1/8 and 1 | | | | traction and handling in turns which makes it a better |
| 10 scale. 1/10th scale is the industry standard for | | | | choice when you're ready to race.Kits or Ready to |
| on-road racers, while 1/8th is more popular for off-road | | | | Run (RTR) Rc CarsNitro powered rc cars come in kits |
| trucks and buggies. The larger 1/8th scale on road car | | | | or ready-to-run right from the box. The primary |
| comes standard with a 2 or 3 speed automatic | | | | difference is the whether you want to save time with |
| transmission.TypesThe touring and racing cars are are | | | | a RTR car or save money with a kit. However, |
| the popular choice for on-road use. For best | | | | because of the assembly process, kits better prepare |
| performance, they should be run on a smooth | | | | you for required maintenance.If you choose to build an |
| surface.Trucks and buggies are the choice if off-road | | | | rc car, don't expect to finish in one sitting. To avoid |
| action is what you want. Though not as fast as the | | | | mistakes, familiarize yourself with the instructions first |
| touring and racing styles, they are still very impressive | | | | and get your work area prepared. Some of the things |
| and extremely rugged as well. And since a smooth | | | | you'll need are:Small No. 1 and 2 Phillips and flathead |
| surface is not required, they also have the advantage | | | | screwdrivers |
| of being able to run just about anywhere.MotorsNitro | | | | Soap - as a dry lubricant for tight parts |
| powered RC motors come available in the popular | | | | Extra fuel line - to hold screws while positioning |
| 2-stroke or the less conventional 4- stroke versions. | | | | Needle nose and regular slip joint pliers |
| The primary difference is that the 2-stroke motor, | | | | Flush cutter |
| much like a weed eater or chain saw, requires a fuel | | | | Hobby knife with no. 11 bladesWhen you assemble the |
| oil mixture. The 4-stroke motor has an oil reservoir and | | | | car, make sure to work in a well-lit, uncluttered area. |
| can run on straight fuel. The 2 stroke engine has the | | | | You should keep the parts and tools separated using |
| advantage of producing higher rpm's (revs up faster) | | | | tin boxes, trays, or even an old fishing tackle |
| and is more suitable for racing. The 4 stroke engine | | | | box.These are a few of the basics you'll need to |
| has more power and torque and is better for offroad | | | | know before you buy your first nitro rc car or truck. |
| use.The most popular 2-stroke motor is the 23cc | | | | You should expect to pay around $400 for a |
| (cubic centimeter) displacement engine. It's popularity is | | | | complete beginner setup. The price will vary a little |
| due to the amazing 2.5 HP of output it produces. The | | | | depending on whether you choose a kit or RTR and |
| resulting high speeds and acceleration are what RC | | | | how many tools you need.Whether you race or just |
| racers love.Additionally, motors come with or without a | | | | practice by yourself, get ready for a lot of fun!Greg |
| pull start. The ones without a pull start are cheaper, but | | | | Root owns and maintains A website that provides |
| you'll also need a starter box.Maintenance for Nitro | | | | basic tips on how to buy, build and race electric and |
| Powered RC CarsMaintenance is a definite | | | | nitro powered RC cars. |
| requirement of running a nitro powered vehicle. Most | | | | |