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