Nitro Powered RC Cars - Tips For Choosing Your First Gas RC Car

Nitro Powered RC Cars - Tips For Choosing YourThe ones without a pull start are cheaper, but you'll
First Gas RC Caralso need a starter box.
RC (radio controlled) cars, especially the nitro or gasMaintenance for Nitro Powered RC Cars
powered RC cars, are becoming increasingly popular.Maintenance is a definite requirement of running a nitro
With speeds up to 70 mph, realistic looks, and racingpowered vehicle. Most hobbyist love tweaking and
clubs in virtually every large city, it's easy to see why.tuning their vehicles. In addition, you'll need to maintain
If you want to join this exciting hobby, there're a fewcertain parts such as:
things you should consider before you buy your firstClutch
nitro-powered RC car. The basic considerations are:Differential
size, type, 2 or 4-stroke motor, maintenance, 2 or 4Air Filter
wheel drive, and ready-to-run (rtr) or kit cars.Header and
SizesPull start cord
The two most popular sizes to choose from are 1/82 or 4 Wheel Drive
and 1/10 scale. 1/10th scale is the industry standard forIf you're new to the hobby, you'll find a 2wd car less
on-road racers, while 1/8th is more popular for off-roadexpensive and easier to work on. The 4wd car has
trucks and buggies. The larger 1/8th scale on road carthe advantage of better traction and handling in turns
comes standard with a 2 or 3 speed automaticwhich makes it a better choice when you're ready to
transmission.race.
TypesKits or Ready to Run (RTR) Rc Cars
The touring and racing cars are are the popular choiceNitro powered rc cars come in kits or ready-to-run
for on-road use. For best performance, they should beright from the box. The primary difference is the
run on a smooth surface.whether you want to save time with a RTR car or
Trucks and buggies are the choice if off-road action issave money with a kit. However, because of the
what you want. Though not as fast as the touring andassembly process, kits better prepare you for required
racing styles, they are still very impressive andmaintenance.
extremely rugged as well. And since a smooth surfaceIf you choose to build an rc car, don't expect to finish in
is not required, they also have the advantage of beingone sitting. To avoid mistakes, familiarize yourself with
able to run just about anywhere.the instructions first and get your work area prepared.
MotorsSome of the things you'll need are:
Nitro powered RC motors come available in theSmall No. 1 and 2 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
popular 2-stroke or the less conventional 4- strokeSoap - as a dry lubricant for tight parts
versions. The primary difference is that the 2-strokeExtra fuel line - to hold screws while positioning
motor, much like a weed eater or chain saw, requiresNeedle nose and regular slip joint pliers
a fuel oil mixture. The 4-stroke motor has an oilFlush cutter
reservoir and can run on straight fuel. The 2 strokeHobby knife with no. 11 blades
engine has the advantage of producing higher rpm'sWhen you assemble the car, make sure to work in a
(revs up faster) and is more suitable for racing. The 4well-lit, uncluttered area. You should keep the parts and
stroke engine has more power and torque and istools separated using tin boxes, trays, or even an old
better for offroad use.fishing tackle box.
The most popular 2-stroke motor is the 23cc (cubicThese are a few of the basics you'll need to know
centimeter) displacement engine. It's popularity is due tobefore you buy your first nitro rc car or truck. You
the amazing 2.5 HP of output it produces. The resultingshould expect to pay around $400 for a complete
high speeds and acceleration are what RC racersbeginner setup. The price will vary a little depending on
love.whether you choose a kit or RTR and how many
Additionally, motors come with or without a pull start.tools you need. Please visit for more information.