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