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