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