This week I’d like to take a break from product reviews of rc cars and radio control car hop ups. Instead of our usual look at rc cars I’d like to talk about the various types of engines that you can buy to build your own remote control car or to upgrade your old ones.
The first type of engine that you can buy for your RC projects are engines for nitro remote control cars. Hobby Products International offers a great selection of engines. Their Nitro Star F4.1 Engine with pull-start. It fits 1/8 scale nitros and lists for about $229. The dimensions of this engine are 5.9 inches by 4.9 inches by 3.3 inches. Your second option is the Nitro Star T-15 Engine with Pull Start: EVO. This economy engine offers 1.2 horse power, side exhaust and compatibility with the HPI Roto Start System. Its dimensions are 5.8 inches by 4.9 inches by 3.6 inches and it weighs about 14.4 ounces.
The second type of engine that you can buy for your RC projects are rc electric car motors. Your first option is the Motor, 550 Titan, 12 turn. This electric engine lists for $26.00 and weighs in at 8.8 ounces. It comes with preinstalled capacitors, leads and connectors. Its dimensions are 4.2 inches by 3.5 inches by 1.2 inches. If you are working on an RC jet aircraft then you can look at the Himax EPF50BL Electric Ducted Fan with Brushless Motor for RC Jet Aircraft. This product lists for $79.95.
Do you have any tips for selecting a motor for an rc car? Post your tips below.
When I was younger I used to have quite the collection of radio controlled cars, I have to be honest I never raced with Nitro though, it was either battery or petrol (gas)These little Nitro cars must just fly on the track.
I didn’t even realize you could upgrade the engine. I have 2 old RC Cars in the garage from my younger days, maybe I should pull them out and see how much speed I can get with one of these.
Petrol engine or electric… speed vs cost issue as well?
The issue is not speed vs cost.. It is about gas vs electric due to ecological and financial issues. There are extremely fast RC electric cars that are as fast as gas ones.
I don’t care about cost. What I want to know is how well can they be controlled. Nothing is more frustrating than having a fast car that won’t go straight.
The control on the nitro cars are excellent. Now how steady is your hand and your eye-hand coordination is another questions
Great article! I have a nephew who is heavy in to RC cars and I just forwarded your article to him and he said he LOVED IT!
SO KUDOS!