Turning your RC car into a speed machine
Turning your RC car into a speed machine
No matter the age, an RC enthusiast will always love the excitement that comes from playing with RC cars. The primary reason why people of all ages play with these cars is that they are a perfect fusion of thrill and fun.
Most people keep the same RC car for a long time but at some point, they want more but without breaking the bank. Upgrading your existing car into a speed machine can be extravagant but with the help of our guide, you’ll not only save money but also get a little more out of your old RC car.
But first, let’s understand these cars briefly. So let’s get started.
What are RC cars?
RC cars or Radio-controlled cars are miniature model cars that can be controlled from a distance with the help of a specialized remote or transmitter.
All parts of the RC cars work in a synchronized manner and the 4 main parts are:
1. Transmitter :
The radio-controller you hold in your hands acts as a transmitter that controls the toy. It works by sending radio waves to the receiver.
2. Receiver:
The radio waves or signals sent by the transmitter are received by an antenna and circuit board inside your toy. This activates motors inside the toy as commanded by the transmitter.
3. Motor:
This part helps in turning wheels, operating the propellers, steering the vehicle, etc.
4. Power source:
They are typically a rechargeable battery pack.
How to turn your RC car into a speed machine?
By adjusting the gear ratio:
This is going to be one of the cheapest and easiest upgrades that you can do to increase the speed of your RC.
There are 2 gears in your RC car and these are the Pinion gear and the Spur gear.
Pinion Gear: Pinion gear is usually made from titanium, aluminum, or steel and is directly attached to your motor. It is easily accessible as you can remove it with a hex driver. The pinion gear has “teeth” inside, here the teeth stand for the maximum speed that your RC car is capable of hitting.
One thing you need to note is that you must not start with a high teeth count as it can cause issues with your RC car’s temperature which in turn leads to functional issues. The best bet is to gradually upgrade the teeth count in your pinion gear. This will help you maintain the temperature of your car as well as make it accelerate quicker off the road.
Pinion gears come in many different sizes and pitches and selecting the perfect one is the most important step. Absolute hobbyz Robinson Racing Absolute 48P Pinion Gear (28T) is the most convenient pinion gear in the market. Thanks to its hardened steel body, it is durable enough to last a long time. The tooth number is stamped on each pinion. One 5-40 set screw included.
Spur Gear: Pinion gear is responsible for turning a larger plastic gear known as a spur gear. Replacing the spur gear with a smaller gear can lead to more speed but at the cost of acceleration.
Now, at the cost of top speed, you can replace the spur gear with a bigger gear that will allow for quicker acceleration. Changing both the spur and the pinion would be one of the first steps to making your car faster.
By changing the tires:
The performance of your RC car also depends on the surface you make it race on. Meaning, if you use the wrong tires on the wrong surface, the outcome will be certainly not in your favor. So, it becomes imperative for you to use the right tires for the surface.
For driving on tarmac or road, slicks are a good option. In case of slippery grass or mud, full spikes are your best bet while mini pines are best for carpet. Mini spikes are an ideal choice for an all-around good grip.
Ensuring that your tires match the surface, will also prevent you from damaging your RC car in case you lost control and crashed. This will save you from spending extra money on costly repairs and additional maintenance. For the long run, use premium tires as they will give you the best bang for your buck. Make sure to look for bigger tires as tires with more diameter cover more ground per turning which will increase the speed.
By reducing the weight:
Replacing heavy parts with lighter pieces is considered a good way to get your RC car going faster. Lighter materials that include light carbon or aluminum will have a big impact even if you replace one or two pieces.
Another thing to consider while lightening the vehicle is to switch up the batteries. In case you are using a Ni-MH battery pack, removing it and upgrading to Li-Po batteries will drastically reduce the overall weight.
However, there are some drawbacks associated with too much weight reduction. It will affect the cornering and handling of your car, providing less traction as well. But this won’t be a big issue if you’re planning on driving in a straight line.
By upgrading the motors:
For entry-level pilots, brushed motors are considered the best. Brushed motors convert the electricity into motion and in the process, some of the power is lost through friction. If you’re a beginner, we recommend the Reedy Radon 2 Crawler 16T 5-Slot 1850kV Brushed Motor, as its 5-Slot design delivers a smooth powerband for precision control while traversing steep, uneven, or rocky terrain.
On the other hand, a brushless motor will cause minimum power loss due to less friction in the motor assembly. Upgrading to Tekin Pro4 4600kV 5mm Brushless Motor is a guaranteed way to increase the speed and power of your RC car. This motor specializes in producing the torque and smooth power you demand in a 4×4 Short Course Truck.
Where to buy these cars?
With our tips and your dedicated practice, you’ll become Masami Hirosaka of your area. From engine accessories to electric accessories, you’ll find everything required to turn your car into a speed machine at our store, Absolute Hobbyz.
For more information, kindly visit our website or contact our support staff. We are committed to customer satisfaction.