Tuning Your Nitro RC Car

All the knowledge about the subsystems and components of a Nitro RC car is used to help an RC car racer tune it for better performance. No doubt, it depends on the mechanic skills of the racer. If one is not sure of oneself, there are always ready to run (RTR) Nitro RC cars. Let us learn a few fundamental tuning tips.

Clutch condition is very necessary for good acceleration. As the time passes, a glaze forms on the clutch plate and clutch bell, which reduces the grip causing the clutch slip against the clutch bell. To avoid this it is necessary, now and then, to scrape the glaze using fine grain sand paper and cleaning it thoroughly.

Braking in of engine is very essential to keep the life of differential and the car to the maximum. Like real cars, an RC car's differential has many gears but being small and complicated, they are very expensive. Careful breaking in of your RC car engine before letting your car loose on full fledged races will greatly help. Run the car at about a quarter of its power, with wheels off the ground, and then slowly and steadily run it in '0's or '8's. This will set the differential and allow you to run full races without damaging the engine.

Always keep the air filter in good condition. An RC car engine can ill afford any slightest malfunction in air filter. Tie it with a safety wire around it tightly, to prevent the filter from becoming loose. Trim off the wire projections.

The spring loaded RC car header is easy to open while servicing. Any accident in races too opens it so easily at most in appropriate time. Just tie it with a piece of safety wire securely to the engine block and trim off the excess wire. Now, it won't come off easily.

As the car services, the pull-start cord of RC car engine can become worn and frayed.

Check it now and then and replace, if necessary. Never pull the cord all the way to its end to prevent it from getting struck in.

Please, remember it always pays to read the instructions manual fully and follow the manufacturer's instructions for good performance and lasting satisfaction with your RC car.