RC Cars

The NASCAR Vehicle

2008-01-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

The original concept of a NASCAR race car was that is was supposed to be composed of stock parts-parts you would buy in an auto parts store. In some respects that is true but not totally. The race car is a high performance racing machine designed to withstand high G-forces when banking on turns. Let's look at what makes up this vehicle.

The first component most are interested in is the engine of a NASCAR racing vehicle. This engine actually is very close to that which you have in your car (provided you have a big engine) but it is customized so that it can withstand high temperature and torque. All parts in the engine of a are machined to within very tight specifications so that there is a minimum of friction. The carburetor is designed to let in the volume of air and fuel mixture required to sustain high speeds for lengthy spans of time. There are no fuel injectors in the race cars engine.

The first modification to the NASCAR vehicle was to smooth out the ride. Early races were run on tracks that were very bumpy and this causes a lot of damage. Today, the NASCAR vehicle is basically a body molded from sheet metal on a frame supported on the inside by bars made of sheet tubing. The vehicle is not a stock vehicle any longer as each component is hand-crafted and assembled. The car is built with safety in mind while giving it the ability to maintain speeds approaching 200 mph. Driver comfort is not the focus.

The NASCAR vehicle at one time was able to reach speeds in excess of 200 mph and that all changed in 1987 when Bobby Allison's race car flew into a section of fence at the Talladega Speedway in Talledega, Alabama. Fans were injured in the stands and NASCAR took action to restrict the speed of the vehicle through what is known as a restrictor plate. This also gave birth to the term "restrictor-plate racing."

The physics of the restrictor plate have to do with reducing air intake into the intake manifold of the engine. Less air will result in lower combustion thus reducing horsepower. The restrictor plate is a sheet of metal with four holes bored in it at precise tolerances. The plate is then mounted between the intake manifold and the carburetor. After that, the NASCAR vehicle should not be able to exceed speeds of 200 mph.

It would seem like the restrictor plate would resolve the safety problem but many professional drivers have been asserting that it creates more potentially unsafe situations in a race. If you think about the difference between a motor scooter and a motorcycle you can see where a restrictor plate could create problems. Many times a motor scooter has an accident where a motorcycle could have avoided it because of its increased ability to accelerate (a motorcycle can accelerate quicker to avoid an oncoming threat). It is the same complaint among almost all of the racers with restrictor plates. They have identified situations where the cars bunch up and the driver only has one choice and that is to slow down. Speeding up to avoid the congestion is not an option because the other cars may be at the restrictor plate limit too.

But as for now, the restrictor plate is a requirement in the race car vehicle on the majority of tracks.

By Christopher DiCicco

Chris DiCicco is owner, senior editor and website developer for NASCARsupershop.com, a NASCAR Apparel and Memorabilia Store for every NASCAR Fan.

http://www.nascarsupershop.com/

http://www.nascarsupershop.com/Nascar_Hats.html

http://www.nascarsupershop.com/Nascar_Helmets.html

Building Your Own RC Model

2008-01-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

There is nothing else more rewarding in owning an RC vehicle than having to build one. It is of course recommended for novice RC hobbyists to go for ready made RC cars because it’s a lot less complicated to assemble and doesn’t consume such time in doing so. But when it comes to cleaning, maintenance and general check up, wouldn’t it be a lot better if you knew how to fix and maintain your car on your own?

When you build your very own RC car, there could be a lot of work to do but if you’re in for a tight budget, this should do it. Ready-made cars is going to cost you probably more than what you have been assuming because, after all, it’s already made, all it just needs is a little time for you to assemble. Not only that, if you build your RC model on your own, it would just mean you can carefully select the equipment and other important parts you want, gaining you extra satisfaction of a better RC model in the end.

Make sure that you have your tools needed for building your own model. You also have to read and understand everything that’s in the manual before you begin. This is just to make sure that you don’t miss anything and assemble one part on the wrong spot. Your building area will have to be very conducive for working which means you need a space for you and your kit alone. The parts of the kit are all important and losing one is the last thing you ever want to happen. So if you have kids and pets around the house, secure your kit and your work to make sure you don’t lose anything untraceable.

But you also have to consider that building things like these doesn’t happen in one go. Remember the saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, this might not be Rome but still, you wont be able to build a desired RC model immediately.

Learn more about building RC cars at this site http://racing-radio-controlled-cars.com

By Shareen Aguilar

Keeping Your RC Car Steady

2008-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

RC car racers have to make it a point that collision should be the last thing that can damage their vehicle. But, with the speed RC cars are capable of doing while on track, collision is a common scenario. If you are a newbie to handling RC cars as a hobby, there are some basics that you need to know. These basics are good for the type of RC vehicle that you own and for your own knowledge in RC racing.

First of all, shock absorbers or as it is popularly known, shocks, keep the vehicle suspended parallel to the tires and ground below it. A good set of shocks assure the owner that the chassis of a RC car doesn't touch the track nor does it cause the tires of the car to stray away. Keeping a good set of shock absorbers is the tricky part, so before entering any racing competition, test several set of shocks which you think would be effective in keeping your RC car chassis off of the racetrack.

Everybody knows that shock absorbers consist of a good set of springs as this allows the car to maintain the standard height from 0 level. For better performance though, a soft type of spring is preferred. As mentioned, it is better for you to test several springs at a time before entering a competition. You'll be the judge of the height of the chassis from the ground and whether the “feel” of the spring already suffices your preference.

To put your RC car under smooth control even if it bumps another car on track or experiences an ordinary bump, be sure you have the right amount of shock oil absorbed on the springs of the car. An appropriately positioned pistons absorb the excess energy caused from a collision or impact. This results to the steady motion of a vehicle.

Keeping your RC car free from unsteady movement and unnecessary bounce will give you peace of mind when driving it around or even when in a competition.

Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance

By Shareen Aguilar

Rc Beginner Basics: How to Get Started With Radio Controlled Car Hobby

2008-01-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

Within each person is a high, a desire to expand one's horizons. While some require a huge physical and monetary challenge, embarking in a radio controlled car hobby is much less demanding and more practical to turn into a reality. But a radio controlled hobby is no joke to deal with. It could turn nasty if you don't get yourself ready for it.

The desire is just the start of passion and a time-consuming journey which can be one of your life's' greatest rewarding activities.First you need to determine which you would prefer to have: toy RC kits or hobby kits. Hobby kits are higher in quality but require more expertise.

A good way to test if the hobby is for you is by purchasing the toy kit first and then stepping up to the more sophisticated hobby kit if you get the feel for the hobby. Toy kits are assembled and even available in toy stores, while hobby RC cars require assembling capabilities and a bit more than basic knowledge.

There are a host of RC car types available for you, and only you can determine which suits your fancy. There are scale models which are 1/20 of the original, and there are others which are life-size or even bigger than the original. If you're just getting started the smaller the better and more manageable.

They vary in speed depending on size and power source. There are two types of power source available for a typical radio controlled car: electric and fuel. In terms of speed, engine powered ones are more reliable and exciting to use. However, electrically generated ones are much more user-friendly as far as maintenance is concerned.

Since you are beginner, always choose the lesser evil and upgrade to a higher challenge only when you are knowledgeable enough to do so. Electric-powered motors require a radio system to keep them going. These include a transmitter, a receiver and servos. Servos are placed in both the vehicle and the receiver.

They serve as connecting nodes between commands from the transmitter to the receiver. The battery pack is rechargeable, though it takes much longer to charge. Some tools for the hand are also needed for the routine maintenance checks. Engine-powered ones also require a radio system. But its battery is non-rechargeable by electricity.

An igniter is also needed, since it relies on fuel combustion to move it at awesome speeds. Nitro models don't usually operate on gasoline. It requires a different mixture of chemicals for combustion. You will definitely need a bottle for fuel storage; lest you run out in the midst of the action.

Author: Ken Krysinski

Origins of the Remote Control Car

2008-01-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

The beginnings of the remote control car can be traced back to the 1940s, when small, nitromethane-powered engines first entered the market. At the time, the only way to control an engine-powered model car was with a tether. While these cars were fast, they merely ran in a circle from the tether.

In the late 1960s, the first miniaturized solid state radio control systems were introduced, allowing model cars to have servo-controlled steering, throttle, and brake functionality that could be remotely controlled from a transmitter unit.Several early commercially viable remote control cars became available by 1966, produced by El-Gi (Elettronica Giocattoli), a company from Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Their first remote control car model was a 1:12 Ferrari 250LM. This was followed by their 1:10 Ferrari P4 model, which was first shown at the Milan Toy Fair in early 1968. Between the mid to late 1960s, a British company called Mardave also began to produce commercially viable remote control cars. Their first products were nitro- or gas-powered cars which were sold in the early 1970s.During that period, several commercial products were manufactured by small firms in the United States.

Most of these companies started out as slot car companies, then moved into the remote control car field, which was becoming more popular. Early kits were 1/8 scale nitro-powered aluminum flat pan cars powered by a .21 or smaller engine, with the bodies made of polycarbonate.In 1976, the Japanese firm Tamiya released a series of highly detailed but mechanically simple electric on-road car models.

Although more expensive, these kits and radio systems sold quickly. Soon, Tamiya began to produce more purpose-built remote-controlled model cars, and were the first to release off-road buggies with real suspension systems. This allowed remote control cars to be driven virtually anywhere, not just on bitumen and smooth surfaces. It was this development toward the off-road class that brought about much of the hobby’s popularity.

Author: Riz Davis

RC Cars: Toy or Hobby?

2008-01-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

Radio controlled cars (RC cars) have been around since the 1960's, and they've held our attention ever since. This fascination with small radio controlled replica cars is not only beheld by little boys, but by male and female, young and old, too. Just what makes these miniature cars so popular? Well it could be the fact that this hobby allows you to own any car you can imagine, even if only in facsimile.

When Remote Control cars first began, they were made with 2-stroke model airplane engines and were created 1/8 scale. Today, RC cars can be found in a wide array of sizes and body styles. Chances are that any car you like will have it's counterpart in Remotely Controlled miniature.
There two grades of Remote Control cars, toy grade and hobby grade.

Toy grade RC cars are those you find in the regular discount stores and electronic specialty stores. These cars have no spare parts, and once they break or stop working they are unserviceable and meant to be discarded. These Remotely Controlled cars cost $20-25 for the 'basic' models, with the most expensive units topping out around $150.

Toy grade RC cars usually give you forward and reverse and left and right steering. Some only let you go forward and reverse, with the car turning in one direction while in reverse. Some of the toy grade cars are just now beginning to have proportional steering, but this would be in the more expensive models.

Unlike the toy grade cars, hobby grade RC cars do not share the problem of not having available spare parts. These hobby grade Remote Control cars also have upgrades ready to be fitted by the owner as well. If a part breaks or fails, it's really no big deal for the hobbyist as the parts are probably sitting on the hobby store shelf.

The most popular hobby cars can have at their disposal hundreds of upgrades from many different merchants. Available upgrades may consist of scale-realistic wheels to anodized aluminum struts. Some hobby grade cars have total conversion kits available that change the vehicle radically.

Today's RC cars come in both fuel and electric powered versions. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The electric Remote Control cars run cleaner than their fuel powered counterpart, but the fuel driven Remotely Controlled cars are much faster.

Deciding on which route to go on purchasing either a toy grade or hobby grade RC car really should depend on who the car is intended for. Any child would be happy with one of the $25 low end cars, and so would some adults.

If the car is intended for competition racing, the toy isn't going to cut it. Hobby level RC cars generally start out at the $350 range, and that's without accessories. If you're going to start Junior out at hobby level, you're going to have to whip out the credit card.

Author: John Taylor

Top NASCAR Car Racing Teams You Would Want To Be A Part Of

2008-01-19T09:41:00.000-08:00

The need to belong is a universal need.And if you are a part of the professional car racing, you definitely want to be be associated with the top NASCAR car racing teams for last year.
Wonder what they look for in a portfolio?

What will be featured are the top teams according to revenue earned, value, and operating income. Mind you, these numbers are all in millions, and not your single-digit numbers.

1. Roush Fenway Racing - for this year, they were valued at a whopping $316 million, earned $189 million as revenue, and spent $39.1 million on operating expenses. They have DeWalt to back them up.

2. Hendrick Motorsports - there were valued for $297 million, operated on a budget of $38.9, and earned $163 million. They are currently sponsored by Dupont.

3. Joe Gibbs Racing - their value for the year 2007 was reported to be $173 million. Also, earned a revenue of $110 million and had an operating income of 23.6 million. Home Depot is their primary sponsor.

4. Evernham motorsports - valued at $128 million, earned a revenue of $89 million and operated on an income of $178 million. They have Dodge Dealer/UAW on their side.
5. Richard Childress Racing - they have a tag price of $124 million, audited for an operating income of $19.1 million and earned a revenue of $98 million. Shell/Penzoil sponsors them as of now.

Big numbers mean success

In this case, the higher the number, the more stable and successful the car racing team is. It is interesting to note that they they still managed to operate on a two-digit income and earning triple more more. They really do know how to do business. If you have a top notch and an industry leader to hire you to drive their racing cars, then it is the sweetest victory next to actually winning the car race.

Though his life seem figured out and grounded as a neurosurgeon, Vastine has one interesting and risky hobby, motor and car racing. It is only in a racing blog that he can openly share how he sneaks out to race in the mountains of Chengdu and all things imaginable and unimaginable about his motor and car racing

By Vastine Chater

RC Car Questions and Parts

2008-01-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

When either building your own nitro car or buying prebuilt models, there are some accessories which are very important and main questions people ask when going into model shops. The specifications on cars can be very confusing to people new to the hobby so below are some of the most common questions asked.

What is a rc car kits modified motor

There are two types of modified motors, sport and hand wound. Sport modified motors are wound via the factory and the usually cost around £35.00. Whereas a hand wound motor have the arm wound by hand and the user assembles the device to give a better and higher performance output with the RRP around £60.00 These modified motors are ball raced and are able to be taken apart from servicing and cleaning.

You are able to skim the commutator several times throughout the motors lifetime to give a constant performance. There are several types of winds and turns which can have a range of 7 to 30 being the number of times the wire is wrapped around the arm. Winds are what is reference to as the pieces of wire on the arm and can have a range of 1, 2 to 5. In general, the smaller the turns gives a higher speed and power but will suck up the battery power.

A single wind will determine more of a punch while four will be smooth. Each motor should be suited to a particular car, type of control and track.

What batteries do RC Car take

A Battery for RC Car kits are usually called a Ni-Car and are the most important part as they are responsible for the power to your rc car motor. Even with a very powerful motor, it still needs a battery to give top performance. The prices can be anything from £10 for a cheap battery to £60,99 which is the most expensive allowed for racing.

The cheaper, lower end batteries are for home use with the most expensive batteries for competition racing. The Ni-cad batteries are the same type you get in DIY power tools so are used to taking a battering. As with everything, you get what you pay for so a more expensive battery will last longer and give better performance.

What are the different Speed Controllers

With each rc model you get a controller, but depending on what the RC model is depends on the amount of channels such as 2, 4 etc. A RC plane could have a 2 channel controller or 4 which means the more channels, the more of the same model you can have in the area if you are with friends.

The entry level controllers come with a mechanical control whereas more expensive controllers have electronic speed controllers. Overall are much more efficient and give you better control over your rc model with prices around £20-£190 and again, you get what you pay for. Many Petrol RC Cars come with easy to control speed controllers.

There are so many more things to learn, with much data on our website or all over the net.

Either way remote control cars are a hobby which is here to stay so gaining experience will lead to a long and happy hobby.

http://www.petrolrccars.co.uk has a large amount of info on rc car kits and parts

By Rob D Stone

Do A Glow System Check for RC Engine Issue

2008-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

RC cars work pretty much like how big cars do. You just need to check each part if its working properly and if it is not, you are going to end up with enough troubleshooting up your sleeves. For RC cars that are operated by nitro gas, there will come a time that its engine will act up on you and if that time comes, you will need to become Mr. Fix-it.

First, don't immediately skip to conclusions and think that the batteries of your RC car need to be changed right away. There is a step-by-step method that you can take in to considerations first before spending money on the issue, which could be an unnecessary step. When the engine of your RC car doesn't perform as expected any longer, don't push it. If you do, it will just make the situation even worse.

Check how tight or fit the piston is to the sleeve after you remove the glow plug of the engine. If this step doesn't indicate that these parts are toast, you can go to the next step. Otherwise, it's time for you to change the piston and sleeve.

A part which most racers and RC hobbyists fail to look in to when it comes to troubleshooting purposes is the glow system; well, the other side of it to be specific. The glow system has its glow starter. What you need to is to check if the glow starter is either fully charged or that it has a good battery to go with. Next, check if all contact surfaces of the glow starter going to the coil are cleaned up. If it's not, you know what to do. And lastly, try to check how the glow starter functions.

The glow plug is plugged to the glow starter and when it comes in to contact with the coil, it emits an orange spark. Any color that is duller than orange or bright orange indicates that you need to replace your glow plug.

To prevent this from happening, you can check this part of the engine periodically. Cleaning it is also a must. The next time you have an engine problem, don't forget to check the other side of your glow system.

Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance.

By Shareen Aguilar

Tips for Drag Racing With Radio Controlled Cars

2008-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

For most people, the idea of drag racing implies exhilaration and excitement. It also connotes danger. It's a good thing that radio-controlled cars can now enable anyone to experience the thrills and excitement of drag racing without being exposed to too much danger.

Drag racing is all about speed. As compared to ordinary radio-controlled car races, the drag racing with RC cars entails much more attention on setting-up the vehicle than having driving skills. The main deal with car racing is to eliminate the forces (aerodynamic) that prevent the car from attaining and maintaining maximum speed. The following things should be given much importance when racing RC cars at maximum speed:

Chassis

Getting and maintaining a good chassis for drag race RC cars is very important. The thing to remember is that there are numerous materials that make up modern RC drag cars today such as graphite and carbon fiber. They differ in how they support the cars and how they "flex" during acceleration. The chassis needs to have flexibility when accelerating is a key to attain the car's maximum speed.

Front end design

Dragsters have distinct front-end designs. They are usually pointed to minimize the drag from the air. The front axles should be set up in a simple way to make them easier to adjust during accidents during race day.

Battery packs

Usually, RC car drag races are determined by the kind of battery pack that the cars are equipped with. Nickel-cadmium batteries are very popular nowadays. The batteries used in cars are usually in 6-cell or 7-cell packs. The two main things that one should look for in battery packs are internal impedance and voltage. These are two main indicators of power and speed. The battery packs used in RC drag racing are perhaps the most powerful in the whole RC racing arena.

Tires

The usual dragsters employ thin front wheels which are most often referred to as "pizza cutters" because they resemble the kitchen apparatus. When it comes to selecting tires, there are two beliefs: smaller is better and the "big wheels rule." As with any other contradicting beliefs, both have advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, it's personal taste that really counts in choosing the kinds of tires.

Weight

RC drag race cars have been stripped of their excess weight throughout the years. An optimum weight should be achieved to be able to get maximum acceleration.RC drag racing is a really fun and exhilarating experience. One should try watching races over the weekend to find out.

Author: Ken Krysinski

Choosing Rc Vehicles

2008-01-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Starting this kind of hobby isn’t easy, but not difficult either. Many beginners become easily absorbed by this type of hobby since there are a lot of options to choose from and assembling needed. The components of building an RC car develops from thinking over what a person really wants to have, comparisons and evaluation from other RC cars already built. Although the parts are available, the selection varies by size and type, so this area here needs to be spent on long periods for thinking.

Aside from the components of an RC car, there are the different types available; depending on what is suitable or rather, preferred by the owner. A choice between an electric powered or nitro cars have to be made, but then again, it all depends on what the RC car is going to be for. What’s good about electric powered cars is that their powerful electric motors are rechargeable and they tend to run quieter. As for the nitro ones, we all know that it tends to run loudly, caused by the combustion engines for nitromethane, methanol and oil fuel but runs with overwhelming speed.

Don’t forget the choice between off-road and on-road vehicles. Adventurous racers could opt for off-road cars while the ones that prefer a smooth ride can have on-road vehicles. Either way, both choices are great if especially enhanced by the owner.

And last but not the least; the size of the RC car needs to be thought of at this point. Vehicles that are of 1/10th scale are the popular ones but there are even larger ones on a 1/8th scale. Minis and micros are also available. Plus, the fun part is this, if you don’t want to limit your RC vehicle to cars, you can choose from having trucks, planes to boats for your RC collection.

Author: Shareen Aguilar

Why you Should Drive Nikko Rc Cars

2008-01-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, Nikko is the manufacturer of the largest radio-controlled vehicles in the whole world.

What Nikko is

Nikko is the manufacturer of radio controlled toys and is a global producer of high quality RC products.

Due to the fact that Nikko has its own factories, they effectively control, ensure and monitor quality in every product they produce.

Quality, quality, quality

Nikko is also one of the very few manufacturers of radio-controlled vehicles that provide customer service to its consumers. Every product that Nikko produces is tested individually for durability and quality in order to assure one hundred percent satisfaction to its customers. Also, Nikko RC products are covered with a warranty for sixty days.

Nikko product awareness

As much as possible, buyers should also be wary and aware of products that are mere imitations prior to purchasing. Believe it or not, Megatech spends sufficient time in ensuring that consumers receive the best and durable highly-performing products.

Nikko products are generally tested carefully and the packages are specifically sealed with the Megatech quality seal.

Warranties etc.

There have been changes made lately; products by Megatech that are bought on the internet, (Yahoo or eBay etc.), are actually void of warranties. Also, any Megatech products that are purchased from hobbytron.com do not offer any repair warranty.

An example of a Nikko product

One product of Nikko is the RC Nissan 1/10th z turner with battery and charger. This particular product is able to steer exceptionally well and in a responsive manner; in the right or left direction, as well as back and forward easily.

This Nissan as made by Nikko is orange in color and has windows that are tinted. A 9.6 volt battery pack is included as well as a nine-volt battery.

Nikko product features

Other features of this Nissan RC vehicle is its turbo extra boost that allows it to drive in a speed that is faster. It also has four drifting bonus tires included. It has working headlights, spinning wheels, front adjustable wheel alignments, suspension in the rear and front. Believe it or not, it also has a body that resists impact and a gear differential much better traction.

All in all, Nikko remote-controlled cars and products are oriented towards quality and in efficient and consistent service to its various consumers.

Author: Ken Krysinski

Facts Abouth the Chi Hair Iron

2008-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Girls nowadays are seeking for better ways to beautify themselves. It’s not enough that one has unblemished skin, sexy body and good looking face, girls are also aspiring to have the most beautiful hair they can be proud of! Woman are applying and undergoing any treatment to have a stylish hair anyone will look at with admiration. Manufacturers get hold of this vanity and demand for hair accessories and several had produced hair iron… Chi Hair Iron is one of the newest hair iron products in the market today.

Chi hair iron is considered to be one of the most advanced products of its kind in our market because of its easiness to use and versatility. Different from the regular hair flat irons which take 30 minutes to straighten the hair, chi irons can straighten hair for 10 to 15 minutes only. This is one of the reasons why this product is such a hit!

Since hair retains its normal color and luster, it will not be a case if you will be settled for a cheaper hair iron. But the difference will be the long hours of making your hair look best. With chi hair iron’s ceramic plates, the heat to straighten your hair can be achieved in seconds thus letting you work on your hair for just minutes.

Chi hair irons are made in varieties of ceramic plates for different hair types. There is the 2 plates iron designed for thick and long hair. These types are referred to as Turbo Chi Hair Irons. These irons sends negative ions to the inner structures of the hair and seals the cuticle; thus retaining the hair moisture. This process eliminates hair breakage and dryness. If you want to style your hair in several ways, chi hair iron can help you a lot!

If you would like to purchase one, choose among the most reliable manufacturers! One of the most popular is the Farouk Systems Inc. which is the manufacturer of professional hair care products such as Biosilk, dryers and irons. Their own chi hair iron product line includes Chi Ceramic Flat Iron and Chi Curling iron which comes as light weight and can help you curl, flip or straighten your hair as you want.

Some products will require you to buy additional items like reconstructing complex, hair protein creams, and others. Ordering this chi hair iron is not difficult since companies are offering brochures to choose from along with free product shipping. Just be sure that the hair iron has a manufacturers’ warranty at least for one year.

It will be good to cite some precautions and warnings for you to better enjoy your hair iron. Chi hair iron must be unplugged when not in use. It should not be used while taking a bath. The equipment must not be stored or placed in an area where it can be pulled or it can fall into a nearby sink or tub. If it falls into water, unplug it immediately and be sure not to touch the water where it fell. Most appliances are electrically alive even when you off the switch so be careful in handling it. Do not wrap the cord around the hair iron and do not use any attachments that are not advised by manufacturers.

Chi hair iron is really an advancement in the world of hair styling. Easy to use and light weighted hair curler and strengthener irons come in varieties of colors and sizes you can choose from. So get the hair you always wanted…Buy Chi Hair Iron today!

Author: Bob Janeway

Rc Cars - Toys for the Big Boys

2008-01-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

They say that boys will be boys and although that can be a very subjective generalization, the evolution of boy's toys into a hobby for grown men can attest to the fact that some boys never grow up-at least in terms of their toy cars.

RC (radio controlled) cars is the general term for any car model that uses a radio control system for remote management. However, there are two types of RC cars: the toy grade, which was designed for young boys; and the hobby grade which is the choice of adolescent boys and men of all ages.

The only similarity between the toy and hobby grade RC cars is that they are both models of land vehicles that are used via remote radio control system. The main difference in the two types of models however is that the toy grade one is just a bunch molded plastic that resembles the look of a miniature car, while the hobby grade types are actual miniature models of vehicles that come with individual parts assembled much like a real, full sized car. In fact, hobby grade RC cars are treated exactly like real cars because it requires regular maintenance and run on actual miniature car engines.

Some hobby grade RC cars run on electrically propelled machines while the rest run on fuel powered engines. The complexity of hobby grade RC cars is probably the main attraction for men of all ages. That and the fact that hobby grade RC cars are made for racing that allow men to compete with each other using their personalized racing cars. An RC cars hobbyist will have to decide whether he wants a fuel powered or electric powered vehicle. On both types of engines, there will be trade offs.

For instance, electric powered RC cars are generally lighter than their fuel powered counterparts. However, fuel powered RC cars are faster than their electric counterparts. These trade offs are analyzed by the hobbyist in making his decision on which type of RC car to own. All these hobby grade RC cars come with complex parts that can be expanded and changed so that a hobbyist can own a fuel powered car which he can change for an electric engine if he wants.

Because the RC cars are used for racing, they are fitted with extra powerful radio controlled systems that allow remote control from many distances. Not only that, since there are different terrain in which an RC car race can be held, there are also off-road models suited for all terrain racing because of their wheels and suspension.

Whether your RC car is electric or fuel powered, you can be assured that your car will need a lot of maintenance from repair and upgrading of car parts to cleaning and tuning to make sure that your race machine can hold its own out on the race track among other RC cars.So you see, these RC cars are true toys for the bog boys. They are something that can be appreciated by grown ups in terms of complexity and ability for real races and it allows men to feel like boys again even for just a while.

Author: Bob Janeway

Off-Road RC Cars

2008-01-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Be it nitro or electronically powered RC cars, you’d still be able to get a good, first hand experience of owning and racing an RC car…or is it a truck, plane or boat? There are quite a few selections and still more choices to choose from because RC toys come in different shapes and sizes.

There are already two choices available for your RC car. You can either run it on or off road but if you want to go the extra mile and add a few rush of adrenaline to your racing experience, you can opt for the off road car, truck or buggy. We all know that RC cars are the most common type among all other RC toys. RC cars are ideal for a typical racer or those who love speed even from just little cars.

But then again, there are still the off-road type of RC vehicles you can try just in case off-roading became a sudden curiosity and interest to you; there are off-road trucks and buggies available.

Don’t worry, if you think that off-road RC trucks are limited to electric engines, better think again because these babies are also available in nitro fueled engines. It doesn’t stop there, if you’re a first timer in handling off-road RC trucks, don’t worry, there are ready-made merchandise available in the market as well.

Next are the buggies. What are these things anyway? These are little RC vehicles that can run up to 60mph. Compared to off-road trucks; they are much reliable to be handled by beginners.

But that doesn’t make trucks less than any better. The only difference with this type of RC vehicle is that they are only available in nitro kits.

With an off-road RC, you’ll be able to race your car/truck/buggy just about anywhere. These vehicles can still run fast on sand, hills or uneven terrain and will also be able to jump on anything without fuss. Also, if you feel like running a two-wheel RC car, you can easily find off-road RC toys in this version.

Know more about remote controlled cars at http://racing-radio-controlled-cars.com

By Shareen Aguilar

A Guide to Gas Powered RC Cars

2008-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

If you’re a fan of radio-controlled vehicles, but find standard RC to be lacking in power and running time, you might want to consider looking into gas powered RC cars. These cars, which run on a nitromethane-based fuel that is often referred to as "glow fuel" or "nitro", offer a level of realism and performance that you just won’t find on battery powered cars. Gas powered RC cars are also often highly customizable, allowing hobbyists to utilize a variety of engines and design types… there are even different types of transmitters available depending upon how you would prefer your car to work. Below are some of the options available for gas powered RC cars, giving you an idea of the level of customization that you can achieve.

Engines

Obviously, one of the more important aspects of gas powered RC cars is the engine. A variety of different engine models are available for you to choose from, but in general most cars of this type will have what are commonly referred to as "glow" engines. A "glow" engine is a 2-cycle internal combustion engine, creating the power that gas powered RC cars are known for and adding a bit of realism to the car with the exhaust that is produced. Instead of the spark plugs that a full-size automotive engine would have, these engines use a "glow plug" that is heated by what is known as a "glow starter" This heat is then held by the plug and is used to fire the engine strokes for the remainder of the running time.

Fuel

As mentioned above, the "gas" used by gas powered RC cars isn’t actually gasoline… it’s a special fuel that is nitromethane-based and formulated for the cars’ engines. Special lubricants are added to the fuel mixture to protect the engine from excessive heat and wear; the lubricants work in much the same way as gas-oil mixtures in some chainsaws and other small-engine equipment. Other fuel accessories may be needed to go with your car. A pump or special bottle may be used to get the fuel into the RC car’s fuel tank, and filters in the fuel line may need to be replaced from time to time.

Radio

The radio that you use to control your gas powered RC cars can be the same type that is used to control an electric model of RC car. A 2-channel radio system. It’s important to keep in mind that just because the car’s engine runs on a liquid fuel doesn’t mean that you have no need of batteries. In addition to the battery that powers the radio controller, you might find yourself in need of batteries to supply power to the radio receiver in the car itself. Of course, with some receivers it may be possible to have the power supplied by the motor of the car itself. The type of receiver that you use and the power supply that it needs are one consideration to keep in mind when comparing different parts or different cars.

Sport vs. Competition

A variety of different options and body styles exist for gas powered RC cars. You can choose from trucks, sedans, buggies, popular car models, and even stock cars. Once you’ve decided upon the body style and layout that’s right for you, however, you may find yourself facing one additional choice. Many of the car models available commercially come in two distinct types; a sport version, and a competition version. Sport cars tend to cost less, and offer basic options that are popular with beginners and casual hobbyists. For those who want to race their cars against other dedicated hobbyists, though, there are the competition cars which tend to have more power and higher speeds and offer advanced options such as oil shocks and ball bearings.

Competition models may not be a complete car, however, since they are designed to allow for more customization… many of these kits require you to get the engine that you want to go with it separately, as well as the car body in many cases (since the kit only provides the main chassis.)

Kits vs. RTR

If you’ve decided that you want to buy gas powered RC cars, you often have to make a choice between buying a kit, so that you can build the car yourself, or buying a ready-to-race car (also known as RTR) that is ready to be fueled and go right out of the box. RTR cars are good for beginners or casual hobbyists, but aren’t highly customized. Kits, on the other hand, may require additional work but allow the builder to decide exactly how they want their car put together. Should you use a kit, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to make sure that you have the engine that you want, paint and basic tools on hand for assembly and decoration, and additional tools and parts depending upon the kit that you purchase.

Regardless of the type of car that you buy, though, you’re certain to find yourself amazed at the power and performance of these cars loved by hobbyists and racers around the world.

By Greg Root

Greg Root owns and maintains http://www.rccarssite.com A website that provides basic tips on how to buy, build and race electric and gas powered RC cars.

Rechargeable Batteries for Your RC Car

2008-01-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

An RC car is run and operated by batteries. RC car batteries are important parts because basically, your electronic RC car will not run if it doesn't have batteries in it. On the other hand, even if it has batteries in it, it should be the correct batteries. There are in fact a lot of checking and testing first before you put it to use for your RC car.

RC cars and trucks that runs electronically need to be the rechargeable ones to compensate for the running hours of your practice and competition duration. Since there are so many types of batteries out in the market, you need to make sure that you have the correct information regarding the needed battery device for your RC car. So, first of all, know that rechargeable batteries are the NiCD and NiMH ones. NiCD stands for nickel-cadmium while NiMH is for nickel-hydride. Other than the two, it is not rechargeable so be very careful with this detail.

The brand that you prefer comes next because there are affordable rechargeable batteries on sale but ones which do not meet the needed requirement for running RC cars and trucks. Regardless though, make sure that you choose a battery brand that conforms well to your RC car/truck's running time needs.

The battery charger that you use also counts and lengthens the life of a rechargeable battery. Make sure that you select a good charger that automatically stops from charging when the battery is already full.

A battery pack has a specific voltage (V), power consumption (W) and Maximum Current Drain (A) limit and so it is also important for you to know these things. Take for instance the required volts of a battery to run a RC car is 7.2. This is already good for running a car for about 10 minutes but then, there are also conditions which affects the running time of a RC car.

Batteries are usually sold by packs, each pack consisting at least six or more batteries. The difference between the two NiCD and NiMH is the shelf life of each. A NiCD can last up to six months where as a NiMH battery can last up to 12 months. Regardless, keeping your RC car in its most top condition and making sure that you drive it with extra care helps your batteries perform at its best.

Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance.

By Shareen Aguilar

7 Tips To Get Your RC Car's Nitro Engine Running

2008-01-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Piston sticks at the top of the cylinder (new engine).

The piston’s tolerance inside the piston chamber is so tight, there is no room for the piston to slide to the top. The solution is to heat up the piston chamber with a hair dryer or heat gun. This will expand the chamber, allowing the piston to glide smoothly, while maintaining good compression.

Nitro engine dies as soon as you pull it off the starter box

If your RC car is decently tuned, your problem is probably a loose clutch nut . The clutch nut is what connects the flywheel to the crankshaft. Pressing down your RC car on the starter box presses the clutch nut against the fly wheel, creating the spin that gets your nitro started. However, if your clutch nut is loose from wear and tear or impacts, it won't have the proper mesh it needs to keep the car running once you have removed your vehicle from the starter box. To see if you have a loose clutch nut, look for the fly wheel spinning on it's own. If it does, you need to remove the engine and tighten or replace the clutch nut.

Engine stalls when car put on the ground.

A frozen clutch-bell bearing or broken clutch-retainer spring is the most likely culprit. The engine stalls because the clutch is engaged when the engine is idling. When you put the car on the ground the engine croaks as it is not running fast enough to move the car. The retainer spring or clutch bell bearing are forcing the clutch to be engaged when it shouldn't be. You'll need to inspect both parts and repair or replace as required.

Car engine running backwards.

This is a common problem, with an easy fix as it is always caused by user errors. Make sure you put your RC car on the starter box with the correct orientation and that you put your wires on the correct poles of the battery.

Your engine dies while warming up.

The most probable cause of this is a worn piston and/or cylinder sleeve. When the engine is cold, compression is adequate to get it started and run nicely. As it warms up the fit between piston and sleeve loosens up as the sleeve expands. If the fit is bad enough, your fuel can exit the cylinder above the piston. As the engine gets warmer, this effect gets worse until the engine eventually stalls. You'll need to replace the engine or, if you like working on this kind of thing, the piston and sleeve.

Your roto-start or pullstart nitro won't start.

Your one-way bearing may not be catching on the crank shaft. This can happen if it is extremely dirty and you can clean it , let it dry overnight, and re-install it. Your engine speed increases while idling.Highly probable that the low speed needle on the engine is set too lean . A good confirmatory test is to pinch the fuel line and time how long the engine runs. If much less than five seconds it's too lean, if much longer than 5 seconds, it's too rich.

By Jim Davidhe

Jim Davidhe is an author of helpful articles on the radio control car (or RC Car) hobby. His website, http://www.minutesofthunder.com contains many more helpful articles for people interested in RC Cars

RC Cars - How To Fuel Your Hobby And Enjoy The Excitement Of An RC Car

2008-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

There are really two types of RC cars, those that are fuel by gas and those that are fueled by electric. There is not doubt that the electric cars are much easier to maintain and run and also much quieter. But do you just want to be sensible, or do you want to have fun? That is not to say that you are not able to have fun with an electric car. They are very good for the beginner and also those who do not want to do to much maintenance, or those who do just not have as much time to give to their hobby. An electric car is not only easier to maintain it is much more convenient to use. As long as you have thought to plug in the batteries, then it should be all ready whenever you want to use it.

If you are building your own car they are also much easier to fit and get working than a gas car. An electric motor is very simple to work with and as long as it is all attached properly and the position is in line so that is does not place strain on the others components, then it should work well and continue to work with little or not maintenance. This can be a distinct advantage to those who just their car to work as and when they want it to without the need to do anything other than just turning it on.

Gas powered RC cars on the other hand do require a bit more work and maintenance, but they can be a lot more fun as well. Partly the advantage of having gas powered RC cars, is that they are just more real than electric cars. You actually get to hear the engine and feel the power of the car as it hurtles around. The response times of gas powered cars to the rc commands make it a very exciting way to power your car. There is also an advantage to gas rc cars in that you do not have to wait for batteries to recharge when they are out of power. You just refill the fuel and the car is ready again. There are advantages to both types of cars and it really depends on what you want from it. If you are new to rc cars then an electric car is a good way to start, but when you have been using them for a while then you might want to try upgrading to a gas car . They might be a bit more work but they can be a lot more fun also.

For more RC Car action try visiting RCCarSuperGuide.info where you will find adrenaline pumping information on RC car racing, RC car parts, RC car tracks, RC car magazines and RC care kits

By Tim Gorman

RC Drifting - 5 Vital Tips You Must Know In Order To Be An Expert Drifter

2008-01-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Still wondering how to drift? A fantastic trick that pays homage to original RC car drifting video products made a few years ago in Japan, the real thing most drivers want to know is just how to drift! It's a complicated trick with one advantage: it gives the car the ability to take sharp, experienced corners without losing speed. The effect is to make the whole car look as if it's taking the corner completely sideways, since the wheels are turned horizontally and the body remains parallel to the straightaway. The trick takes a lot of experience, and there are five essential tips to consider when imitating those videos and learning how to drift:

Tip #1: You will need an RC car that has 4 wheel drive to imitate the videos properly

Tip #2: Electric RC cars are better than nitro for those with less experience

Tip #3: Smooth tires are necessary when learning how to drift

Tip #4: Make sure your transmission is well sealed

Tip #5: The track must be low-friction

Four wheel drive is necessary when you are figuring out how to drift. Without this element of control, your car won't slide the way it is supposed to, and it may well flip during the experience. Learning how to drift takes time, so savour the experience. Electric RC cars won't break down while you're learning how to drift. Invest in one of these and your experience levels will match those videos soon enough.

Special tires need to be made or bought so that the car can slide properly when you learn how to drift. You can buy or make your own from PVC or ABS pipes, or simply use rubber tires wrapped up in electrical tape - experience and money are generally factors in this decision. Experience the videos and check out what tires they've used.

Figuring out how to drift causes a great deal of dirt and dust to be picked up off the track and fly around - some tracks don't allow it for this reason. As regards to your car, you should seal up the transmission tightly so that this grit doesn't get into the works and wear down the engine. Don't ruin the experience with too much grit, learn how to drift without wrecking your car.

Lastly, remember that the drifting experience only works with a low-friction track or with a high powered car (preferably nitro) that won't lose speed on a sticky surface.
Happy Drifting!

By Lee Brain

Lee Brain is a successful business writer and an expert in the field of RC Cars and RC Trucks. He is seen as an RC industry resource, specializing in racing and RC Nitro Cars. He offers valuable tips, advice and money-saving techniques for online purchasers.

How to Select RC Toys

2008-01-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

The first question most people as is, "Do RC airplanes and helicopters really fly?" If theyâ€™re good RC airplanes or RC helicopters, they absolutely do! There are remote control planes and helicopters available to purchase at all different prices, so figure out who youâ€™re buying for.

If youâ€™re buying for a young child, make sure you purchase a helicopter or airplane that has an easy-to-use controller. You may want to stick to the helicopters for young children, as they are generally easier to control than airplanes are. If youâ€™re buying for someone who knows what theyâ€™re doing, you may have to spend a bit more, or find something that is different than they have. Look for really small specimens, really large ones, or, if they have a large collection, ones that remind you of the collection they currently have.

RC Tanks

All little boys love to play with tanks, and big boys do as well! RC tanks are a huge hit with just about anyone. RC tanks can range in price, so try shopping around your budget. Some tanks have turrets that move and are actually able to fire small shells. Others, usually on the more expensive end, actually smoke very realistically. RC tanks are usually a slam dunk for any RC toy lover!

RC Cars

And now for the meat and potatoes of the RC toy world! RC cars are great toys for anyone, man, woman, or child, that loves to play around with toys. RC cars range from racing style cars, to realistic style cars, to completely fantastical cars! When it comes to choosing an RC car, think about who youâ€™re buying the car for. If you are buying for someone young, you may not want to spend a fortune, as they will probably be fairly hard on the car. Also, you might want to look for cars that run as well outside as they do inside. For the older crowd, look for RC cars that suit their style. If they love racing and Nascar, grab a racing car. If they like high-end vehicles, look for a realistic style RC car.

With a little time, and a little thought, you can choose RC toys for everyone in your family, from the youngest to the oldest, and you may even choose to pick out a new toy for yourself! Visit HobbyMega.com for the best it RC toy selection.

Learn More
Hobby Mega carry the largest variety of RC toys and hobby items online.

About the Author
David Done works with DONE! SEO as a copy writer. You can reach him at DONE! SEO Services.

Petrol RC Cars

2008-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

Petrol RC Cars are becoming more and more popular each year as the technology inside them becomes more available and at a cheaper price than the actual cars do not cost as much as they used to.

Until recently a petrol remote control car would set you back over Â£700, but due to the combination of research, demand and the manufacturing being done for all parts under the same roof, the price has dropped dramatically.

For those who are not aware of how these petrol cars differ to a rc car you may see played with in the park, these run on unleaded fuel purchased at your local petrol station. You also need 2 stroke oil, put a combination in which is given in the manual and away you go.
The use of unleaded petrol means that they are much cheaper to run compared to nitro cars, which need actual nitro fuel from model shops.

What many people are surprised with is how big these cars are. They are not the same as a commonly known remote control car, which come in 1/8th and 1/10th size, these are a big 1.5th scale so around a meter or more in length and pretty noisy.

All in all, these petrol rc cars are aimed at people who have had rc cars before and a few years experience, but definalty great fun to control or watch.

by Rob Stone

About the Author
Rob is the owner of a website which gives information on the different RC Cars available, options where to buy and other resources for

RC Cars For Racing

2008-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Owning RC cars is very much similar to owning your very own, actual car. Though it doesn't indicate exactly that you should do the same things for treating RC cars the way you treat big cars, it does cause an amount of expenses for maintenance. There are difference though, in terms of spending for and owning RC cars (planes, trucks or buggy) for toys or for hobby.

The difference lies mostly to the fact that keeping one for hobby demands different quality for a better performance. Since there are many others who keep RC cars for the purpose of racing them, it is just adequate that you do the same and even more (if possible) to bring out the best out of your RC vehicle. Notice that RC vehicles that are built for racing are usually up to the expected pressure it needs to encounter during a race. It does and will perform like it's a real car, a truck racing or a plane flying.

Having pointed these out, there are certain improvement that you will also need to do. Sometimes, it should be done regularly to make sure that your RC vehicle performs to its optimum but of course, expecting for expenses is just right since customizing it is preferred than just settling for a factory-made RC car. Your RC car for racing purposes should withstand the demands of speed. Also, common errors that happen in RC racing such as crashes (which is also common in an actual race), is expected and customizing your RC vehicle to reduce the impact is a must.

If you bought a hobby-grade RC vehicle, customizing it further for professional racing purposes later on is highly recommended. Even replacement options are entitled to the owner from the manufacturer. You also get more options in terms of its RC features and also, you can drive electronic RC cars or nitro ones both for racing. There is really no limitations, continuous upgrade is possible.

Shareen Aguilar

About the Author
Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance.

Why you should race RC cars, and not just bash

2008-01-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been racing your RC cars for years, and have a friend or two who you have been trying to get out to the RC tracks, this article is for you. Feel free to forward it to them.

For those of you who are fanatical bashers, and have avoided racing your rc cars at the local track, hear me out, because I have 5 great reasons you should take a run at it.

1) Hanging out with other RC car enthusiasts- You will absorb new ideas on how to keep your RC cars running at peak performance, just by hangin' out in the pits. Not all of them will be good, some could even do more harm than good. but if you are careful who you listen to, you can learn some terrific stuff that will make your ride handle better, run faster, and be more durable.

2)The game within the game- Its not just about racing, and being first in the heats (altho, that is a huge thrill) but its also about pushing the limits of your RC cars, and fighting agianst the track itself in a measureable way. When your bashing, you don't really get a precise way of knowing how fast your vehicle is. When you race, you will actually know to the millisecond what your vehicle, limited by your driving skills, can do.

3)By being at the tracks, you get to see the latest RC technology in action- You can go to the hobby stores and look at boxes of RC cars and buggies all you want. But if you really want to see what a Hot Bodies Lightning Pro or an XRAY T1'FK05 can do, there is no better, and cheaper, way to do it than hang out at the tracks. You get an even better idea when you race against them.

4)Making new friends- Not that you need new friends, but it's great to have a friend who knows RC cars tips and tricks. Someone you can ask questions, or bounce ideas off of. Or catch rides to the track when your full scale car is in the shop.

5) Just like when your bashing and you finally nail that jump you set up in your backyard, mastering a track is a total rush- Everyone will tell you when you first start racing rc cars, just try to do crash free laps. Isn't that essentially what you are doing in your backyard?

Why not take your Monster truck to the track, and do some racing, and see if you can handle the track's jumps and rhythm sections? I bet it will be months before you have a crash free lap. Howse that for a challenge?

If you have put off racing rc cars because it looks intimidating, your worried you will make a fool of yourself, or smash up your car or buggy, or piss off someone by smashing THIER car up... well, your right!! All of that can happen!

In fact, when I first started racing my RC cars, I made every racing mistake there is. I embarassed myself, I smashed my poor little car up, I was totally confused. Frankly, I didn't have much fun.

But, I fought through it, learned from my mistakes, got some great advice, and now I enjoy every weekend at the track. I strongly suggest you give racing a chance. I think it's the best way to enjoy your RC cars hobby.

by: J.P Turner

About The Author
J.P. Turner, is the author of "The RC Insider's Unfair Advantage Radio Controlled Car Secrets Guide", at http://www.rccarsecretsguide.com and also runs an RC blog, RC Smackdown, at http://www.rcsmackdown.com.
This article may be reproduced in its entirety only if unaltered and the resource box is included.

Nitro Powered RC Cars - Tips for Choosing Your First Gas RC Car

2008-01-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

RC (radio controlled) cars, especially the nitro or gas powered RC cars, are becoming increasingly popular. With speeds up to 70 mph, realistic looks, and racing clubs in virtually every large city, it's easy to see why.

If you want to join this exciting hobby, there're a few things you should consider before you buy your first nitro-powered RC car. The basic considerations are: size, type, 2 or 4-stroke motor, maintenance, 2 or 4 wheel drive, and ready-to-run (rtr) or kit cars.

Sizes

The two most popular sizes to choose from are 1/8 and 1/10 scale. 1/10th scale is the industry standard for on-road racers, while 1/8th is more popular for off-road trucks and buggies. The larger 1/8th scale on road car comes standard with a 2 or 3 speed automatic transmission.

Types

The touring and racing cars are are the popular choice for on-road use. For best performance, they should be run on a smooth surface.

Trucks and buggies are the choice if off-road action is what you want. Though not as fast as the touring and racing styles, they are still very impressive and extremely rugged as well. And since a smooth surface is not required, they also have the advantage of being able to run just about anywhere.

Motors

Nitro powered RC motors come available in the popular 2-stroke or the less conventional 4- stroke versions. The primary difference is that the 2-stroke motor, much like a weed eater or chain saw, requires a fuel oil mixture. The 4-stroke motor has an oil reservoir and can run on straight fuel. The 2 stroke engine has the advantage of producing higher rpm's (revs up faster) and is more suitable for racing. The 4 stroke engine has more power and torque and is better for offroad use.

The most popular 2-stroke motor is the 23cc (cubic centimeter) displacement engine. It's popularity is due to the amazing 2.5 HP of output it produces. The resulting high speeds and acceleration are what RC racers love.

Additionally, motors come with or without a pull start. The ones without a pull start are cheaper, but you'll also need a starter box.

Maintenance for Nitro Powered RC Cars

Maintenance is a definite requirement of running a nitro powered vehicle. Most hobbyist love tweaking and tuning their vehicles. In addition, you'll need to maintain certain parts such as:

Clutch
Differential
Air Filter
Header and
Pull start cord

2 or 4 Wheel Drive

If you're new to the hobby, you'll find a 2wd car less expensive and easier to work on. The 4wd car has the advantage of better traction and handling in turns which makes it a better choice when you're ready to race.

Kits or Ready to Run (RTR) Rc Cars

Nitro powered rc cars come in kits or ready-to-run right from the box. The primary difference is the whether you want to save time with a RTR car or save money with a kit. However, because of the assembly process, kits better prepare you for required maintenance.

If you choose to build an rc car, don't expect to finish in one sitting. To avoid mistakes, familiarize yourself with the instructions first and get your work area prepared. Some of the things you'll need are:

Small No. 1 and 2 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
Soap - as a dry lubricant for tight parts
Extra fuel line - to hold screws while positioning
Needle nose and regular slip joint pliers
Flush cutter
Hobby knife with no. 11 blades

When you assemble the car, make sure to work in a well-lit, uncluttered area. You should keep the parts and tools separated using tin boxes, trays, or even an old fishing tackle box.

These are a few of the basics you'll need to know before you buy your first nitro rc car or truck. You should expect to pay around $400 for a complete beginner setup. The price will vary a little depending on whether you choose a kit or RTR and how many tools you need.

Whether you race or just practice by yourself, get ready for a lot of fun!

by: Greg Root

About The Author
Greg Root owns and maintains http://rccarssite.com. A website that provides basic tips on how to buy, build and race electric and nitro powered RC cars.