When thinking about your first Nitro car

Purchasing a Nitro RC Car

When buying a nitro-powered RC car, it’s essential to consider that additional tools and accessories are required compared to electric models. Having the right tools and supplies makes handling a nitro car much easier.

In most cases, starting with a ready-to-run (RTR) model is the easiest way to get into nitro-powered RC cars.

RTR Option

Checklist:

• Car with pull-start system
• Receiver battery – Check the voltage, RTR cars usually require 6V
• Glow plug igniter and charger – Glow plugs are standardized nowadays
• Glow plug wrench and a flat-head screwdriver for carburetor adjustments
• At least 2 spare glow plugs – Ensure compatibility (Standard or Turbo type)
• At least 2 pre-oiled air filters (Keep several clean ones at home)
• Air filter oil
• Engine stopper tool – Rubber or plastic
• Fuel bottle with a proper spout
• Nitro fuel (Shake well before refueling)

Kit Option

Building a nitro car from a kit requires additional components beyond what comes with the kit itself.

• Car kit
• Steering servo (18kg+ torque) – Ensure compatibility with receiver battery voltage
• Throttle/brake servo (18kg+ torque) – Ensure compatibility with receiver battery voltage
• Engine – Choose the correct size 2.1cc (.12) or 3.5cc (.21) (Reliable options: O.S. or FX)
• Exhaust pipe and manifold – Ensure compatibility with the engine (Buggy vs. On-road setup)
• Throttle return spring
• Starter box – Required to start the engine (Ensure correct rotation for Buggy vs. On-road)
• Battery/Batteries for the starter box – Usually 2S+2S or a single 4S LiPo (Check connectors and stoppers)
• Receiver battery – Choose hump pack or stick pack (If using a 2S LiPo, ensure HV servos are used)
• Radio system – Must have EPA adjustments and Failsafe function
• Tires – Usually not included in kit builds
• Body paint – Polycarbonate spray paint or airbrush paint
• Thread locker – Needed for multiple areas in a nitro RC car

Starter Box

A starter box spins the engine’s flywheel to start the motor.

The only adjustable parts of the starter box are the stoppers that position the car correctly. These can be adjusted side-to-side and front-to-back.

Adjust the stoppers so the flywheel aligns perfectly with the rubber starter wheel and ensure the flywheel does not scrape against the edges of the chassis opening.

Important: Before the first engine start, check that the starter box is spinning in the correct direction to avoid trying to start the engine backward.

By following these setup and adjustment guidelines, you’ll ensure that your nitro RC car runs efficiently, safely, and reliably.