What Is The Best Radio Controlled Car Model?

There are a lot of radio controlled cars (RCs) and a lot of RC aficionados out there. Across the United States, there are hundreds of RC competitions of all kinds, attracting both young and adults. The RC industry is one that does not look to be out of business in a while.

As such, RC manufacturers are trying to outdo one another by trying to come up with innovations relating to their products. This translates into totally new RC models that are said to be faster, sturdier, and more powerful in general. To the RC competitor, that is music to his ears. However, the question remains, what exactly are the best RC models out there?

There really isn't a perfect model that would fit all of the details that an RC owner would want. If you are a competitor and want speed, then the model for you would be one powered by fuel instead of the electric-powered ones. The top speeds reached by gas-powered RCs would be far higher than one powered by an electric motor.

However, the disadvantage that a gas-powered RC would bring up is its high maintenance. Gas RCs produce internal dirt that requires constant cleaning, also to maintain high performance and to lessen breakdowns.

Also, due to the high speeds that are brought about by gas-powered RCs, crashes are likely to happen, and we know that high speed crashes result in disaster.

Maintenance is the advantage of an electric-powered RC model. They don't require as much maintenance as gas-powered RCs, since they don't have an internal combustion system.

Even though not much maintenance is required, they tend to last longer than gas-powered models, since they don't experience as much wear and tear with a lightweight vehicle, a motor, and electric batteries.

If you're after speed, then the big truck models are not for you, as they are more suited for rough terrain racing. What would be best is to get a gas-powered lightweight vehicle in order to achieve a lot of straight line speed.

Likewise, a lightweight vehicle is not fit to go on the rough terrain since it normally has small wheels and a lower body that would only be damaged should you attempt to use it.

The best RC models are the ones that are suited to the type of racing you desire to participate in. If you're simply going to buy one for a hobby, try to get an all-terrain RC with speed, like a Cyclone, which is like an all-purpose vehicle.

Also, check out my other guide on Building RC and RC Car Upgrading

Common Radio Controlled Car Upgrading Methods

RC hobbyists have been more and more inclined into tinkering with their RC vehicles; whether in pursuit of learning more about the technicalities of their RC's or saving on maintenance fees. RC enthusiasts are trying to be more adept with the repairs and upgrading needs of their collections.

Since radio controlled cars are no longer considered just kids' toys, but more of an investment of time and money; increasing their value with the addition of new parts or altering some of their mechanical capacities to improve their performance has become the norm.

A hobby-grade RC car is usually the only type of these vehicles that can be upgraded. The installation of a new motor, a better tire or body is commonly what RC aficionados do when upgrading their RC's.

External modifications of an RC car

Indeed, it's the internal parts of a radio controlled car that makes it work. But it would look a lot cooler if you try to improve its external parts, right? The usual "mods" or modifications that RC aficionados do to the external parts of their RC's include repainting, which can be more fun if the owner chooses to have some intricate designs on his RC. Adding some decals with the use of your PC and trusty inkjet printer can also be a good external mod for your RC.

Wheels and tires modifications

It's an option whether an RC car owner just wants to dye the rims of his RC's or would prefer to change the tires altogether. Choosing the right foam tires and/or performance tires to improve the racing capacity of your RC is one trick that an RC enthusiast should never overlook if he or she wants to become his or her own efficient RC handyman.

Nitro or Electric modifications for RC cars

This kind of modification requires an ample amount of "geekiness" really. Not many know which engine to choose if they are into this endeavor. If you're aiming to better the performance of your nitro-powered radio controlled vehicle, installing a tuned pipe is one popular way to do it. Maybe a video tutorial or just any illustrated do-it-yourself RC mod project site can help you.

For those with electric-powered RC's, usually changing the motor will do.

And by the way, usually, radio controlled cars come with upgrade kits when purchased. Think of maximizing these kits first before buying any new tool or upgrade items.

Also, check out my other guide on Building RC and Classic Model

Classic Radio Control Models

As far as variety goes, there are about as many RC cars as there are models of the real thing, and probably even more. Take for instance the Chevy. There is no lack of RC models available if you go for the classics in this arena; or for their sports car line, like the Chevy Corvette.
Chevy RCs are definitely more for the collector than the racer, unless you custom-make your RC racer to have the body of a Chevy, that is. Let's take a look at some of the more popular Chevy RCs:

Muscle Machines 1957 Chevrolet
This comes in pretty big at a 1:8 scale and is truly a classic. Accessories included are the charger, battery pack, and features working headlights, a decidedly detailed interior, custom wheels, and super glossy paint. Average price is between $60-$80. Other Chevy Muscle Machine models available are the 71 Camaro and the Camaro Z28, also in 1:8 scale and similarly priced to the 1957 Chevrolet.

1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 RC Electric Car
Made by Playmaker Toys, this 1969 Camaro model is produced at a 1:18 scale and features working head and tail lights, and is a four-function car (as in forward, backward, left, and right). This is definitely for the real Chevy collectors out there, and at $30-$40, it's not a bad deal at all.

1998 Chevrolet Corvette GTS IR Control Mini RC Car
For the mini RC fans out there, this Chevy is for you. It features a body that is all metal, racing tires made of rubber, and a miniature Corvette engine. The remote control wristwatch doubles as just that, a watch, and the mini RC car itself claims to mimic everything that its real nemesis does; this is probably because General Motors itself is said to have licensed this baby as a true 1:32 mini RC. This has a MSRP of $49.95 to $69.95 but can be bought at less than half that price at many online hobby stores.

Chevy truck models are also available as RCs - such as the Chevy SSR RC Truck and the Chevy 4x4 Monster Truck. Average prices for RC trucks are a little over $100, but if you're lucky, some websites have them on sale for as much as 50% off.

Many Chevy owners who have at one point in their lives owned a classic are thrilled when they find model RCs that resemble the very cars they once owned. So, whether you're just a beginning collector of classics, or if you're a seasoned collector looking to expand your line of cars, then the Chevy is definitely the way to go.

Also, check out my other guide on Repairing RC and Building RC

Tips In Repairing Radio Controlled Cars

When a person buys a car from a dealer, the only way to make the vehicle last for 5 years or longer is through proper care. This can be done visually or brought to the shop after reaching a certain mileage for preventive maintenance.
The same thing but in a smaller scale is done for RC cars. After buy or build an RC car, and race in track, this should be done after each run that will usually take 30 minutes to an hour. Here are a few tips on repairing RC cars:

1. First, a visual inspection should be made over the entire vehicle. This will make it easy for the person to identify any cracks, leaks or broken parts that have to be glued or replaced.

2. RC cars using batteries should be disconnected and recharged. Those that use oil should be drained to prevent condensation to build up inside that could damage the engine.

3. The suspension of most RC cars endures a lot of beating after engaging in hair pin turns, long jumps and various terrains. A person can make sure this is still in good condition by pressing on that section of the vehicle and by adding oil to the shocks.

4. The jumps and spins may also cause some screws to come loose over time. The individual should have a screw driver nearby to tighten them. Those that appear secure should be given a coat of thread locking compound to make sure they stay in place.

5. RC cars use rubber tires. After a few spins, they will develop some cuts and gashes which occur due to the quality of the road. If these are no longer able to maintain a good grip on the road, the individual should have them replaced at once with new ones from the hobby store.

6. If some paint has chipped off or holes have developed around the RC car, the hobbyist can fix them using some paint and a pack of glue.

Once all of these are done, it is time to end the maintenance check using some paper towels and a toothbrush. These will be used to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated in the undercarriage or in those hard to reach places of the RC car.

The RC car is a not just a toy but a machine that requires a lot of maintenance. A person must learn how to take care of it to be able to enjoy playing with it every time it is taken to the race track.

You may be interested in reading my other guide: RC Car Collection

Building A RC - It's Easy

Owning and playing with a radio controlled car (also known as RC) can be time consuming, but can generate a lot of fun and satisfaction. RC is a fun hobby for car enthusiasts; in fact, many owners pit their own RCs against other RC owners in a race (or series of races), sometimes with a hefty prize at stake.

RC as a hobby can be for adults and children alike, which is why it is not too surprising to see young kids facing off against much older opposition in RC competitions, and winning. Yes, even young kids spend time and money buying RCs and RC parts. They also build them, so if they can do it, you can too. It's actually really simple.

Practice makes perfect is an old adage. Yet, it holds true, even in building your own RC. The first thing to do is to always check your manual first. Read through the instructions carefully, taking note of the easier things to do and the harder ones so you can plan ahead. It's important to study the manual first before actually doing anything else.

Next, you have to choose a place to build your RC, as well as the tools to use. Choose a building area that is properly lit to avoid any difficulty in seeing, especially the small parts. Problems may arise when they fall or roll away, so it's better if you can see them, so that you will not lose anything.

In choosing your tools, you have to invest in order to reap more benefits. That includes properly sized screwdriver, pliers, etc. It is somewhat difficult to build an RC properly if you are lacking the right tools for the job. Don't forget to use lubricants on the screws, for easier screw insertion.

Finally, build your RC following the instructions in the manual. If you did the first two steps (studying the manual and preparing the building place and tools), then you should not have any problems, or if any, just a few minor ones.

For the radio controller, just make sure to calibrate it by placing the servos on center before installation. For the tires, make sure they are placed properly and do not face different directions.

Your RC is now complete! Have fun with it, race it against other RCs in a friendly match or join in RC competitions to see how it will fare against others.