First steps in RC car tuning: A guide for anyone interested
Would you like to optimize your RC car, push it to its performance limits or simply enhance its appearance? Then you should definitely take a closer look at RC car tuning. This guide will introduce you to the basics of tuning and give you an insight into the countless possibilities of RC car tuning.
The basis for top performance: the basics of RC car tuning
If you can hardly wait to start tuning your RC car, we can understand that in every respect. However, we would like to give you a few basic thoughts beforehand to ensure that your RC tuning project is a complete success:
Basic technical understanding as a starting point
If you are completely new to the field of RC car tuning, we would like to recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the technology of the models. For example, you can read online explanations in our blog or tuning reports in relevant forums to improve your technical understanding.
Goal setting and planning
If you don't set yourself a goal, you won't get there. Think about what you want to achieve with tuning: Do you want to give your model a cool new look or make your remote-controlled car faster? Set yourself a goal and then enter the planning phase, during which you find out what tuning measures you need to take to achieve your goal.
Further preparation
During the preparation phase, you need to get the required RC car tuning parts. Make sure you think about how much money you can and want to invest in your "remote-controlled car tuning project" and then see whether your desired measures can be realized with the budget you have set.
Creativity and experience in RC car tuning
Tinkers who have already tuned numerous RC cars often see tuning as a creative process in which they blossom completely. A wonderful experience that promises a lot of fun. Beginners should, however, be careful not to get too creative too quickly. They are advised to follow well-founded instructions and to proceed with precision. Only with a growing wealth of experience will the use of creativity become a promising recipe for success.
Customize your RC car: A wide range of tuning options at a glance
There is almost nothing in RC car tuning that doesn't exist. To give you an overview of the many tuning options, we take a closer look at the most common approaches for optimizing model cars.
Engine
Firstly, of course, there is the engine that makes your car run. To a certain extent, it is the centerpiece of every model vehicle and is often included in tuning. If you want more speed in particular, it is advisable to take a closer look at the engine tuning option. It is essential to keep an eye on the entire technology of the RC car. After all, the motor can only develop its full performance potential if the rest of the system is designed for it. When choosing a new RC motor, it is important to consider the type of motor already installed. In other words: A new electric motor is installed in a model with an electric motor, while a combustion engine belongs in a combustion model.
Suspension
The weight distribution and stability of your RC vehicle depend largely on the suspension, which is why you should check the suspension and shock absorbers at regular intervals and, if necessary, use replacement parts that are ideally suited to the engine power and the tracks on which your RC car is traveling.
Tires
Slick tires, studded tires or really robust tires for open terrain? The ideal tires mainly depend on the conditions under which your RC car is driven. Accordingly, it may make sense to change the tires if they no longer suit the current area of use of the model.
Bodywork
The bodywork can be redesigned to your heart's content with RC car tuning. With paints, stickers and stencils, you can design your car 100% according to your ideas and polish it up visually. But the bodywork is not only interesting in terms of looks: It also influences the speed of your RC car. Special aerodynamic bodies, for example, are wind-repellent and allow higher speeds thanks to low air resistance.
Battery
Without a battery, there is no powerful RC model, that much is clear. In terms of RC car tuning, you should consider the weight of the battery when choosing it. You should also always check if the battery and engine are compatible. Depending on the circumstances, a LiPo, lithium-ion or NiMH battery is best suited.
Ball bearings
Many inexpensive RC models have brass bearings as standard. In this case, it may be worth installing a good ball bearing. Why? Quite simply: A ball bearing reduces friction and therefore favors higher speeds. Apart from that, it saves the battery of your remote-controlled vehicle.
Pinion
A particularly exciting RC car tuning part is the pinion. With a larger pinion, you reduce the force required per rotation and this increase the efficiency of the movement of your RC car. Please note that the pinion gear - like almost every tuning part - must also match the vehicle's engine.
To the workbench, get set, go: practical instructions for tuning your remote-controlled car
If you want to get started with RC car tuning and are looking for a fairly simple project, we would like to give you some suggestions here:
Removing unnecessary parts
A very simple way to increase the speed of your model is to remove unnecessary parts. You will often find material at the rear and front ends of the body that you can cut off with little effort. The same applies to the material around the cruise control and the battery base. These elements usually serve no purpose of their own, so they can be removed without any problems. This makes your model lighter and therefore faster.
Replacing heavy parts
Your RC vehicle equipped with replaceable parts made of metal or heavy plastic? Then you can replace these with spare parts made of lighter aluminum, graphite or carbon. When carrying out any tuning measures that reduce the weight of the model, remember that a model that is too light will lose stability. It is therefore important to find the golden centre.
Oil instead of grease
Small measure, huge effect: Use RC car oil instead of grease for your gearbox. While grease can clump together, oil remains liquid and allows your gearbox to work smoothly.
What you need: Essential tools and tuning parts for RC car tuning
What exactly you need for RC car tuning depends on what you have in mind. Basically, it is never a mistake to have a few tools to hand, such as a screwdriver, cutter knife, scissors and suitable adhesive. Depending on the project, you may also need additional accessories and suitable RC car tuning parts. You'll find all of this in top quality at Carson! Our RC tuning parts include servos, ball bearings, steering linkages, nuts and practical tuning kits to get you started right away.
In addition, we would like to invite you to take a look at Tamiya. The Tamiya RC tuning parts that you can view with one click here range from rims and tires to engines and batteries to bodies and special truck accessories - a selection that you should not miss out on.
Conclusion: Get behind the wheel: Final thoughts and the next steps in RC car tuning
RC car tuning is an adventure full of challenges and successes. Tuning allows you to customize your model to your heart's wishes and promises lots of fun. If you gather comprehensive information in advance, weigh up the different measures and decide in favour of high-quality, compatible RC car tuning parts, you will be setting the course for an all-round successful tuning project that you can look back on with pride. So what are you waiting for?
Start optimising your model and immerse yourself in the exciting world of RC car tuning!