1. How fast do they go? Most Nitro cars and trucks reach speeds of about 30-40 mph "out of the box" (stock), while various option parts such as engines, 2 speeds and aerodynamic bodies will increase the speeds up to 60-80 mph.
2. How much do they cost? Prices can vary from $100 for a ready to run (RTR) model. Most kits range in price from $150 to $200 but you will need additional items such as the radio, batteries, etc.
3. How long do they run? A Nitro-powered car or truck will run between 5 and 8 minutes on a full tank of fuel. However, unlike electric cars, you can just refill the fuel tank (the engine can be running or stopped), and keep running the car! If you have enough fuel and the radio and receiver batteries last, you can literally run any Nitro car or truck for hours!
4. Where can I learn more about R/C car engines? I recommend that anyone interested in learning all they can about Nitro engines visit the tech articles at rc car magazine.com.
5. How do I make my car faster? Install a faster engine, a two-speed transmission or a tuned pipe and header set. This is the easy answer if all you want to do is drag race or go fast in a straight line. However, if racing on a track, you'll need to learn how to tune the car to better handle turns so that you get more laps during a race.
6. What is a glow plug igniter? A glow plug igniter is a battery-powered spring-loaded tube that fits over the glow plug of an engine. It heats up the glow plug until it is red-hot (usually 2-3 seconds is all it takes). With fuel in the carburetor, the pullstarter is pulled or the starter box engages the flywheel. If the engine is tuned properly, it will start right up. Every R/C engine needs a glow plug igniter to start.
7. What setup should I use? The "right" setup depends on what you are doing with the car. If you're just running it in your parking lot or driveway, you should set it at a higher ride height than what is specified in the kit manual. This will allow you to drive over stones and cracks in the road. If you plan to race your kit, however, see the How To Guide page for Setup and Tuning tips.
