Types of Gas Powered RC Cars
Gas-powered remote control cars use single cylinder, two- stroke nitro-methane engines to power the drive train and wheels. Gas-powered RC cars have greater run times than their electric counterparts. Gas-powered RC cars do require some special tuning and maintenance, but once the car is tuned properly, nitro RC cars will offer hours of pulse-pounding entertainment.
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RTR vs. Kits
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When purchasing a gas-powered RC car, look for models that offer a "RTR" (ready to run) version of the vehicle. RTR models come fully assembled, requiring only batteries for the transmitter and nitro fuel for the engine. RTR models will run right out of the box, but be sure to follow manufacturers instructions to properly break in the engine and tune the carburetor for optimal performance. Gas-powered RC cars are also sold as unassembled kits, which are less expensive than "RTR" versions of the same vehicle. Some hobbyists enjoy the process of assembling and tuning their vehicles themselves. Most kits require at least four hours of assembly, making RTR versions a tempting alternative.
Scale
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The scale of a RC car refers to its size compared with the car it is modeled after. Most gas-powered RC cars are offered in 1/10 and 1/8-scale versions. A typical 1/10-scale vehicle will range in size from 18 to 24 inches in length and 10 to 12 inches in width. A typical 1/8-scale vehicle will range from 24 to 30 inches in length and 12 to 16 inches in width. Most hobbyists choose 1/10-scale vehicles because they are easier to transport, maneuver, maintain and store.
Cars, Trucks & Buggies
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Gas-powered RC vehicles come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, though there are a few standard models. On-road gas-powered RC cars are "sedan" type vehicles designed for high speed and maneuverability. On-road cars come with radial tires and a stiff suspension, allowing them to race through road courses and speed down paved streets. Buggy and truck type gas RC vehicles are designed for off-road/all terrain use. Buggies and trucks come with aggressive off-road tires, long travel suspension, and are geared for trails, hill climbing and jumping.
Monster Trucks
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Nitro-powered monster trucks are becoming the most popular of gas-powered RC cars. Gas-powered monster trucks are 4x4 all-terrain vehicles, with robust off-road transmissions and drive trains. Gas-powered monster trucks have a wider wheelbase, larger engines and larger tires than their smaller "stadium truck" counterparts. Gas-powered monster trucks withstand a lot of abuse because of their larger size, so they are a great choice for young hobbyists and newcomers to gas-powered RC cars.
Two-Stroke Engine Options
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Some other things to look for when purchasing a gas-powered RC car are the size of the two-stroke engine and the starting mechanism. Two-stroke nitro RC engines are rated by "cc," or cubic centimeters. A typical gas-powered on-road car will come with a .12 cc - .17 cc engine, while a typical off-road truck or buggy might have a .17 cc - .21 cc engine. Check the type of starting mechanism included on the two-stroke engine. Most vehicles will come with a simple pull start mechanism, which works by pulling a string, just like starting a lawn-mower. You may also find some RTR vehicles that include an electric starter, which powers the glow-plug and turns the engine over, starting it just like an electric starter on a full size car. Electric starters are very handy, although they sometimes break and must be replaced.
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