Many remote-controlled vehicles run on battery packs, with electricity coursing through its circuits. Some burn gasoline, similar to regular cars, and require larger bodies to handle it. People who are serious about competing in RC races and smoking their opponents rely on an alternative fuel source: nitromethane — better known as nitro.
If you want to upgrade your vehicle to use this methanol-based compound, swapping a typical motor for an internal combustion engine is not enough. You may need a variety of RC nitro accessories to limit potential drawbacks and boost potential benefits. We will describe some of the must-haves here.
Metal Chassis
Electric RC cars almost always incorporate a chassis made from plastic. It offers a desirable amount of strength while still being lightweight, and the material is often inexpensive. As useful as it may be for vehicles powered by electricity, plastic would not withstand the heat that comes from using nitro.
Instead of that common chassis type, just about everyone would advise getting a metal chassis. Metal would not melt like plastic. In fact, certain kinds like aluminum can actually lower the temperatures under the hood. This part may be more of a requirement than an accessory, but it is still worth mentioning for those who do not know.
Long-Range Remote
The whole appeal of getting a nitro-powered RC is the significant boost in speed. The extra kick that the fuel provides may be enough to leave all opponents in the dust. However, high speeds translate to long distances. These benefits will not matter at all if your remote’s radio signals cannot reach the car’s receivers.
When you upgrade your vehicle to go faster, you should also upgrade your remote to work from farther away. You can find some great options out there with a range that exceeds 300 feet. Even if the track is long, these remotes will still provide control.
Receiver Batteries
Speaking of remotes, the receivers in nitro RCs work a little differently than the ones in electric RCs. To be clear, they use the same sort of radio system. However, the latter’s throttle and steering servos get their juice from the motor’s battery. The former does not have a motor.
As a result, nitro cars requires a substitute power source for those all-important servos. RC nitro accessories and parts manufacturers have made their own batteries for this vehicle type. Once you install them, they provide optimal power to the servos that get the car moving and keep it under your control.
Fuel Filter
Nitro fuel can be highly efficient, providing a great deal of power in tiny amounts. However, they are susceptible to impurities. If these contaminants ever reach the engine, they could cause serious problems with potentially costly solutions.
Fortunately, fuel filters can make this a non-issue. They are designed to catch and trap anything that should not be in the tank before it can get to the engine. Just install one in the fuel line and you should be set. If you are not sure about paying extra, just consider that a fuel filter costs less than a new nitro-compatible engine.
Glow Starter
Turning on a nitro RC is not always as simple as flicking a switch. Instead of spark plugs, it uses glow plugs, with a coil that ignites the fuel when heated. Something needs to heat up the glow plugs first. That is where the glow plug igniter, also called the glow starter, comes in.
When the starter is properly charged, you remove the glow plug from the RC and attach it until it is secured. You will know that the glow plug is ready when it, well, glows. We list this necessity along with other RC nitro accessories because it is often sold separately. Make sure to also get a charger.
Spare Glow Plugs
While we are talking about glow plugs, you must understand that these parts are crucial. That means their maintenance is crucial as well, so check the coils for stability. If they are not glowing even after contact with a starter, the RC will not even leave the starting line.
It is not necessary to bring spare glow plugs with you, but we advise always having some when you head to a competition. Take an appropriately sized wrench while you are at it. If anything happens, you can quickly remove and replace the glow plugs and get back on track.
Replacement Brake Pads
Most of the best RC nitro vehicles come with fiberglass disc brakes. These high-quality parts can bring cars to a swift halt, even at top speed. The only problem is that the brake pads can be fragile. You may have to sacrifice them when you want to prevent a crash or collision.
On the plus side, brake pads are easy to replace. You just need to keep some spares on you. The next time you attend a competitive event, we suggest bringing some extra brake pads in your kit, perhaps alongside the surplus glow plugs. You may never know when they will come in handy.
Plenty of Tuning Tools
Each RC vehicle, regardless of fuel source, runs on an array of tiny parts that all work together to make mechanical magic happen. Tough conditions from races, the environment, and the weather can cause these parts to fall out of balance. Too much of this can throw the whole complex system out of whack.
If you carry a box full of tuning tools, you can make the necessary tweaks with ease. Anyone uncertain about what to do in such situations need not worry. The instructions that came with their car should provide all the info they need. Regular fine-tuning will make sure that the car is always working as good as new.
Nitro RC Accessories at Absolute Hobbyz
When you need brand-new nitro RC accessories and replacement parts, Absolute Hobbyz has your back. We can supply you with all the parts listed above and so much more. You can see for yourself by visiting our online auto shop.
