Chris__RC

iTrader: (7)

From 2wd truck, ive noticed that the one thing I need to do is throttle control. With a 2wd, you need a more smooth, linear throttle finger but with 1/8 buggy, punch it and go! So what I did was put foam by the throttle trigger. it really smoothed out my throttle response. Since you had a 4wd buggy and onroad cars, this might not be as in much affect.

jrwoodchuck

oh wait!! you came from electric 4wd? i came from 2wd mod, i was wrong, you're going to suck!!!! (jk)

couldn't resist, sorry..

Jaz240

iTrader: (52)

Most importantly learn patience my young Padawan! Nitro engines can be a pain in the azz. They flame out, glow problems, tuning problems, they need retuning with different ambient conditions and temperatures, some days they run great, some days they suck! Stick it out its all worth it, and be prepared to lose races because of engine problems, it has happened to everyone except the people who lie!

Edumakated

iTrader: (19)

Is it that you want to race nitro specifically or just 1/8 scale off road? I recently converted an Xray 808 to electric and love it. We race with the nitros in my area and quite a few people have started converting. Electric power on tap with 1/8 scale durability and no mess or fussy tuning. Best of both worlds. Electric conversions are very easy and most are direct bolt on these days with little to no modification.

Banter

iTrader: (11)

Which I'm sure makes it more satisfying to get a win.

jrwoodchuck

Dude! You're going to scare him off!

Jaz240

iTrader: (52)

Hell Yea!!!


Now your talking, believe it or not, engine tuning plays a huge part in winning races, sometimes with crazy weather (you'll understand soon enough) the person who doesn't flame out wins!!

Once you get it all perfect, there's no outdoor activity that comes close! the noise alone is worth it! nothing like the noise of a well tuned engine screaming down the track

jrwoodchuck

+100

one of the tracks i race at has a starting gate that holds 12 cars. it will drop one at a time, or my favorite....all 12 at once!!! i frikin love it!!! the sound of 12 cars screaming down the front stretch trying to get the hole shot to the first turn is by far the coolest sound you will ever hear. (no little blue pill needed here).

Banter

iTrader: (11)

Don't flog me but I'm now thinking I'd like 1/8 electric. I'm raising a family and I don't think I'll have the extra time that a nitro requires. Love the noise too but it's a balance I guess.

Hoping XRAY announces an electric 808 at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. Otherwise I'll just convert an 808 nitro kit...

Banter

Edumakated

iTrader: (19)

I was in the same boat and I could tell from your post, you might want to consider electric. I just went electric from a convenience standpoint and I really wanted to run 1/8 but nitro was a no go where I live. Nothing replaces the nitro sound at the outdoor tracks, but it ain't all that great when you live in a big city and don't want to piss off your neighbors or the wife by spilling nitro on the dining room table.

The Xray is probably one of the best cars to convert. It is already perfectly balanced because the center diff is moved over. The car weighs about the same or slightly less than a RTR nitro. Get the rc-monster motor mount and battery tray and you are good to go.

CarCrazy

The main thing I would comment on is that Nitro racing is much more aggressive, like many other real motor sports you have to go for it! If you dont like being touched or bumped on the track you will have a tizzy at every race, so get used to the aggression. You will really have to adopt the hard charging method at certain parts in the race to even have a chance.
As far as driving style... well we blip a bit more in Nitro, so you will have to get used to that. You can try rolling on throttle all the time, but you will soon learn it doesn't work when you a have clutch. My advise is get in a "I'm going to kick your A$$" frame of mind the minute the tone sounds. Once you get the hang of it you'll never go back, just put your equipment out and see what you can do.

.... and have fUN!!!!

+100 on the Xray 808 its really a very nice buggy! Its Extremely Strong, light, balanced, and long lasting, technologically advanced and not to mention very fast.

Banter

iTrader: (11)

Nice car Edumakated!

Does anyone race electric in your area? I know a couple in my area and I'm going to have to start a grassroots campaign to get a class together.

Jaz240

iTrader: (52)

Too Late CC, we lost him back to electric, no wonder Radio Shack does so well

Banter

iTrader: (11)

I wouldn't say that. I think I'm going to start w/electric and hang out with the nitro guys to get a good feel for it. I may eBay the electrics and throw a nitro engine in or get a second nitro kit.

I love all aspects of the sport and as long as there's enough time and money I'd love to do it all!

Banter

Jaz240

iTrader: (52)

We look forward to the possibility of hearing your Nitro Racing stories!

Good luck, Jaz