How to Modify RC Cars: Upgrade Your Vehicle For Better Performance

RC cars are loved by competitive racers and hobbyists. However, sometimes, your car might not be performing as well as you’d like. And while there is plenty to love about RC cars, sub-par performance is something most drivers cannot tolerate. 

Fortunately, there is a way you can modify your RC vehicle to make sure it delivers good performance. From changes concerning aesthetic appeal to those touching on power and performance, there are a myriad of ways you can personalize and modify your vehicle for optimal performance. 

In this write-up, we will talk more about upgrading your RC car by using the right gear that will boost performance. Here are five ways you can upgrade your vehicle for better performance:

Upgrade the Suspension  

This one is the most obvious. The suspension is among the most important components of your RC car, which is why it impacts performance. 

Functional and reliable springs and shocks will deliver better stability and handling, particularly when driving through rugged terrain. So, for the off-roaders, this one is a must-do. Keep in mind that adjustable suspension parts can also be handy in fine-tuning the ride height, toe settings, and camber of your RC vehicle. 

Upgrade the Motor 

There are many ways you can modify your vehicle to boost physical appearance, speed, and performance, while changing the motor won’t change aesthetic appeal, it will improve performance significantly, depending on the motor you go for. 

Modifying your RC car’s motor can make a huge difference in power and speed. You can select from a broad scope of high-performance options. Some of the upgrade options I recommend include:

• Dual motor
• Brushless motor
• Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. 

Li-Po batteries will provide extra power and extended run time than their counterparts. Besides, Li-Po batteries are becoming the go-to option for many RC car drivers who want speed and power. 

Benefits of Li-Po Batteries for RC Cars

• They are lightweight.
• They deliver an increased power output.
• They can hold more power.
• They produce power steadily. 

Reduce Your Car’s Weight

If you are mostly into competitive racing, then you have to reduce your RC car’s weight. This may be the reason why you are lagging. Also, this is among the cheapest ways to boost performance and speed. You can attain this by replacing different heavy components with lighter options. 

I recommend substituting such components with those made of lightweight materials like graphite, carbon, and aluminum. 

At times, the difference in weight might seem minute, but that’s usually the case when fine-tuning. The small changes build up and make up huge differences eventually. The bigger the car’s scale, the better the results. 

With that in mind, the parts you can modify are completely reliant on your specific RC vehicle.

Change the Tires & Wheels 

The next change you have to make is upgrading the wheels & tires. Quality tires give you incredible grip and boost speed if racing is what you do best. However, it is important to make sure the tires you buy are compatible with your RC car. 

For instance, paddle tires are perfect for driving on dunes and such terrains but will deliver poor results if you use them on grassy terrains. Similarly, slick tires are better suited for blacktop surfaces than dirt track tires. 

For this reason, I advise you to change the tires but ensure the ones you pick are perfectly designed for the surface you intend to drive on. This will help your vehicle go faster, and the batteries will deliver long run time by using the right appropriate for a given terrain or surface. 

So, Do You Require Lighter Wheels?

The wheel could save you a generous number of grams per wheel. Still, it depends on the wheel types equipped for your RC car. You can detach one of the wheels and weigh it, then go look for lighter options in your local hobby store or online platforms. 

But make sure you consider your budget to avoid unwanted inconveniences. 

Modify the Gear Ratio

If possible, you can also modify the gear ratio. This will help boost speed and performance on different trails. Generally, an RC car features two gears. The first is the pinion gear, and the Spur is the second gear.

The more the teeth on the pinion gear, the faster your RC car will go. So, if speed is your priority, then you should choose a pinion gear with many teeth. On the other hand, you can go for a smaller pinion gear with fewer teeth if your objective is to boost acceleration as opposed to increase speed. 

Modifying your spur gear can also boost top speed and acceleration. It might not have a significant effect on the pinion gear, but minor improvements can also help improve performance. 

A smaller spur gear delivers a marginally higher maximum speed. On the other hand, a bigger spur gear reduces the top speed and improves acceleration significantly. 

Change the Battery 

If you own an electric vehicle, the battery pack directly impacts performance. batteries come in a wide range of configurations, shapes, and sizes. The cells in a battery are referred to as S rating. Moreover, cell count and voltage are related to battery performance. If the battery has a huge number of cells, the more voltage it will deliver. 

Therefore, surging the battery’s voltage will help boost performance. So, if increasing voltage is your main objective, consider switching from 2S to 3S batteries. 

In Conclusion

Tuning RC cars may sound overwhelming, but in reality, it is fun! First, you need to do some research on the parts you need to upgrade for optimal performance, then look for components that are compatible with your vehicle. Next, start making the changes. 

Also, make sure you have the right skills and knowledge so that you can do the modifications without damaging your RC car. It’s also vital to know that the trial-and-error phase is a part of the modification process. 

Lastly, make sure you have a budget. Honestly, upgrading and modifying your RC vehicle can be expensive; therefore, ensure you prepare a budget to avoid overspending.