In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of RC racing and nitro stadium trucks. These fast and rugged trucks represent one of the most exciting categories of the radio-control hobbies. Topics include performance enhancement, painting and airbrushing techniques, performance tires and racing tips.
This segment focuses on the addition of some performance enhancements to a nitro-powered truck. The model that was modified in this demonstration is the RC-10 GT from Team Associated (TM) -- a high-performance nitro-powered racer (figure A).
Important: This demonstration shows the basic instructions for assembly and operation of this particular model of RC racer. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your RC racer, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the engine can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
Materials RC-10 GT racer
Performance enhancement kit (includes the following):
Tuned pipe
Racing engine-head
Four-way hobby wrench
Needle-nosed pliers
Two-millimeter allen wrench
T-wrench
Glow-plug wrench
Performance Modifications - Remove the body from the RC-10 GT, exposing the chassis and engine (figure B).
- The first performance enhancement is installation of a tuned pipe, a pipe that replaces the racer's stock muffler and helps maximize the power of the engine. It also allows the engine to run cooler at racing speeds.
- The RC-10 comes with a tuned pipe already installed, but in our demonstration, an advanced racing version (figure C) with a broader power range was installed to replace it. An optional matching header-pipe can be installed along with the new pipe, but it doesn't offer any improved performance.
- Remove the existing tuned pipe by clipping the plastic tie-wraps and loosening the spring clip that hold the pipe in place.
- Insert the narrow end of the replacement pipe in the plastic coupler (figure D). Make certain that inside the coupler, there's a slight separation between the end of the pipe and the end of the header.
- With the coupling secure, attach the pipe to the chassis using the spring-loaded retaining clip (figure E).
- Install and tighten two new plastic tie-wraps to secure the coupling at the end of the header and the end of the new pipe (figure F).
- The next performance upgrade is the installation of a new racing engine head . The new head has more fins and greater surface area (figure G) to disperse heat as the engine is running.
- First, remove the glow-plug from the center of the existing engine (figure H).
- Use a four-way hobby wrench to carefully loosen the glow plug, then remove it from the head using needle-nosed pliers. Carefully set the glow-plug aside (figure I).
- After the glow-plug has been removed, loosen and remove the four head-bolts that hold the engine head in place using a 2-millimeter allen wrench (figure J). Retain the old screws for securing the new engine.
- With the four bolts removed, lift the engine head off.
- Drop the old head-bolts down into the bolt-holes on the new engine head. Position the new engine head, and secure it with the head-bolts using the allen wrench (figure K).
- Use a T-wrench for the final tightening, to snug the bolts securely. Avoid over-tightening.
- Install the glow plug in the new engine head using a glow-plug wrench (figure L).
- To further augment the performance and good looks of the racer, Chianelli upgraded the wheels with new chrome wheels and racing tires (figure M).
In the segment that follows, Chianelli gets tips from a pro on RC body-painting and airbrush techniques.
RESOURCES :
RC-10 GT Stadium Truck
Team Associated
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714-850-9342
Fax: 714-850-1744
Website: www.teamassociated.com
RC-10 Racer Hop-Up accessories
Team Associated
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714-850-9342
Fax: 714-850-1744
Website: www.teamassociated.com
Team Associated
Team Associated
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714-850-9342
Fax: 714-850-1744
Website: www.teamassociated.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
