For RC enthusiasts looking to elevate their driving experience, upgrading key components of an entry-level, ready-to-run (RTR) remote control car can make a significant difference. While RTR cars are designed to be accessible and user-friendly, they often come with basic components that may limit their performance. Investing in high-quality upgrades can enhance your car's speed, handling, durability, and overall enjoyment. This guide will explore the benefits of upgrading your transmitter, electronic speed controller (ESC) and motor combination, batteries, and tyres, focusing on their impact on off-road bashing, rock-crawling, and on-road racing.
What RC car components should I upgrade for better performance?
Upgrading your transmitter can provide better control and precision, allowing you to navigate challenging terrain easily. A high-end ESC and motor combination can significantly boost your car's power and efficiency, making it more responsive and capable of handling intense driving sessions. Switching to high-capacity batteries can extend your run times and improve performance consistency, while specialised tyres can enhance traction and durability across various surfaces. These upgrades improve your car's capabilities and create a more satisfying and immersive RC driving experience.
1. Transmitter
Why Upgrade?
The transmitter is your primary interface with your RC car. Upgrading to a high-end transmitter offers several advantages.
Enhanced Control and Precision
High-end transmitters provide superior control via a broad range of programmable settings, such as servo travel and speed, that fine tune your car's performance, matching each driving condition.
Telemetry Capabilities
With built-in telemetry, you can monitor real-time data such as battery voltage, motor temperature, and signal strength, helping you make informed decisions while driving.
Model Memory
A good-quality transmitter can store multiple model profiles, making it easy to switch between different RC vehicles without reconfiguring settings or re-binding each and every time.
User-Friendly Interface
An intuitive interface and easy-to-read LCD screen make it simple to navigate through settings and customise your driving experience.
Click here to check out our RC Transmitter upgrade blog post.
2. Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) and Motor
Why Upgrade?
The ESC and motor are the heart of your RC car's power system. Upgrading to a high-end combo, like a Spektrum Firma Smart ESC paired with a suitable brushless motor, will transform your driving experience. Some examples of this are:
Increased Power and Efficiency
Brushless motors offer more power and efficiency compared to their brushed counterparts, resulting in much faster speeds and longer run times.
Better Heat Management
High-end ESCs have superior heat dissipation, preventing thermal shutdowns during intense bashing sessions.
Programmability
Advanced ESCs allow for customisable settings, such as throttle response, punch and braking power, giving you precise control over your car's performance.
ESC and Motor Upgrade Example
The Arrma 4x2 Boost Mega 1/10 range (ARA4102SV4T1/T2, ARA4105SV4T1/T2, ARA4103SV4T1/T2) comes with a SLT 2-in-1 Spektrum receiver and 40A ESC (SPMXSER1040) with a 12T MEGA 550 brushed motor (ARAG1005). If you were looking for a substantial elevation in your car's performance, you could fit the BOOST BOX - Arrma 4x2 Brushless System and Power Module upgrade set (ARA210005) which includes a 100A Spektrum Firma Smart Brushless ESC (SPMXSE2100), capable of running a 3 cell LiPo as well as a 3S Spektrum 3660 3200Kv brushless motor (SPMXSM2000). This power unit upgrade will nearly double the overall performance and speed of the original brushed setup.
Check out our range of surface motor and ESC combos.
3. Batteries
Why Upgrade?
Upgrading from NiMH batteries to high-capacity LiPo batteries will make a significant difference to your RC driving experience.
Higher Voltage and Capacity
LiPo batteries provide higher voltage and capacity, translating to more power and longer run times.
Lighter Weight
LiPo batteries are lighter than NiMH batteries, improving your car's acceleration and handling.
Consistent Power Delivery
LiPo batteries maintain consistent power output throughout the run, ensuring your car performs at its best from start to finish.
Faster Charging Times
LiPo batteries are capable of withstanding a much higher charging current and therefore have the ability to recharge at a much faster rate than a standard NiMH.
LiPo Batteries Upgrade Example
The Arrma Gorgon 1/10 monster truck range (ARA3230ST1, ARA3230ST2) comes with a Spektrum 8.4V 3300mAh 7-cell NiMH hump battery (SPMX33007C3H). By replacing that NiMH battery with a Spektrum 7.4V 5000mAh 2S LiPo (SPMX50002S30H3), not only will it almost double the overall run-time per charge, but it will also maintain peak performance throughout the whole battery cycle, meaning its capable of going faster, for a lot longer.
Click here to check out our range of LiPo batteries.
4. Tyres
Why Upgrade?
Tyres are crucial for traction and handling. They are what connect the car to the driving surface. They will set the limit to the amount of traction available to you from the driving surface. Upgrading to high-performance tyres (be it by compound and/or tread pattern) like Proline Badlands for off-road or Proline Street Fighters for on-road, offers several benefits:
Improved Traction
Specialised tyres provide better grip on various surfaces, enhancing your car's stability and control.
Durability
High-quality tyres are more resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for rough terrains and extended use.
Versatility
Different tyre treads are designed for specific conditions, allowing you to optimise your car's performance for off-road bashing, rock crawling, or on-road racing.
Tyres Upgrade Example
The Losi 8ight 1/8 Electric Racing Buggy (LOS04018) comes fitted with M3 (soft) Proline Blockades (PRO903902), a great all-round tyre that grabs an adequate amount of traction whilst maintaining good consistency, regardless of the surface. However, there will inevitably come a time throughout the race weekend when the cars have circulated the track, compacting the surface and laying down enough rubber on the racing line to form a blue groove- a naturally formed layer on the track surface that offers high and consistent grip. Once the blue groove has formed, it won't matter how well set up your car is or how talented you are; if you don’t choose the correct tread pattern, you will be seconds off the pace per lap. Switching to the AKA Typo in a clay compound (AKA14015CR) would immediately put you back on pace, allowing you to squeeze every last ounce of speed out of your buggy.
Check out our range of wheels and tyres.
Conclusion
Investing in upgrades for your RC car will significantly enhance its capabilities, providing a more powerful, reliable, and enjoyable driving experience. These enhancements improve your car's performance and extend its lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment. Whether navigating challenging terrains, tackling rocky trails, or racing on smooth surfaces, these upgrades will make a noticeable difference.
By upgrading these key components, you can transform your RC car into a high-performance machine that meets your specific driving needs. Happy driving!