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Homemade Fast Electric RC Cars

RC cars use some of the same design features as the actual vehicles they're modeled after. By applying many of the same techniques used to increase speed in full-sized vehicles, you can up the speed of your RC model. And by building your electric RC car from scratch you can make design choices that get the most out of the parts available on the market.

Power System
- Much of your car's speed capability lies in the power system you use. High-speed motors with a faster rpm can boost your car's speed a great deal. Couple your high-speed motor with a high-capacity NiMH battery pack that matches the power cells in the battery to give the exact same power charge, and your motor will work more efficiently, running smoothly with no hesitation problems with changing speeds.
  
  Heat can be an enemy to fast motors. To get the maximum power from your motor you'll have to cool it down while it's running. Add a heat sink to your motor to keep it running cool by dissipating the heat that would otherwise build up.
  
  Before running your car, break in the motor for up to 20 percent more speed. To break in the motor, just set the motor into a jar of water and then attach a 3-volt battery pack to the motor to run it while it's underwater. Make your own battery pack by using two 1.5-volt batteries placed in a series. Run the motor until the batteries are depleted, then allow it to dry completely. When it is dry, put two drops of lightweight oil onto the motor's brushings.
Part Quality
- RC car kits come with a general quality level based on the price of the kit. Unfortunately, even the priciest kit won't contain the best parts available on the market. This is why your homemade model has an advantage over kit models. You can choose to go with manufactured parts of the highest quality, and you'll be faster than any kit car. If you spend a little more and go with custom-made altered parts, you'll find your car is significantly faster. Add in a few modifications of your own and you'll attain all-new levels of high speed.
Modifications
- Many modifications from the norm can lead to a speed increase. By using lighter materials in your chassis as well as the drive shafts and screws you can decrease your model's weight and increase the speed of your car by up to 10 percent. Adding ball bearings to the axles and the transmission can reduce the friction of your running car, leading to a possible 20 percent improvement in speed. Using tires with additional road grip can give you a bit more speed as well as increased control in maneuvers. The key to modifying your car is to find every little speed edge and then to exploit it.

Toy Vehicles