Originally Posted by EchiDna
Reply With QuoteHey Guys - now this is an area where my knowledge comes into it's own - i'm an RC geek and on a few of the forums out there...
The HPI Baja 5b is an impressive package out of the box, but if you want to do it right, buy the "SS" kit - it comes with a whole bunch of upgrades, better clutch, engine (26cc - stock is 23cc) and a tuned exhaust (good for about another 20% more power!). It is a build-it-yourself kit and you supply your own electrics, so you also get to know the thing inside out. anyway, IMHO, ready-to-runs don't give you the same respect for your vehicle. Alternatively, buy one of the cheap chinese clones for about $600 on ebay, and spend the $1000 you've saved on as many upgrades as you can afford.
The Baja is also actually cheaper to run over time than the smaller nitro trucks, because it is 2 stroke, so no mucking about with nitro fuels, glow plugs etc. The motor on a Baja is as easy to service as a whipper snipper. (basically that is what it is!)
Not that you have to, but If you want to get really serious, there are 31cc motor kits, hydraulic brake lines, heavy duty frames, shocks etc. One of my mates has nearly $4k in his Baja...
The key thing to remember with radio control cars is that they are similar to land rovers - service time is as much a part of the hobby as play time. You will break things, they will need replacement, and then you will break something else. Clutches die, tie rods break, CV joints snap, suspension goes, Tires need replacing. Sometimes all at once.
I know that might seem a bit obvious, (after all, if you are reading this you own a land rover and enjoy tinkering) but you'd be surprised how many trucks get sold cheap after some monkey breaks something for the first time and can't be bothered fixing it.
oh, BTW - that D90 is a favourite body amongst the scale RC community - guys who build their rigs to look as close to the real thing as possible. Check out Scale 4x4 R/C - Home - some of them are amazing!
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