elite

My Feedback: (2)

I know im not exactly comparing apples to apples because the AE TC3 plus is RTR with a .15 and the HPI is a kit with an .18 - but I want to spend about 300 and im sure ill use my own radio eq. anyway so I guess I need some logical comparisons as to whats the better choice. There isny much onroad locally as far as support for either so its down to - whats a better value for a fun, parking lot racer and possible light racing if I find myself really liking onroad?

The HPI seems like a solid kit with nice hopups in the SS version, the TC3 is proven......what do to...what do to

People, chime in....let me know what you all think..

Thanks!

rushrtr3

My Feedback: (1)

get the rs4. overall with the 18ss engine is fasterthan the tc3 so i would get that one. the rs4 is also aimed more at the parking lot basher and the tc3 at the racer. go with the rs4.

ThunderbirdJunkie

My Feedback: (3)

no RTR is really aimed at any racers.
the 18SS is the way to go if you want brutal acceleration and OK handling-the NTC3 is the way to go if your'e a newbie.

elite

My Feedback: (2)

what if im a newbie, but I want BRUTAL ACCELERATION? JK

Im a onroad newbie - but I got a revo, I think im a decent driver. Im not worried about learning how to improve - thatll come...I just want the better value and durability. My revo in comparison is hard to work on vs. my buggy....Im hoping these are somewhat easier to maintain. Are HPI or AE better in maintenance areas?

Prob similar Im guessing...just askin

Thanks so far

Elite

ThunderbirdJunkie

My Feedback: (3)

IMO you're better off with an NTC3 kit and buying an engine.
sure, the 18SS has a big bad engine, but that big bad engine also slings fuel all over the car. the GT i just sold had a 15SS in it. i woulda LOVED that engine if not for the fuel slinging problem (the front bearing leaks, it's nothing *I* was doing)
if you want to go through the trouble of putting a sealed front beairng in the engine, i say go for it.
but remember, the 18SS is a KIT, not an RTR, so you WILL still need the radio gear

rushrtr3

My Feedback: (1)

the rs4 has realy easy maintnence. the entire radio tray pops off for easy cleaning access. i still say go with the rs4 even though its a kit. BTW i've heard the 15ss slings feul but the 18ss is doesn't. this is just from hear say so don't take my word on it.

Saboteur10573

I saw em in the LHS and they look great. For many the RS4's handle well out of the box. You can experiement with the stock setup to get better handling. I'm always up for trying something new and for my friends they are checkin out the new .18SS. I like the bodies and rims they come with.

ThunderbirdJunkie

My Feedback: (3)

the 15SS and 12SS and 18SS all sling oil. i know from firsthand experiance with the 12 and 15, just heard that the 18 does, though.

TehArrow

go with the ntc3.
its a better built car over all and you wont end up having to hop up everysingle part just to not break something

mikersx02

I JUST got my Ntc3+ last night. I paid 220 for it on ebay, brand new. Hobby store was mad at me for getting it that cheap. They wanted 340 for it.

mikersx02

double post, sorry

ThunderbirdJunkie

My Feedback: (3)

that's cheaper than their cost.
good luck getting them to help ya out with it if you need help getting it running or something though

mikersx02

they seemed pretty cool about it.

I went in there after I got it in the mail like I said, and told the guy that I needed everything that one needs to run one of these for the forseable future. All he said I needed was gas. I knew I needed glow plugs and maybe a motor saver filter... but he didnt mention those to me.

I bought the filter, and I had some plugs laying around from my RC airplane...

I have fouled one plug during breakin.. between tanks 3-4..

gingerbreadboie

YAY SOMEONE WITH FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE COMES IN!!!!

YES i do have a 18ss. i love the car to death.

the engine DOES NOT SLING OIL.
easy removable radio tray. < i find this EXTREMELY helpful for cleaning. even though i never have to clean it anyway. but lately, we've been getting some rain down here in los angeles, california. and we're headed for about a week of it. i just love my car so much, the rain doesnt stop me from driving it too much. pop off the tray, spray the baby down with some nitro cleaner, and you can sleep with it.

the manual is VERY easy to follow, although you must pay attention to the new 18ss updates that come with it. for all i know, the manual is basically a revised 12r ss manual. the stock settings are for "low traction surfaces." and unless your street is made with smooooooooth freshly paved asphalt, or its a basketball court, i suggest you keep thsoe settings. i tried the suspension settings for high traction surfaces, and i cannot tell you how much differnce it makes in the handling. oversteers like a mother. so keep the stock settings. IT HANDLES GREAT. you might want to change it for sticky race tracks tho.

many people talk bad things about HPI. but the real thing is, they didnt take care of their car. i take very good care for my 18ss and have had no problems with it ever. except i yanked the pullstart a couple times, and the header screws came loose, even with a buttload of threadlock. but other than that, i LOVE it.

GO WITH THE 18SS. the tc3 looks like a piece of ddong.

tonytiger

300 budget call tim at the rc hobbyshop 810 632 7084 for an excellent deal on a mugen avance 1/10th scale on road racer...these cars are cool and he's got em on sale

elite

My Feedback: (2)

are there any spare parts that I should have on hand - IE dogbones and stuff like that?

Also I have a spare 5 cell flat pack, will that work or do I need a hump pack?

Thanks..

wdawg

Nobody, can ever say that one is better.
That's all subjective.

In my neck of the woods, NTC3 parts are hard to come by. Where as my HPI parts
are there anytime I need them.
I have 2 LHS's that cary most of my parts for my RS4-3 without waiting.
My buddy that owns a TC3, can't get all the parts he wants most of the time...
There is only 1 store that carries parts for his car.

IMO, the RS4-3 is more of a basher. Very durable.
IMO, if I started all over again, I woulda bought a TC3. It's more adjustable.
You don't have to pour all this money into a RS4-3 to get the adjustments
that are standard on a TC3.

Please bear in mind that I own a RS4-3 w/ an OS .18 CV-RX engine in it.
I also have an upgraded chassis, heavy duty 2 speed, and countless other mods.

I love my RS4-3 but I also know that the TC3 is a better kit car.

Do your own research, and you won't have to ask these questions.
This forum is full of answers, if you do the research.

As a noob, I realized that this hobby isn't a toy anymore. It's actually pretty expensive.
I gurantee that you'll break something or upgrade something every time you run your car.
It's the price we pay to put a smile on our faces, and to alleviate all the other BS we have to
deal with in everyday life.


wdawg