Hey guys i am looking at some different Nitro Cars, i would like to get everyones opinion if i could, so i dont make a mistake and buy something that resembles junk. i am looking at a HPI RS4-3 that if i bought i would get a 2spd for it. Another choice is a Team Associated TC3, but i am not totally sure if i get the RTR if i can upgrade it alot or no. Choice number three is a CENRACING CT4S, which i read is a great car, and the last one is an OFNA LD3 with the 2 spd. I am new to this, and i just need some opinions from people who have been in this hobby for a while. i also came across two cars that didnt look bad 1) HOTBODIES TORNADO and the 2) DURATRAX STREETFORCE GP. thanks again everyone for your help.


Mike

I picked up a CEN TR4 RTR with a gallon of fuel and everything I needed to get going for £300 (around $420).

Basically, it's a kit car that's already been put together for you. You get full instructions on how to dismantle and rebuild everything. Thus, as long as you're buying a big name it should be fairly easy to get replacement parts / upgrades.

I can't speak for any other manufacturers though, since I'm new to this game myself

Haha....420.since you're new(so was I a few months ago) I would go with the RS4 3 SS if you can build a kit and can afford a radio.You'd understand it better if you built it but if you don't have the patience,time,or skill to do it go with the RTR.Is Toledo still all cracked out?lol

My pocketbook will attest to the fact that the hop-up availability for the NTC3 is limited only by money.

If you went with the RTR NTC3, I would suggest a two-speed transmission immediately, followed by any hop-up that improves handling (blade, shocks, one-way, etc.) when you can afford it. If you're going to race, or be on a track with barriers, spend some money on "the fix" for the diff case. The stock motor and two-speed will give you mucho speed for a beginner.

go with CEN, high quality products for less, and they can compete with the best w/o thinking twice.

Yeah man Toledo is still all cracked out - i live on the maumee/toledo border and we just a bit cracked out lol. I have been doing alot of research on these cars, and i have found that the TA TC3 looks to be a lot more advanced and durable than the other ones, but you still cant beat the price of the HPI. I am thinking hardly about building a kit, i think it would help me learn the parts and understand them more, but then do those come with engines or no? i am trying to spend no more than 350.00 to get it running, i will worry about upgrades at a later time. thanks again.

Mike

TC3 is NOT durable. the HPI or the CEN would win in that category, but in racing the TC3 would be at the top.

I wouldn't agree, with the exception of the diff cases that I mentioned in my earlier post, that the NTC3 is not durable. I subject mine to hard racing, and the only things I have broken are the diff case top (use "the Fix") and the crummy bumper (replace with the RPM version). I have also bent one pivot ball (replace with Mugen pivot ball because the shaft is thicker). Total cost under $30. However, if you're committed to a kit, it will be tough to stay under $350. The NTC3 kit does not include an engine, body, or radio, but it includes many upgraded parts. The RTR kit is out the door for around $300.

Alright guys i got it narrowed down to the rs4 and the tc3. I think i am leaning towards the tc3. I have found alot of optional parts and upgrades and i kinda like the setup of it. I dont know it anyone reading this has the new RC CAR ACTION mag, but there is a page in there that has a pic of a hopped up TC3. it shows all the accessories and hop ups and what they look like on the car in its final stages, and i like it more. Now whether or not i should buy a kit or a rtr with upgraded team parts.

oh one more thing before i head to bed. i wrote TA about the car and it's options. I will accept any motor than a big block, how do i know what a big block is?
Thanks

big block is anything .21 or larger, and i still say the tc3 is very brittle. expecially the a-arms. If you hit something or get hit during a race, and ur wheel hits something, its going to break.

There are also .15 big blocks that are used in 1/10 scale nitro on-road cars (such as the serpent impact).

Well thanks to casey i did some more research at my LHS today and he said the same. He would rather go with the HIP RS4. Now i dont know if i want the ss or just get a RS4 3 and put a Fantom motor in it. Also anyone know of any sites that i can find optional parts and accessories for those??? Thanks

Mike

www.stormerhobbies.com is my personal favorite. Thats the site my LHS matches prices from for me

If you're new...go with the RS4 and get the SS. It's cheaper to get the SS than the RS4 because the SS comes with the two speed. It's not a hard kit, besides, you're just going to end up taking the RTR apart fixing whatever the one who built it didn't build right. You get more satisfaction and bond with your car a little bit more of you build it. Plus the SS has the driveshafts instead of belts. Much better. Look in my gallery and check out mine...it's got quite a few mods on it.

Hey thanks for the advice - i checked out your car, its really nice. I am buying the car within the next month, and getting the JR X21 i do believe it is radio system. Thanks again for all the help. i will keep ya updated on it's progress and takes pics when it's done.

Thanks
Mike