I have an older RS4 RTR3, I got it a while ago for xmas I used to drive it recreationally a bunch but I put it down for a while. I just finally got back into it and Im feeling the need for some speed. It came with the Nitro Star 15Fe engine and I was going to upgrade to the 18ss. I am not sure if the tranny I have is 2 speed, can anyone help me with this? How can I upgrade it to a 2 speed? I think I am also going to get a new pipe. Any suggestions? Any tips and hints are greatly appreciated as I am reletivly new to nitro RC.

THanks

It will most likely will be a 1 speed since its the old version with the 15FE but if u wanna check anyway look at the photo and it should look similar and have 2 round gears. If its only one you just need to get the 2speed assembly, part number is HPI #86038 and it should look something like this:

Is it hard to install?

Not at all really. BUT You more then likely will have some questions on it shifting, when it shifts, if you hear it, shift points etc. http://hpiracing.com/graphics/instr/n3ss/kn3_09.jpg << heres a link on how to put everything together. And if you buy the 2 speed kit, it should come with instructions

yeah its fairly easy aslong as you put it together exactly as stated in instructions that come with it.

a lot of people really like the .18 o.s. cr-v(x) as a replacement engine for these cars and is a bit cheaper than the nitrostar 18ss

thats what my friend was telling me. He was also suggesting the os .18 TR or sumthin. Its more expensive but he said worth it.

[:-] Prolly ment the "TZ" OS .18 TZ. Take the time to do some research on this engine so u know if you need all the power, which if your an american im sure you'll say yes to . The CVR has plenty of power and is around $110.00 at hobby shops, Its seems like more and more rs4 owners are putting this engine int here car. I found my TZ for $160 but i have seen them selling for 250-300+
I went with the TZ because... well i have no friggin idea really?!?!?! i think cuz it was like 60 bucks more then the CVR and also in case i found a MT2 rolling chassis

Hpi has a new T3.0 a 3.0 CC engine that is also in the firestorm but with a standard shaft. It has the same CC as the TZ but the bhp isnt know yet + ive only seen this engine for the euro market.

iexion: the os .18 tz is sg shaft correct? which flywheel did you use and which engine mounts too?

THATS WHY I HAD TO GET IT WHEN I SAW IT!!!!! IT WAS A TZ WITH A STANDARD SHAFT AND IT WAS $160!!
I just pick it up and was looking at the box and it said TZ-TX, i didnt think much of it because i thought it had to do something with the T-maxx. Untill i open'd the box and saw the engine, then i said " hmph it has a standard shaft and a pull start, but the shaft looks kinda short". i put it on lay-way at my hobby town, ebayed my X-mod evo (worth over $140 but got all the parts when they were on sale for 50% off and spent only $80 for everything) and my RC18T modded with 2 motors. Sold together for $105 free shiping. 2 weeks after lay-way i got it out. FITS THE RS4 PERFECTLY!!! Honestly it fits better then the stock engine, but if u get one you'll need a .21 air filter and ur gonna need to ask your hobby shop what types of exhaust manifolds they have. it took a few times to figure it out but they didnt charge me for fitting the mani's.
This engine is more like a .21 thats. I would need to get a .21 exhaust to get the most power out of this engine.

OS .18 TZ-TX. Standard shaft and pull start so its a perfect fit on a rs4. Thats why i was thinking about getting a Super Nitro