This is my first Nitro car so I've read all I can and went out to tune my Hyper 7 w/ .21 8 Port Race Motor. After proper break in with a couple tanks at idle and slow speed, I started to lean out the high speed needle. During this process, if I was to apply full throttle the engine would just die... I assumed this was normal for a rich ndition and continued to lean it out. I continued to lean it out to the point where it can handle full throttle and screams like a bat outta hell. I still see smoke so I've been convincing myself that I've done it correctly. The high speed needle appears to only be out 1.5 turns... is this typical or have I gone beyond the safe range? I've been using the "spit on the engine head" test to determine that its not running too hot- although it feels hot to the touch for sure. The guy at my LHS said I should be able to hold the cooling head for a second but at ~250 degrees I don't think so.

What are your thoughts?

I have a Hyper 7 PBS - It rocks. It is not big deal to see some smoke.

I took mine to a construction site yesterday. Had a very good time. Not only is it good for racing - it is more fun to just bash around. I love this thing. It is my favorate out of the 4 Nitro RC's that I have.

Wait till you take it jumping. This thing sails.... Very durable as well. I do things with this that breaks my TMaxx's into pieces.

The only thing that I have done is change the steering survo to a JR racing servo with metal gears - add a fail safe - and replace the stock pipe with one that does not use a rubber coupler.

you WANT your engine to smoke. you should have a 15 in trail of smoke.