gollie001

hello folks
ive just joined as im going to be needing your help and expertize
im new to the rc scene having only had rc cars when i was a child about 35yrs ago
ive just brought a second hand thunder tiger st1 stadium truggy of a mate
now the manual says run it in using 30% nitro then use between 10 and 30%
now the fella in our local store says use 16% because less nitro content the better your engine will last
so my question is what do you reckon is the best fuel to use
i only use it to do jumps and a bit of bashing
any help/info always greatly received
cheers
jason

thecatofulthar

First is the thing already broken in? If you dont know ask your buddy, if it is then find out what kind of fuel he was using in it and go with that. Otherwise I'd say just get a good 20% nitro fuel and remember you'll probably need to re tune to the fuel you go with if it is not the same as what he was originally using.

proanti1

My Feedback: (2)

This is completely wrong. Nitro content alone has no effect on the longevity of your engine. Now, this is a rather popular debate on RCU, but from my experience, higher nitro fuels run cooler. I run 30% in every car engine I have.

thecatofulthar

Which is why i did not even talk about the engine longevity there's too many variables that play into that aspect of the hobby.

gollie001

cheers folks
i would say it was run in as the tires were like slicks
i will ask him what fuel he was using when i see him next
the lads who rc with me say use 20% which is what ive been doing
reluctant to use 16% because the local stockist only has and recommends 16%
i have to go into the next county to get 20% unfortunatly he has about as much idea as me about anything other than hpi
so for now ill stick with 20%
thanks for the replys
jason

thecatofulthar

I do remember once being told that for .18 or less engines use 20% and for over .18 engines use 30% unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.

Scinet7

Higher nitro content ultimately makes more power which is relative to engine life but higher nitro also allows you to run much richer and still retain a snappy throttle & good performance. For example an engine on 10% nitro will have to be run leaner than an engine on 30% nitro to make the same power. 30% costs more $$$ of course! I'd use 20% in your ST1.

The_Shark

quality 20% fuel is what i run, perfect balance of temps,power and price.

proanti1

My Feedback: (2)

Higher nitro will only make a difference if your engine has the right compression ration and is ported to handle it. Throwing 30% in an old OS will do nothing.

Scinet7

Higher nitro won't only make a difference with the right compression ratio and specific porting, doubling from 10% to 20% will increase power and throttle response for the average guy, you will not need optimised shimming nor exotic porting to see a difference, that will just be some tiresome elitist telling you that.

I'd think an old OS engine would run much better on 30% nitro blend than 0% straight methanol too to be honest.