i just bought the tornado xp. after the break in stage i was running it pretty hard and noticed a couple things. for some reason it doesnt want to switch to 2nd gear, i was also considering the possibility that it was in 2nd gear and wasnt going back to first as it was moving pretty fast and slow to the start. also, the manual said 2-3 tanks for break in, so i started giving it a little more about half way thru the 3rd tank....was this to soon? ive also had problems keeping it running, it likes to stall when im giving it gas and even occasionally when im not. im new to this, so any help would be appreciated, thanks....steve[&o]

Well, first off, I have a volcano STX, but I think you have troubles with your fuel, top-speed, and idle mixtures. I,however only know this on account of just getting over this same problem. They will require a lot of tinkering, but its worth it in the end. GOOD LUCK!

Also, in case it won't idle, take the engine off the bottom plate, and check the clutch spring to see if it is broken. This can be done at any hobby store for a reasonable price. I am only going off of my car, but hey, they're the same brand, how different can they be right?

I had the same problem with my car but with not original glow plug (original just burnt after 3 minutes). If u have aftermarket plug buy hot one. It will help engine run at idle. But this is normal,that engine stalls after 20-30 sec in idle (every 2 stroke nitro does that). It shouldnt stall at mid rpm though. Maybe u run too lean (try unscrewing high speed mixture bolt ). As for the 2nd gear does it swich with wheels in the air ? U should notice some "click" sound and hear noise from tires going much faster than in 1st gear. If it doesnt switch try loosening hex screw on metal plate in gearbox (loosening screw puts less force on 2nd gear latch and it goes off on less rpm). I put my car to full throttle after 4-5 tanks of fuel and it goes really well. And one more thing, pm me if u want some help, i went through intense learning on how to cope with that car

thanks for the tips guys. i think im running pretty rich right now as i have it almost 5 full turns out and the manual says to run it rich u need only be 1 and a half turns. im thinking this manual sucks by the way. i seem to have the car switching gears finally but it does it as soon as i give it gas, it only wants to stay in first for a second or so then it switches which is way too soon, so im still messing with that. i did however get a new glow plug from my brother, and it is a hot one. bryan, my brother, has a few of the nitro cars and says he thinks that i got a good deal on this car at around $200.00, but he thinks that the manual might be off a bit. like only 2-3 tanks for break in, he says his are from 4-6 on his traxxus and ofna. also, he thinks that the manual for the red cat might be a little off as we are running real rich at 5 full turns out, but any less and u cant even see any smoke coming from it, which it should have. red cat wants to run it at 1 and 1/2 turns, which seems lean. so what do you guys think. im a noob to all of this and wonder if my brother really knows what hes talking about lol.