Yes, metal RC car gears are generally SLIGHTLY noisier than plastic gears, although this is often a trade-off for strength and durability. The main reason for the increased noise is that metal gears have a much harder contact surface. Unlike plastic, which naturally absorbs some vibration and softens the gear mesh, metal transmits vibrations directly, […]
Real motor oil on RC car gears?
Real motor oil is designed for fluid film lubrication in car engines at high temperatures. RC gears, especially in electric models, often require thicker, clingy lubrication like grease. Motor oil will sling off quickly due to centrifugal force, leaving gears unprotected. So the answer is NO.
Gear lapping
To lap RC car gears (i.e., smooth out the gear mesh by controlled wear), you need a safe, mildly abrasive compound that can polish without damaging. Toothpaste works for light break-in runs (1–2 minutes at low speed). Follow these steps: Apply thin layer of compound to gear teeth. Run the gears at low speed for […]
Vaseline as grease?
Applying Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to an RC car gearbox is not recommended, and here’s why: 🔧 What Will Happen if You Use Vaseline in an RC Gearbox: ❌ 1. Poor Lubrication Under Load Vaseline is not designed for high-speed mechanical parts. It becomes too thin when warm and doesn’t provide proper film strength under pressure. […]
Drifting
Turning off reverse on the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) when doing RC car drifting is a common practice. In drift racing, drivers often “blip” the throttle quickly to maintain or control slides. If reverse is enabled, a fast throttle change from forward to neutral and back might accidentally trigger reverse. This can cause the car […]
Tamiya VS XRay
When it comes to RC cars, two brands that often come up in discussions are Xray and Tamiya. Both have their unique offerings, and as a hobbyist, understanding their differences can help in making an informed choice. Xray is renowned for its precision engineering and high-performance models. Their cars, such as the X4 touring car, […]
Using low cost onroad tires
Low cost rubber tires for onroad racing is now widely available on the internet. You can use them to do laps, but keep in mind there is a limit to the effectieness of the grip they can provide. Using a TT01 as an example, if you are using a 55T spur and 28T pinion, a […]
Catching the Wind: RC sailboat @ Dover Court Beach
Catching the Wind: Why RC Sailboating is Pure Zen on the Water Most of the RC world is obsessed with speed. Whether it’s cars, planes, or powerboats, the chase is usually about who can go faster, turn tighter, and push the limits of what the gear can handle. But step onto the shore with an […]
Brushed RC boating on a river
Why would I still use brushed motor on a RC boat? Water tolerance is defintiely one of my main concerns. When it comes to water resistance, the answer isn’t so much about brushed vs brushless, but about design and construction. That said, in many practical cases, brushed motors are often more tolerant of water than […]
The optimal pinion and spur combination (featuring Tamiya BT01)
Chasing the Sweet Spot: Pinion and Spur Gear Combinations in RC Ask ten RC hobbyists about the “best” pinion and spur combo, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. That’s because there really isn’t a single “perfect” setup—it all depends on your motor, track, battery, and what you’re trying to get out of your car. […]










