Radio Control Nitro Cars: Types, What You Need and How to Start
Radio control nitro cars are RC cars powered by small glow engines rather than electric motors. They come as off-road buggies and truggies (mostly 1/8 scale), monster trucks, short-course trucks and on-road touring and GT cars. A nitro car uses a radio with two channels: one servo for steering and one for throttle and brake. Getting started means buying the car plus fuel, a glow igniter, a starter if needed and spares, and learning to start and tune the engine.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Types of nitro cars
| Type | Typical scale | Engine size |
|---|---|---|
| Buggy | 1/8 | .21 size |
| Truggy | 1/8 | .21–.28 |
| Monster truck | 1/8–1/10 | .15–.28 |
| On-road touring/GT | 1/10–1/8 | .12–.21 |
Typical sizes; models vary.
The radio system
A nitro car uses a pistol-grip transmitter with steering wheel and trigger. The receiver drives two servos: steering, and throttle/brake linked to the carburettor and brake. The receiver needs its own battery pack (or a regulator), since there’s no motor battery. Set failsafe so the throttle returns to idle or brake if the signal is lost. Radio basics are in how to program a remote control to an RC car and dual rates in what is dual rate.
What you need
- The car (RTR includes radio and engine).
- Nitro fuel of the recommended percentage.
- Glow igniter and charger.
- Starter box or electric start if the car isn’t pull-start.
- Fuel bottle, after-run oil and air filter oil.
- Spare glow plugs and basic tools.
- Receiver battery (AA or rechargeable).
Throttle linkage setup
- Set the throttle servo to neutral before fitting the linkage.
- Adjust so the carburettor is at idle at neutral.
- Full throttle opens the carb fully without binding.
- Full brake applies the brake firmly without stalling the servo.
- Adjust endpoints on the transmitter as needed.
Starting and tuning
Prime, attach the igniter and start, let it warm up, then tune the high and low needles. Tuning is explained in how to tune a nitro RC car engine, and the engine itself in nitro RC cars.
Running costs
Fuel is the main running cost, plus glow plugs, air filters, clutch parts and eventually engine rebuilds. Electric cars cost more for batteries but less per run. Budget for fuel and spares when comparing.
Nitro vs electric
Nitro cars offer engine sound, long run times with quick refuelling and a mechanical hobby. Electric cars are simpler, quieter, often faster and need less maintenance. Many tracks still run nitro 1/8 classes, so nitro remains popular for racing.
Cleaning
Nitro cars collect oily dirt. Clean after each session with a brush and cleaner, and see how to clean a nitro RC car.
RTR or kit?
Ready-to-run nitro cars come assembled with engine and radio installed, which is the easiest start. Kits, mostly for racing, leave you to build the chassis and choose the engine, radio and servos. Building teaches you how everything works and makes repairs easier, but it takes time and needs extra purchases. Most newcomers start with an RTR, then move to kits if they take up racing at a local track.
Noise and where to run
Nitro engines are loud. Run at tracks, open land or places where noise is accepted, and respect neighbours and local rules.
FAQ
What’s the best nitro car for beginners?
An RTR monster truck or buggy from a brand with good parts support.
Does a nitro car need a battery?
For the receiver and glow igniter, yes.
How many channels does it need?
Two: steering and throttle/brake.
Can I race a nitro car?
Yes; many tracks run nitro 1/8 classes.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
