HPI RS4 3 18SS or HPI R40?

[HamzaLH]

I've been into the electric scene for awhile now and I'm looking at getting a nitro ... I'm not too sure on which one to get ... I've narrowed it down to either the HPI RS4 3 18SS or the HPI R40 ...

I'm just looking for something to thrash around in the car park, I'm after something that has resonable handling and a nice top speed ...

Does the R40 fit an 18 size engine? If not would the R40 with a 1615 - NITRO STAR 15FE ENGINE be quiker than the 18ss ...

I'm assuming the 18SS would be quiker, but the 18SS will have better handling ...

Any input is appretiated

 

[mnimud]

From the HPI site "The R40 is designed to be a full competition "Pro" 1/10th scale nitro touring car designed primarily for groomed high traction racetracks, not a street car like our NRS4 3".
The pretty much eliminates it from thrashing around in the street. The extreme low center of gravity would also cause you major problems.

My brother has the RS4 3 18SS and it flies. It's not legal in the racing classes but if your plans are parking lot driving that doesn't matter. He did raise the ride height from what the instructions had said b/c after trying that setting it still seemed a little too low if the parking lot wasn't ultra smooth but overall it's fine. If those are your two choices I'd go with the 18SS. My brother also put a rotostart on it. It starts very easily, runs great, handles very well, and is awesomely fast.

 

[HamzaLH]

Ground Clearance isnt much of a problem ... My street is flat with not a pebble in site ... the parking lots i use are the same ... I just like the idea of belt drive ...

If i put drift tyres on either of the 2 would they be able to drift well? I dont really want to buy the whole stage D kit ... I just want something to thrash arnd , not drifting like an art ...

Hamza

 

[Diver6127]

Ground clearance is not a problem with the R40. Crank down on the shockbodies to adjust. The difference between the R40 and 18ss, other than the obvious drive shaft vs belt drive, is the adjustment capabilities. The R40 is designed for racing.With a bel drive, you just have to be more careful where you run it because of debris.

If you decide you would like to go racing, the R40 is the way to go. Yes, you can get an 18 in there. That will not pose a problem. If you decide to race it, an 18 MAY beused if the track allows it in the outlaw classes.

IMHO, the r40 gives you the better chance to grow between the two choices. What it will come down to is personal choice and parts availability.

rossb has raced both cars (18ss and the r40). He currently uses the R40 so he can give a better insight between the 2 cars.

 

[HamzaLH]

The R40 seems like the better choice ... more room for play if i decide to race ...

With my electric cars i've only used shaft drive where the power is instant ... I've been told that belt drives tend to have more of a slingshot effect ... will this be ok for drifting?

What engine would be the best for the R40?

Hamza