I'm getting an onroad car. Need advice

[JSY0829]

I'm doing this completely backwards. I should have done some research first and then made a purchase but you know how that goes. I just bought a HPI R40 and need your input. This will be the 3rd purchase that I have made from Brad(seller) and everything has been in new condition. That is why I didn't hesitate when he emailed me about the HPI R40 for sale. I paid $250 for it.

I will be only using it on parking lots so I'm wondering if it is the right car for me? This will be my first...well actually second, I had a NTC3 but never got to run it. Someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse for it. I've never driven an onroad car before so this will be my first. Is it worth $250? Anyone have any input on the mill...it'a a Novarossi S3 turbo. Are they good engines? Like I said, I will only be running on parking lots and not racing. Any input about this car would be appreciated.

TIA
James

 

[AC48]

That is a very nice rid, but it is not suited for parking lots, its better suited to tracks. This is mostly becuase it is belt drive. Belts are easily torn up by pebbles and crap on the road. Shaft drive is better for parking lots mainly for durability.

That engine should be great, dunno much about that particular engine, but I have never heard anything bad about a Nova mill.

 

[Diver6127]

There is nothing wrong with the R40. It's a very good car and quite durable, even for use on nonprepped surfaces. Just as AC stated, be careful of gravel and sticks when using it, because of the belt drive system. The engine you are referring to is actually a TOP novarossi TSR3. It's a ROAR legal racing engine. Very good torque and primo stuff, when it was first released. It is a very potent engine.

From the pics in the links, looks like he used it with rubber tires (predominantly). If you really want to see what this car has in store for you, switch to foams. The performance is like night and day ... with proper setup of course since foams and rubber have different characteristics that need the suspension adjusted for.

Other than that, the only issue I ever had with the R40 is the limited space to adjust the LSN since the tank partially blocks the adjustment screw. Good car, lots of hop ups and very potent when driven and set up correctly.

 

[JSY0829]

I'm really worried about the belt drive. I hope it will last.

 

[Diver6127]

Don't worry about the belt drive. I have 2 racing seasons on mine Serpent 710) with minimal wear and will only replace it now so I don't have to later. Some of the race tracks I am on are not the best but ALL have some gravel or debris. Just keep up on the maintainance and inspection.

Breaking of a belt is inevitable but just as with anything else, preventive maintainance will keep things to a minimum. Just make sure you keep extras in your parts box.

If you're running around in the parking lot, just keep inspecting the car after every tank or every so often. Repalcing a belt is not a big deal.