Old RS4 3 SS (12R) vs. New RS4 3 SS (18SS)

[snowboardgeek1]

Hey everyone

I'm a new guy here. Looks like a great RC community

Anyhow, I own a "few" RC's...HPI Savage with picco 26 engine, NTC3 plus, NTC3 with Novarossi MT12 engine, HPI Nitro Mini with Novarossi CX12 engine, 2 RC10GTs, AND an XTM X-terminator deluxe buggy.

I used to own an HPI RS4 3 SS with the 12R engine...and I REALLY miss that car. It was an awesome car to bash with. You could run it into curbs and walls, and it was indestructible.

With the NTC3 plus, I have broke numerous parts, and I hate that about the NTC3. They're great race cars, but if you just clip a curb or wall, get ready to buy some replacement parts.

Anyhow, I'm looking to buy a new HPI 18SS. I always felt the 12R motor was really weak. How do you guys like the 18SS motor? Has the car lived up to your expectations? How fast (top speed) have you gotten the car up to?

I have found a brand new SS, already built, with a venom speed meter and fail safe, with titanium tie rods, for $275 shipped. No electronics though, which isn't a big deal to me considering I own a JR XS3. I'll just go buy some hitec 645MG (steering) and hitec 525bb (throttle) servos, and call it a day.

Anyhow, just curious what your opinions are on this car. I will be using this car to race with friends at parking lots and occasionally race it at my local track. I hate riding the NTC3 at parking lots with my friends...usually if they run into me, I have to replace some little part. Hence the reason I wanted to get another RS4 3 SS. They're very durable.

Thanks guys.

-Eric

 

[AC48]

Awesome, another XTM owner on RCNT Welcome! I also have a Deluxe, look in the 1/8 buggy forum for pics.

As for the RS4, I used to own a RS4 3 SS and the .12R SS was a crappy engine. I have not seen a .18SS inperson but I have seen vids and those things haul ass. The MT2 .18SS is extremely fast, like as fast if not faster than the .12 in a touring car. I think that you would love the .18, I hear its an awesome engine.

Talk to rossb here on the boards, he has a RS4 3 .18SS. You could buy one off ZANDOR which has tons of hop ups on it and all the profits he is donating to the site. Check the forsale forum for that one.

 

[snowboardgeek1]

Oh I'll check that out...thanks for the heads up.

Gotta love the XTM buggy huh? Man that buggy can take a beating.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Revo Rancher]

I have the 12R SS and have no issues with the motor. Must be the tuner :jk: . I beat my friends on straights and acceleration all the time and they have NTC3's and Kyosho's. They kill me in the corners, but that's just my driving. Still trying to learn the better points of TC suspension adjustments.

Anyhow, the 18SS is a better car overall. It has better shafts and of course a more powerful motor. Some tracks, though, may not let you race if you don't use a .12 motor. (ROAR sanctioned mainly)The RS4-3 you show in the pics, is this the one you plan to buy? if so, the pics show the servos in place.

 

[snowboardgeek1]

You're correct revo...the servos are in place, but the guy is going to take them out. I'll only be running this car at our local parking lots, and at Sun Valley's racetrack. They're cool with running whatever RC you have. Plus I go on my off days, where no one is really there.

I could never get the 12R motor running fast. Even my friends old RS4 with a .15FE engine, smoked my old SS. The car was fun though...very durable. That and the handling, were the main things I missed about the car. My NTC3's have better performance overall, its just their durability sucks.

I'm going to PM Zandor about his car. Looks like a great deal.

-E

 

[Revo Rancher]

Ahhh, the Sun Valley track. Be sure to tune for HOT weather!!!!

You must have had a bad carb or something, then, if a 15FE RS4 was beating you. I drag race my neighbor who has the same RS4 15FE and I beat him out of the hole and leave him totally behind when mine kicks into second. You'll like the 18SS. Better overall than your old 12SS, although I still love mine.

Yeah, buy Zandor's rig. He can put the money toward a refill on his medication... :OMG: (whatever he doesn't donate)

 

[snowboardgeek1]

I'm pretty sure my 12R was properly tuned. My friends RS4 has a 2 speed installed, so his car is pretty quick. You're probably right...maybe the carb was bad...who knows.

I sent a PM to Zandor. If you know him personally, let him know I'm interested. I only have 300 and from what I see on his ad, he wants 400, which is somewhat steep for an RS4 3, even with hopups. I'm sure his SS is a beast though.

 

[rossb]

I have competed a few times with my RS4 18ss. I run the stock pipe, Motorsaver filter, stock plug, 20% Nitro, and the stock gearing. I have run against all out .12 race motors with race pipes on 30% nitro and I never found myself needing more acceleration or top speed on the straights. The motor makes good power. My problem when competing is the turns, and this problem is a result of my lack of driving experience along with the RS4’s suspension design. The RS4 is not really designed to be a competitive racer and when you compare the car to the pro-level belt cars you can see why.

I plan to build a ROAR legal R40 with a Picco ROAR .12 motor and a Picco ROAR pipe. This setup should handle better than my current setup. I expect the motor to have less power than the 18ss but I think it should be fairly competitive. I like the Serpent 710 and the Mugen MX3 but those cars are too expensive for the amount of time I race (not often), so in my mind I cannot justify them.

I may sell my RS4 with a perfect body minus the electronics and it will go for a lot less than $275. It has hop ups and is in perfect shape, except for scratches on the bottom of the chassis.

Build pics HERE

 

[snowboardgeek1]

Rossb

I sent you a PM. Let me know whats up.

Your car is awesome. I'm looking to buy a car today or tomorrow. Just weighing all the offers. Thanks again.

Eric

 

[Diver6127]

Ross, you will see a world of difference between your RS4 and R40. I can gaurantee that. Just get yourself a setup board to really get he adjusted correctly.

 

[snowboardgeek1]

Just bought Zandor's SS. Can't wait to get it!

 

[AC48]

Awesome, that thing looks so sweet.

 

[snowboardgeek1]

Thanks. Man, I can't wait to get this car. And all the upgrades for it...whew. I made out with a pretty damn good deal. I know I was going to upgrade to those parts anyhow, now I don't have to, plus I'm getting all the original parts as well. Good deal.

 

[Revo Rancher]

Great news! There was no beating that deal! Too many upgrades to pass it up!

 

[snowboardgeek1]

Thanks! I should be getting it wednesday.