When to upgrade to Hop-ups and Option Parts

[rcskwerl]

I am returning to RC Car Off-road racing after over 25 years of not racing. So much has changed!
Anyway I found a great quote, (but don't who it is from, sorry),
Quote:
“If you can't go the whole run without crashing once, you don't need anything more than you've already got.
The Hop-ups and Option Parts may make the car faster, but they will not make you faster."
End Quote.

So at what point do you think a rookie could start trying different set-ups or changing option parts?
I feel like when I was racing 25 years ago I was "chasing" other's set-ups and not really becoming a better driver.
I still had fun but felt like I could have done better.
I currently have a TLR 22 5.0 DC at factory settings. My local track is a great indoor clay track. https://www.facebook.com/CHR.RACE/about.

I have been using VRC to practice until I can get to the track in real life.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Doom!]

First off, welcome to RCTalk!

As for your question, I think you pretty much answered it. Run what you've got until you are comfortable with the rig, and confident in your abilities. It's easy to jump on the upgrade bandwagon, but upgrades aren't necessarily better.

Not saying upgrades are bad, but get a good feel for what you have, so that you can identify how the changes effect your rig. Also make one major change at a time for the same reason. Don't worry, you will have lots of time to spend all of your money on cool stuff, no need to rush it.

 

[rcskwerl]

Thanks for the answer.

 

[9x19]

I agree with Doom, unless you're breaking the same part every run, not much point in 'upgrades'.

 

[rcskwerl]

thanks, when I was racing years ago my buddy said my car was set up better than his. It was the "nut behind the wheel" that couldn't drive.

 

[Doom!]

Get things dialed in as best you can, then practice, practice, practice. Just remember to squeeze every drop of fun out of it that you can! That's a good lookin' track too.

 

[DavidB1126]

I am into racing myself, I also have a 22 5.0 although its more of a AC Semi Elite kit, and I got it used with some Exotec and MOD hop ups.
Generally speaking, and my POV, if I can get around the track without breaking anything I don't see the need for upgrade parts. Obviously if I clip or break a arm Ill just replace it or general wear and tear items those would just be replaced with OEM parts. Me, I run mostly stock setups with a little bit of tweaks/differences for the car to handle well for me in terms of my driving and the track, I mostly race on indoor carpet (mix of CRC and office) and indoor dirt (glued/clay/sealed, slicks/compound, ect). I just race for fun and about every or so race day (depending how much I go to the track or if my track days are spread apart...) I see myself getting faster in different sorts of ways. can be getting a TQ, winning the B main and bumping up or winning the A, getting a new personal best hot/fast lap, being more consistent during a race duration, ect. For me, I just keep my cars running, I don't have the money to have fancy option parts, unless a more advanced driver talked to me into getting some upgrades but that rarely happens in my case. Actually I don't think it ever happened to me, lol. With my b74 the only upgrade I really have is a aluminum front tower but I did that like years ago when I was still learning how to drive and be more consistent, don't get me wrong I am still doing that but I am a much better and cleaner driver now than 2 years ago lol.

David's TLR 22 5.0 "Semi-Elite"

Hobbywing 10BL120 G1 SD ESC Hobbywing V10 G4R 17.5T SD Motor Xpert 4000LV servo Protek lightweight aluminum 28T pinion 4 gear - gear diff (12k) Also have a ball diff for it Exotec aluminum steering rack Exotec spring perches TLR 22 aluminum servo horn MIP Puck rear axles Titanium turnbuckles...

• DavidB1126
• Dec 1, 2024
• Updated May 10, 2025
• Category: Member RC Garage

David's AE B74.1D Wheeler

Hobbywing XR10 Stock Spec 100A G2 ESC Hobbywing V10 G4R 13.5T Motor PowerHD B5S HV servo (on 6v) FlySky NB4+ Radio Mylaps transponder CHNL 5200 120C shorty batteries TQ Wire 5mm bullets 26/78 gearing Revolutionary Designs Aluminum front shock tower Jconcepts S15 B74.2 body Tires: Indoor...

• DavidB1126
• Jun 30, 2024
• Updated May 10, 2025
• Reaction score: 7
• Category: Member RC Garage

 

[DavidB1126]

Get things dialed in as best you can, then practice, practice, practice. Just remember to squeeze every drop of fun out of it that you can! That's a good lookin' track too.

Yep. When I go to a track, because I can't go like every weekend, for me its like twice a month, maybe not even that, most of my track day is on the drivers stand getting wheel and track time. Even if I bring multiple cars. So I can make the best out of my track days .

Also adding to the quote in OP, yes I 100 percent agree with that. I see guys rolling around with my same car maybe a model newer or older of mine, and whipping faster laps like at my clay track my averages are usually mid 17s while there's 2 guys that can run mid to low 16s throughout a whole race. Consistency is what makes you faster.

 

[RustyUs]

thanks, when I was racing years ago my buddy said my car was set up better than his. It was the "nut behind the wheel" that couldn't drive.

You just answered your own question... driving styles. I know a lot of people see a top pro drivers get that TQ and that first place trophy and wonder what's "under the hood"... searching for setup sheets to copy. What works for someone else may or may not work for you. I'd work on consistency and get to know your ride.

 

[majin]

stickers. you just need more stickers to increase the speed i dig that quote, I'm that guy that can't get around the track lol, great thread. welcome to the forum

 

[rcskwerl]

That's my problem! I didn't put stickers on my old RC car! lol

 

[aklindeman]

I'm back racing after about twenty five years too. So far, I have added exactly two "hop up" parts. An aluminum servo horn after stripping out the stock one during practice. And a MIP diff rebuild kit after flat spotting my balls due to not adjusting my diff after breaking it in. I have invested in a few sets of tires for different track conditions. Like you say, a titanium screw set will not save you more time than a single incident requiring a turn marshal will cost. But an aluminum servo horn very well may save you from a DNF.

 

[rcskwerl]

thanks, very good points

 

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