Which one would be more bang for my buck?

[X_UNDFTD_X]

I've been looking into getting into nitro rc and was looking at buying a used HPI RS4 3 Evo. I rather buy something used and tinker on it with parts that I want to get it working, then spend a boat load of money for something stock. So would it be worth it spending around $100 for a Evo with a broken engine? Is there any way to fix the engine, or just spend another $100 or so to buy a better one? If I do get a new engine for it, what's the biggest size motor would work, and how would I check if it's compatible? What are some good engine brands? Is it possible to upgrade the old trans/receiver to a new 2.4ghz? I know this might be a lot of questions, but hopefully someone could help a newbie out .

 

[Phins Fan]

Wow!! You werent kidding with alot of questions!! Here goes:

A RS4 3 IMO would be worth $100 if everything was included.

There are ways to fix the motor but first you have to figure out exactly whats broken. Typically you can purchase the stock Nitrostar motor for about $70-$90. If you try to rebuild a broken piston, sleeve, and connecting rod your gonna spend about that much anyway.

IMO a .18 is probably about as big as you wanna go. You can go bigger but will need to look at custom mounts for the motor and upgrade the balance of the drivetrain to support the massive amounts of power a bigblock gives. OS, Picco, Dynamite are a few relaible brands that are typically easy to tune.

You can definately upgrade the radio system and there are alot of "noname" brands to be had cheap.

Now with all that outta the way - Why dont you look at just getting it running at first with the bare necessities? Having never dealt with nitro before you might find it takes ALOT more tuning, tinkering, and $ to keep running crisp like electrics. Dont get me wrong - I LOVE NITRO's!!! But have also found that they are not for everyone. Just my .02

 

[X_UNDFTD_X]

Thanks 100 for the reply and all the help! The RS4 3's seem like they a little higher than $100 with all included, but I will be sure to be on the lookout.

 

[srusinek]

I think that by the time you put in an os .18 which is one of the best motors for that car, upgrade to a 2.4 system and fix whatever is wrong with the car when you get it, you'll be right about the price tag for a new rs4 3 evo anyways. If you want to go through with the above to rebuild and enjoy from that aspect, than go ahead. If your watching that hip national bank in your pocket then I would go the rtr option. Just my 2 cents.