How to Make rc remote control cars fast: Tips and Upgrades 2025

Introduction

RC cars offer an exhilarating experience for hobbyists, racers, and stunt enthusiasts. But whether you own a high-speed RC racing car or a drift RC car, the need for speed is universal. A faster RC car not only enhances performance but also provides a competitive edge in races and a more thrilling driving experience.

Many RC car enthusiasts wonder: How can I make my RC car faster? The good news is that several upgrades and tuning techniques can significantly boost your car’s top speed, acceleration, and handling.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
Key factors that affect RC car speed
Essential upgrades, including brushless motors, batteries, and gears
Budget-friendly tips to increase speed
Common mistakes to avoid when modifying your RC car

HYPER GO H16BM 1/16 RTR Brushless Fast RC Cars for Adults

Brushless Power: 4200KV motor with cooling.
Upgradable: Independent ESC & receiver.
Strong Drivetrain: Metal gears & diff.
Tough Chassis: Honeycomb design with metal reinforcement.
Adjustable: Pull rods & servo for terrain.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to transform your RC car into a speed demon. Let’s dive in! 🚗💨


1. Understanding the Factors That Affect RC Car Speed

Before upgrading your RC car, it’s crucial to understand what determines its speed and performance. Here are the primary factors:

1.1 Motor Power: Brushed vs. Brushless Motors

The motor is the heart of your RC car’s performance. It directly influences the speed, acceleration, and efficiency.

  • Brushed motors: Affordable but less powerful. They generate more heat and require frequent maintenance.
  • Brushless motors: Deliver higher speed, better efficiency, and longer lifespan. Ideal for fastest remote control cars in 2024.

🔹 Upgrade to a brushless motor for maximum speed boost!

1.2 Battery Performance: Voltage and Capacity

Your RC car’s battery plays a vital role in its power output and runtime.

  • NiMH batteries: Standard in entry-level RC cars but lack high performance.
  • LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries: Provide higher voltage and faster acceleration. Available in 2S (7.4V), 3S (11.1V), and 4S (14.8V) configurations.

🔹 For best performance, upgrade to a high-voltage LiPo battery!

1.3 Gear Ratio: The Secret to More Speed

The gear system in your RC car controls its speed and torque.

  • Higher pinion gear & smaller spur gear = More speed but lower acceleration.
  • Lower pinion gear & larger spur gear = More acceleration but lower top speed.

🔹 For top speed, increase the pinion gear size slightly while keeping the motor temperature in check!

1.4 Weight & Aerodynamics

A lighter RC car is always faster!

  • Remove unnecessary parts to reduce weight.
  • Upgrade to carbon fiber or aluminum components.
  • Modify the car’s body for better aerodynamics.

🔹 A sleek, lightweight design enhances speed and efficiency!

1.5 Tires & Traction

The type of tires you use can either increase grip or reduce friction for better speed.

  • On-road racing RC cars: Low-profile, high-grip tires for maximum speed on smooth surfaces.
  • Off-road RC cars: Knobby tires for better grip on dirt and uneven terrains.

🔹 Upgrade to high-performance tires for better speed and control!


2. Essential Upgrades to Make Your RC Remote Control Cars Fast

Now that we understand the key factors affecting speed, let’s explore essential upgrades that can take your RC car’s performance to the next level.

2.1 Upgrade to a Brushless Motor

Upgrading to a brushless motor is the single best way to make your RC car faster.

Why choose a brushless motor?
Higher speed – Generates more RPM (rotations per minute).
Greater efficiency – Less heat, more power output.
Longer lifespan – No carbon brushes to wear out.

Best brushless motors for RC cars:

  • Castle Creations 1406 Sensored Motor
  • Traxxas Velineon 3500
  • Hobbywing EZRun Max10

🔹 Switching from a brushed to a brushless motor can double your RC car’s speed!

2.2 Use a Higher Voltage LiPo Battery

Switching to a LiPo battery gives your RC car an instant power boost.

Why choose LiPo over NiMH?
✔ Delivers higher voltage and power output.
✔ Increases both top speed and acceleration.
✔ Lighter than NiMH, improving efficiency.

💡 Recommended LiPo Battery Upgrades:

  • 2S (7.4V) LiPo – Moderate speed boost.
  • 3S (11.1V) LiPo – Significant increase in top speed.
  • 4S (14.8V) LiPo – Extreme speed but requires a powerful ESC.

🔹 Always use a LiPo-compatible ESC to prevent damage!

2.3 Change the Gear Ratio for More Speed

Tuning your gear ratio helps optimize speed and acceleration.

  • Increase the pinion gear size for more speed.
  • Reduce the spur gear size to decrease resistance.
  • Test different setups to find the best balance.

🔹 Gearing adjustments are a cost-effective way to increase speed!

2.4 Upgrade the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

A high-performance ESC ensures smooth power delivery and prevents overheating.

Recommended ESCs:

  • Hobbywing EZRun Max10 SCT
  • Traxxas VXL-3S
  • Castle Creations Mamba X

🔹 A stronger ESC allows you to use high-voltage LiPo batteries safely!

2.5 Install High-Performance Tires

Tires affect grip, handling, and speed.

  • Racing RC cars – Low-profile slick tires.
  • Drift RC cars – Hard compound tires for smooth slides.
  • Off-road RC cars – Knobby tires for better traction.

🔹 Choose the right tires for your terrain to maximize speed!


3. Pro Tips for RC Remote Control Cars Fast Speed Without Expensive Upgrades

Want to boost your RC car’s speed without spending a fortune? Try these simple hacks:

🔥 Reduce Weight – Remove unnecessary parts.
🔥 Lower Ride Height – Improves aerodynamics.
🔥 Use High-Quality Bearings – Reduces friction.
🔥 Regular Maintenance – Clean and lubricate parts.
🔥 Adjust Suspension – Optimizes handling for speed.

🔹 Even small adjustments can make a big difference!


4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to RC Remote Control Cars fast

🚨 Overheating the Motor & ESC – Too much power can burn out components.
🚨 Using the Wrong Battery Setup – Always match the ESC and battery specifications.
🚨 Ignoring Tire Quality – Poor traction limits speed and control.
🚨 Skipping Gear Ratio Adjustments – Using the wrong gears limits speed potential.
🚨 Lack of Maintenance – Dirt and grime slow your RC car down.

🔹 Avoid these mistakes to keep your RC car in top condition!


FAQs: How to Make Your RC Remote Control Cars Fast

1. How Can I Increase My rc remote control cars fast Speed?

To make your RC car faster, follow these key upgrades and tuning tips:
Upgrade to a Brushless Motor – More power and efficiency than brushed motors.
Use a Higher Voltage Battery (LiPo Over NiMH) – Increases speed and acceleration.
Change the Gear Ratio – A larger pinion gear and a smaller spur gear boost top speed.
Reduce Weight – Remove unnecessary parts to improve efficiency.
Install High-Performance Tires – Increases traction and handling.

💡 Combining these upgrades can significantly enhance your remote control car’s top speed!


2. What Is the Best Brushless Motor for an RC Car?

A brushless motor provides higher speed, better efficiency, and longer lifespan compared to brushed motors. Here are some of the best brushless motors for RC cars:

🚀 Castle Creations 1406 Sensored Brushless Motor – Ideal for high-speed racing.
🚀 Traxxas Velineon 3500 Brushless Motor – Great for on-road and off-road performance.
🚀 Hobbywing EZRun Max10 – A reliable option for high-speed RC cars.

💡 A high-quality brushless motor can transform your RC car into a fast and powerful machine!


3. Can I Use a LiPo Battery to Make My rc remote control cars fast?

Yes! LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries provide more power than NiMH batteries, allowing your RC car to run faster and longer.

🔋 Benefits of LiPo Batteries for RC Cars:
✔ Higher voltage = More power and speed
✔ Lighter weight = Better efficiency
✔ Increased runtime = Longer play sessions

💡 For extreme speed, upgrade to a 3S (11.1V) or 4S (14.8V) LiPo battery, but make sure your ESC and motor can handle the voltage.


4. How Do I Adjust My RC Car’s Gear Ratio for More Speed?

Your gear ratio plays a crucial role in determining speed and acceleration.

For Higher Speed:
🔹 Use a larger pinion gear (more teeth).
🔹 Use a smaller spur gear (fewer teeth).

For Faster Acceleration:
🔹 Use a smaller pinion gear (fewer teeth).
🔹 Use a larger spur gear (more teeth).

💡 If you want to make your RC car one of the fastest remote control cars in 2024, experimenting with gear ratios is key!


5. What Are the Best Tires for High-Speed RC Racing Cars?

Tires impact traction, grip, and handling, which affect your RC car’s top speed.

🏎 Best Tires for On-Road RC Racing:
✔ Low-profile rubber tires for better grip and speed.
✔ Brands like Sweep Racing, Pro-Line, and GRP Tires.

🏁 Best Tires for Off-Road RC Cars:
✔ Knobby tires for better grip on dirt and rough surfaces.
✔ Top choices: Pro-Line Badlands, JConcepts Choppers.

💡 Choosing the right tires can make a huge difference in your RC car’s performance and speed!


6. Can I Make My rc remote control cars fast Without Buying Expensive Upgrades?

Absolutely! Here are budget-friendly ways to boost your RC car’s speed:

Reduce weight – Remove unnecessary parts to increase speed.
Lower ride height – Improves aerodynamics and stability.
Use high-quality bearings – Reduces friction for smoother movement.
Keep gears clean – Dirt and debris slow down performance.
Adjust suspension settings – Helps optimize handling for speed.

💡 Even without spending much, these tweaks can make your drift RC car or racing car significantly faster!


7. What’s the Maximum Speed of an RC Car?

The top speed of an RC car depends on the motor, battery, and gearing setup.

🚗 Entry-Level RC Cars – 20-30 mph
🚗 Brushless Motor RC Cars – 50-70 mph
🚗 Nitro-Powered RC Cars – 60-80 mph
🚗 High-Speed Racing RC Cars – 100+ mph

💡 For extreme speeds, the world’s fastest RC cars have hit over 120 mph with the right upgrades!


8. What’s the Difference Between Brushed and Brushless Motors?

🚀 Brushless Motors:
✔ Faster and more powerful.
✔ More efficient (less heat, more battery life).
✔ Longer lifespan with low maintenance.

Brushed Motors:
✔ Cheaper and beginner-friendly.
✔ Requires frequent maintenance.
✔ Slower compared to brushless motors.

💡 If you want a fast and durable RC car, upgrading to a brushless motor is a must!


9. How Do I Prevent My RC Car from Overheating?

High-speed modifications can cause overheating, which may damage your motor, ESC, and battery. Here’s how to prevent it:

🔥 Use a heatsink – Helps dissipate excess heat from the motor.
🔥 Install a cooling fan – Keeps the motor and ESC from overheating.
🔥 Monitor gearing ratios – Overgearing can generate excess heat.
🔥 Avoid running in extreme temperatures – Hot weather can worsen overheating issues.

💡 Keeping your RC car cool and well-ventilated will ensure longer performance and durability!


10. Is Nitro or Electric RC Car Faster?

Both nitro-powered RC cars and electric brushless RC cars can reach incredible speeds, but they have key differences:

Electric Brushless RC Cars:
✔ Faster acceleration and higher top speeds.
✔ Low maintenance and longer battery life.
✔ Can reach 100+ mph with high-performance upgrades.

🔥 Nitro RC Cars:
✔ Realistic engine sound and fuel-powered experience.
✔ More challenging to maintain but great for hobbyists.
✔ Speeds up to 60-80 mph.

💡 For raw speed, a high-performance electric brushless RC car is the best choice!


Final Thoughts

Upgrading and fine-tuning your rc remote control cars fast can be an exciting challenge. Whether you’re looking to improve acceleration, top speed, or overall handling, the right combination of brushless motors, LiPo batteries, gear ratios, and tires can make all the difference.

🏎 Want to turn your RC car into a speed monster? Start upgrading today!

💬 Have more questions about making your RC car faster? Drop them in the comments!
🔧 Follow us for the latest RC car upgrade tips and reviews!