Mercedes Mullins
Nitro fuel is a type of fuel used for RC cars, with some variants suitable for racing. Nitro fuel is also used for full-size race cars. Nitro fuel is available in different blends, with some containing 16% nitro, and others containing 20% or more. Nitro fuel can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon and eBay, or from specialist stores. Some people also make their own nitro fuel at home, although this requires careful handling of hazardous chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nitro Percentage | 16% |
| Oil Percentage | 9% |
| Oil Type | Castor/Synthetic Blend |
| Container Size | 1 litre |
| Container Type | Container |
| Brand | Optifuel Optimix RTR |
| Cost | $20.40 |
| Use Case | General use, not race applications |
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What You'll Learn
Nitro fuel for RC cars
The choice of nitro fuel depends on the specific RC car and the brand. It is important to refer to the manual or the engine pamphlet to determine the recommended percentage of nitro fuel for your car. Switching nitro fuel is generally not recommended for new RC car owners, as it requires re-tuning the engine. Small changes in nitro percentage, such as 5 percent, are less likely to cause damage to the engine, but it is important to closely monitor the car's performance and tune the engine as necessary.
The percentage of nitro fuel used also depends on the engine size. Engines that are .12 - .18 generally use 10 to 20 percent nitro fuel, while engines that are .21 - .26 or .27 use higher percentages, ranging from 20 to 40 percent. For off-road racing, a fuel blend of 20-25% nitromethane, 11-12% oil, and a medium heat range plug is suggested.
Due to strict anti-terrorist laws, some countries have regulations limiting the maximum amount of nitromethane in model fuels to 16% by mass (12% by volume). This regulation has been in effect in some European countries, such as Sweden, Finland, and Italy, since 2021, and will be mandatory in France starting January 1, 2023.
There are several companies that offer nitro fuel for RC cars, including VP, O'Donnell, Traxxas, Dynamite, AquaCraft, Redcat Racing, HPI, and Hobbico. VP, for example, offers a range of premium RC nitro fuels for beginners to pros, with blends that maximize power, reduce wear, and extend engine life.
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Making your own nitro fuel
Nitro fuel can be quite expensive, and some users have complained about the quality of the fuel. This has led some people to make their own nitro fuel at home.
The process of making your own nitro fuel involves mixing methanol, oil, and nitromethane. The first step is to gather the required equipment and materials. You will need a small funnel, a rag, a paper clip, an empty fuel jug, and your fuel components. Set up your scale at waist level on a low bench or table. Place a small rag on the scale and put your empty jug on top of it to catch any accidental drips. Straighten the paper clip and bend it into a large V. Hang the paper clip on the top of the jug, with one side in and one side out, and place the funnel on the jug. This setup allows air to escape around the funnel, preventing bubbles and burps.
Turn on the scale and hit the Tare button to zero it. Now, carefully add your ingredients. The specific amounts of each component will depend on the desired nitro concentration and oil percentage. For example, to make a gallon of 5% nitro fuel with 18% oil, you would need 215 grams of nitromethane and 650 grams of oil.
It is important to note that nitromethane is a volatile fluid, and handling it requires caution. When purchasing nitromethane, you may incur additional Hazmat fees, which can increase the overall cost. Some suppliers, like Torco, offer free shipping and sell pure nitromethane for around $45 to $50 per gallon.
By making your own nitro fuel, you can potentially save money and create a blend that suits your specific needs. However, it is essential to exercise caution when handling these substances and always follow safety guidelines.
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Buying nitro fuel online
Nitro fuel is so-called because it contains nitromethane, methanol, and oil. The percentage of nitromethane in the fuel blend is regulated in some places, such as Europe, which limits the use of a maximum of 16% by weight of nitromethane. Nitro fuel can be purchased online from sites such as Amazon, eBay, and specialist modelling sites.
When buying nitro fuel online, it is important to consider the size of the engine and the desired performance. For example, for ".12 - .18 size nitro engines", a blend of 16% - 20% nitro is recommended, while for "0.21 or larger nitro engines", a blend of 25% nitro or higher is suggested. The oil content of the fuel is also important, with some users complaining that certain brands have too high an oil percentage, which negatively impacts performance.
Some online retailers of nitro fuel include VP Racing, Morgan Fuels, and Torco, which can be purchased on Amazon and eBay. Prices for these fuels vary, with VP Powermaster fuel costing around $40-50 per gallon, and Morgan Fuels' Sidewinder blend costing approximately $125-150 for three gallons. Torco offers a more affordable option, with four gallons of fuel available for just under $200 with free shipping.
It is also possible to make your own nitro fuel at home by purchasing the individual components, such as nitromethane, methanol, and oil, from local auto stores, chemical plants, or online retailers. However, this option may incur additional costs for hazmat fees during shipping.
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Nitro fuel for racing
Nitro fuel is a type of racing fuel that contains nitromethane, a powerful and efficient compound that has been used to power pro teams in motorsports to records and championships. It is available in different blends, with some fuels containing up to 50% nitromethane. Nitro fuel can be purchased from racing fuel companies such as VP Racing Fuels and Torco, as well as online retailers like Amazon and eBay. The cost of nitro fuel varies depending on the blend and quantity purchased, but it can range from around $15 to $50 per gallon.
For those looking to save money, making nitro fuel at home is also an option. This involves purchasing the individual components and mixing them yourself. The main components of nitro fuel are nitromethane, methanol, and oil. Nitromethane can be purchased from companies like Torco on eBay or Amazon for around $50 per gallon. Methanol can be sourced locally from a racing fuel company, and oil can be purchased from a local go-kart shop or online. By making nitro fuel at home, the cost per gallon can be significantly reduced.
When purchasing or making nitro fuel, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your vehicle. Different vehicles may require different blends of nitro fuel, so it is essential to consult the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, nitro fuel is considered a hazardous material, and special care must be taken when handling and storing it.
Overall, nitro fuel is a popular choice for racing enthusiasts and professional racers alike due to its high performance and power. Whether you choose to purchase pre-made nitro fuel or make your own blend at home, it is a versatile and efficient option for those seeking an edge in the world of motorsports.
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Nitro fuel for general use
Nitro fuel is a type of fuel that contains nitromethane, which is sometimes shortened to "nitro". It is used in motorsports and hobbies such as radio-controlled model power boats, cars, planes, and helicopters. The percentage of nitromethane in the fuel typically ranges from 10% to 40% but is usually around 20%. The higher the nitro content, the more power the engine will generate.
When choosing a nitro fuel, it is important to consider the size of the engine. Engines that are ".12 - .18" generally use 10 to 20 percent nitro fuel, while engines that are ".21 - .26 or .27" generally use higher percentages, ranging from 20 to 40 percent. It is also important to follow the recommendations in the manual that came with your nitro RC. If no percentage is listed, it is advisable to consult a local hobby shop for advice.
Nitro fuel can be purchased online or from local hobby shops. Online retailers such as Amazon offer VP Racing Hobby Fuels, which provide 20% nitromethane fuel. This fuel has received positive reviews from customers, who praise its ease of tuning and smooth performance. Pure nitromethane can also be purchased from Torco through eBay or Amazon for around $50 per gallon.
In addition to nitromethane, nitro fuel also contains methanol and oil, which helps to lubricate the engine's internal moving parts and keep it cool. Castor oil and synthetic oil are commonly used, with some users opting for a blend of both. Other components of nitro fuel include anti-corrosion agents and degumming agents.
Making nitro fuel at home is also an option, although it requires careful measurement and sourcing of the necessary components. These include methanol, nitromethane, and oil, which can be purchased from local auto stores, chemical plants, or online retailers. One user reported that their per-gallon cost for homemade car fuel was $15-20, compared to $38 per gallon from a hobby shop. However, it is important to note that switching between different nitro fuels can impact performance and may damage the engine, so it is recommended to consult a local hobby shop or online forums for advice before making any changes.
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Frequently asked questions
Nitro car fuel can be purchased from Amazon, eBay, local hobby shops, and specialty stores like SC Models.
16 nitro car fuel is a high-performance fuel that is easier to tune than many commercial fuels. It is also more cost-effective than some other options.
The best 16 nitro car fuel depends on your specific needs and applications. Optifuel Optimix RTR 16% Car Fuel is a high-performance option for general use, while VP Racing Hobby Fuels 20-Percent Nitrofuel is a good choice for racing applications.
