Rajan Wilcox
Building an RC top fuel drag car is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various components, including the chassis, engine, electronics, tires, and steering mechanism. While some people choose to buy ready-to-run RC dragsters, others prefer to build their own, allowing for customization and performance enhancements. The process involves selecting the appropriate materials, such as plastic or carbon fiber, for the body and chassis, as well as choosing the right electronics and tires to comply with racing regulations. Additionally, the builder must decide on the steering mechanism, as RC drag cars typically race in a straight line and may not require traditional steering. The builder must also consider the gearing and motor setup to achieve optimal speed and performance. Building an RC top fuel drag car can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning, experimentation, and adherence to safety regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steering | Minimal steering is required for RC top fuel drag cars as they race in a straight line. However, some users have suggested adding steering for corrections. |
| Wheels | Front wheels are required, and wider tires are recommended for higher speeds. |
| Electronics | Swapping electronics is allowed according to NPRC rules and local clubs. |
| Body | Plastic or carbon fiber are options for the body of the car. |
| Size | A 42" chassis and 40 series slick tires have been mentioned by users. |
| Engine | Dual 3.3 Jato engines have been recommended. |
| Gearing | Steep gearing is required to reach top-end speeds. The Losi 6500kv motor is a popular choice but requires careful gear selection to avoid topping out slow or never reaching top speed. |
| Batteries | Spektrum 2S 7.6v 8000mAh 120C smart pro race hardcase LiHV battery tubes are recommended for RC no-prep drag racing. |
| Charger | Spektrum S2200 G2 AC 2x200W Smart Charger is suggested. |
| ESC | Firma 100A Brushless Smart ESC is recommended. |
| Motor | Avian and Firma 6500Kv Brushless Motor are recommended. |
| Tires | Traxxas BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain 6871R tires are mentioned by users. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right electronics and tires
Electronics:
When selecting the electronics for your RC top fuel drag car, you can choose from various options available in the market. Team Losi, for instance, is a well-known brand that offers quality products, including the 22S drag car and a powerful motor with a Kv rating of 6500. This high Kv rating translates to increased speed, giving you a competitive edge.
Another option is the Traxxas Drag Slash, which comes equipped with features like the Traxxas Stability Management System (TSM) for improved braking and preventing burnouts. It is also worth considering the Team Associated brand, which is known for its quality and performance, although you will need to pair it with a suitable motor.
Additionally, you can explore the RC Soldier website, which provides a buyer's guide and valuable insights into different RC drag cars, motors, and electronic speed controls.
Tires:
Selecting the right tires for your RC top fuel drag car depends on various factors, including the track surface and conditions. Here are some key considerations:
- Tire Compound: The choice of tire compound can significantly impact your car's performance. Soft compound tires, for instance, offer better traction on well-packed tracks with minimal loose material. They are ideal for on-road use and provide more grip in low-temperature conditions. Medium compound tires, on the other hand, are versatile and suitable for various track conditions, including loose dirt, rubble, and moderately wet surfaces.
- Track Conditions: Always consider the track conditions before selecting your tires. If the track is wet, dusty, or extremely hot, choose tires that can provide the necessary traction and grip. For instance, soft compound tires with additives can enhance traction in low-temperature conditions.
- Tread Patterns: Different tread patterns are available, and understanding how they interact with the track surface is essential. The tread pattern affects the tire's grip and performance, so choose one that matches the track conditions.
- Temperature: The race-day ground temperature influences tire performance. Selecting the right tire compound for the temperature can increase traction and improve your lap times.
- Foam Tires: While rubber tires are common, foam tires are often preferred by RC drag racing enthusiasts. Foam tires provide high grip and reduce the risk of slipping and melting, which can occur with rubber tires under rapid acceleration.
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Steering
While some RC drag cars do not feature steering at all, as they are raced in a straight line, others do feature minimal steering to allow the car to correct its path if it veers off course.
If you are building a remote-controlled top-fuel drag car, you will need to decide whether to include steering functionality or not. If your model is designed to race in a straight line, you may not need steering. However, if you want to be able to correct the car's path, you will need to include a steering mechanism.
To include steering, you will need to cut a place for the steering servo in the front of the car. You will also need to ensure that the chassis is machined in such a way that the car does not slide left or right unintentionally. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a vertical stabilizer to assist with keeping the car on course.
When it comes to the steering servo, it is important to choose a high-quality one, as the performance of your car will depend on it. You will also need to decide whether to power the servo with a sensorless motor or a brushed motor. Sensorless motors are generally more affordable, but brushed motors can offer more precise control.
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Chassis
Building an RC top fuel drag car chassis requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key considerations and steps to help you get started:
Planning and Selection:
- Chassis Selection: Choosing the right chassis is crucial. Opt for models specifically designed for drag racing, as they often feature optimizations for straight-line speed. Consider the scale and size of the chassis, ensuring it aligns with your RC car setup.
- Materials and Construction: Decide on the materials you'll use for the chassis. Common options include metal, such as aluminium or steel, or composite materials like carbon fibre. Each material has its own weight, strength, and workability characteristics, so choose one that suits your skills and requirements.
- Design and Dimensions: Plan the design and dimensions of your chassis. Consider factors such as the wheelbase, track width, and overall length and width of the car. Ensure that the chassis accommodates the other components, such as the motor, batteries, and electronics.
Construction and Assembly:
- Fabrication: Depending on the materials chosen, fabricate the chassis using welding, soldering, or other appropriate techniques. Ensure that you have the necessary tools and safety equipment for the fabrication process.
- Steering Considerations: RC top fuel drag cars typically race in a straight line, so steering may not be a primary concern. However, some steering capability can be beneficial for minor corrections. Consider incorporating a simple steering mechanism or, alternatively, using a vertical stabilizer to keep the car on track.
- Weight Distribution: Achieve the right weight distribution between the front and rear of the chassis. Proper weight distribution improves traction and stability, ensuring optimal performance during drag races.
- Assembly: Assemble the chassis by attaching the necessary components. This includes mounting the motor, electronics, suspension, and other parts. Ensure that all connections are secure and that the chassis can withstand the stresses of high-speed racing.
Remember, building an RC top fuel drag car chassis is a gradual process that requires experimentation and fine-tuning. Don't be afraid to seek guidance from online forums, tutorials, and experienced RC enthusiasts.
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Engine
The engine is a key component of any RC top fuel drag car. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing an engine, there are some important considerations and modifications to keep in mind.
Firstly, it's worth noting that Top Fuel dragsters are known for their incredible acceleration and speed. To achieve this, most teams opt for powerful engines that can produce a significant amount of horsepower. For example, the aluminum version of the Chrysler Hemi engine, used in many Top Fuel dragsters, can generate an estimated 8,000 horsepower, with some reports suggesting even higher outputs.
When selecting an engine for your RC top fuel drag car, you have a few options. Some enthusiasts prefer the Traxxas engine, while others suggest alternatives such as an O.S. or equivalent engine. If you're looking for more power, you could consider dual engines, such as dual 3.3 Jato engines, or even more powerful options like the CEN 7.7 or Associated MGT 8.0.
Modifications to the engine are also common in Top Fuel drag racing. The NHRA, one of the main sanctioning bodies for drag racing in the United States, allows for a fair amount of flexibility in engine design. Their rules specify that the engine can be no more than 500 cubic inches, and camshafts must not exceed 54mm. Beyond these restrictions, teams have a fair amount of freedom to customize their engines to maximize performance.
One key aspect of engine modification is fuel delivery. Top Fuel dragsters typically burn nitromethane, and teams use multiple injectors located throughout the engine to deliver large amounts of fuel. This includes nozzles in front of and behind the blower, in the manifold, and in the intake port, with the specific configuration varying according to team preferences.
Additionally, it's important to consider the impact of atmospheric conditions and track conditions on engine performance. Compression ratio calculations, software tools, and real-time adjustments to timing, fuel, and overdrive settings are all crucial factors in optimizing the engine's performance on race day.
Lastly, while steering may not be a primary concern for RC top fuel drag cars as they race in a straight line, some form of steering is still necessary to correct minor deviations from the straight path. This can be achieved through minimal steering capabilities or the use of a servo to control a parachute for slowing down after crossing the finish line.
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Body
The body of your RC top fuel drag car is an important consideration. You will want to choose a streamlined and aerodynamic body to reduce drag and improve top speed. There are several options available to you, depending on your preferences and budget.
If you are looking for a ready-to-race (RTR) option, the Team Losi 22S No Prep Dragster comes equipped with all the essentials and offers a highly customizable platform. It is also one of the fastest options out of the box, fully race-compliant, and comes with an ESC/motor combo built for drag racing. The Team Associated DR10 is another excellent RTR option, which comes with a three-position wheelie bar.
If you prefer a custom build, Team Associated is a great brand to start with, as their aftermarket support is second to none. You can also consider the RC V100, which can double as a street racer if your local races allow for AWD dragsters.
When it comes to the body, you will also need to consider the rules and regulations of the racing class you intend to compete in. The 'box stock' class, for example, allows for parts-swapping, including electronics and bodies, provided you choose from one of the three RTR options.
As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced modifications to optimize your car's performance. This includes adjustments to the suspension setup, such as ride height, camber, toe, and anti-squat, to improve weight transfer and traction. You can also experiment with different motors and electronic speed controllers (ESCs) to find the optimal setup for your car.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for a good starter kit, RJ Speed offers a 30" Top Fuel Electric Dragster Kit, which includes a clear polycarbonate body, front and rear wings, a chassis made from .093 fiberglass, and wheels and tires.
There are several online forums dedicated to RC cars, such as RC Talk, RC Tech, and RC Universe, where people share their builds, modifications, and provide advice. Additionally, there are video series by long-time crew chief Rob Wendland that showcase the different systems and parts of a top-fuel dragster.
One important consideration is steering. While some argue that minimal steering is needed for RC drag cars since they primarily race in a straight line, others emphasize the need for steering capabilities for corrections. Another consideration is the gearing—finding the right balance between spur and pinion gears to achieve optimal speed.
One common challenge is the parts-swapping game, where people swap out stock parts for supposedly better ones, only to find minimal improvement. It's important to understand the rules and regulations of RC racing to avoid making common mistakes, especially if you're coming from a full-scale drag racing background.
It's important to choose the right tires for your RC drag car. Wide tires, such as the Traxxas tires, may start to behave unpredictably at speeds over 45 mph. Additionally, consider the motor and battery setup—some combinations may be incompatible or exceed the motor's rated rpm.
