New to IC

[dan172]

Hi

I'm looking for a bit of advice. I've been flying helicopters for a few yearsbut now fancy going back to cars, I used to mess about with electric cars when I was younger but never used to offically race them.
I've decided I want to go IC as I can't be doing with all that battery stuff. I looked at 1/8 but that looks far to fast for a newbie so I've decided to go 1/10 on road.
I'm sure this is a common question but what is a good car for a newbie? Initially I want to just race at club level. My nearest club is Ashby and I've also got friendsin Halifax so no doubt I'll go there as well.
I've been looking at the HPI R40, Shumacher Fusion R12,Team Magic G4 and the Associated TC3 any comments on the suitablity of these cars would be great.
I don't know whether to go Rubber or Foam, is one better than the other for a newbie?
I need all the gear radio ,engine ect and I've got between £600-700 to spend(just don't tell the missus ;D)
One last question I was looking on the halifax clubs website at the classes they race and it only mentions 2WD for 1/10..Is that correct or is that old info.

Sorry about all the questions but any info you give will be really appreciated.

Dan

[Mark Christopher]

Hi and welcome to the world of IC racing

i am bias and suggest the Mugen, but out of your list i would strongly recommend the team magic car, HPI as yet unknown, tc3 and fusion can be weaker than the rest. i have just done a review on the TM car and i was impressed and whats better it is a decent price.
tyres, every one knows my view but here it is as i see it.
foam tyres, put em on and you have grip, down side you can chunk them, they wear down altering the cars handling
you really need one way front axle so you loose some brakes
Rubber tyres, not as much grip but no waring down. *can come off if not properly glued.
* see tips section on this thread, and i will also tell you the best tyre,insert and wheel to use that will give you good wear rate and grip.

if i am honest i would say rubber is best for a beginner as you learn more about car set up too.
team magic car you really need to get a futaba 9550 for the steering and a normal servo will do for the throttle.
Engine i would say Nova Rossi engines as they are good and reliable
Halifax run 200mm foam and rubber as do Ashby.
pop into your local shop, (Mick ward ??) and chat with him and tell him i sent you! (his son in law is a TM driver)
next Halifax is on the 9th so pop up and find me ill show you around!

Mark
you will get a good set up for your budget

[Matt Bridge]

Hi

The most popular car at the min and aguably the best handling out of the box is the associated. You need to ensure there are people around you who can help with set-ups etc and although the TM is fine it is not yet as common or as established as the TC3. The Schumacher is going well this year winning the nationals but as Cartman suggests it can be a bit weak as it is designed around the electric principles rather than the old theory of 3 belts.
Happy hunting and good luck with your racing career.

Matt

[Mark Christopher]

sorry disagree with that!
the team magic car is popular, has made A finals and is excellent straight out of the box!
have you tried one? i have and my mate has gone from a tc3 to TM and every track he goes to he beats his old times!, its all down to experience of the product!

[NiMo]

From my experience of seeing how strong IC cars are, and how cheap the spares are, I would say your safest bet would be a Mugen MTX 2 or MTX 3.
But if you have deep pockets, then for performance from the box would be the TC3 (just dont hit anything), but you may need to change the centre shafts bevel gears every other meeting as they wear quickly.

[Rich_277]

I think for a newbie into I.C racing I would have to agree with cartman and NiMo, the mugen is a bullet proof car and the spares are very reasonably priced (about half the price of serpent for some bits), The TC3 is also a very good car, but is weaker generally than the mugen, although in the hands of a good driver probably quicker.

[Mark Christopher]

I think for a newbie into I.C racing I would have to agree with cartman and NiMo, the mugen is a bullet proof car and the spares are very reasonably priced (about half the price of serpent for some bits), The TC3 is also a very good car, but is weaker generally than the mugen, although in the hands of a good driver probably quicker.



WWWOOOHHOO we agree ;D ;)

well nearly there all quicker than i and you can go with a good pilot!!

[Rich_277]

I thought it was about time we agreed on something, seeing as I'm looking to buy a mugen next year thought I'd get in your good books......... :P ;)

[Mark Christopher]

I thought it was about time we agreed on something, seeing as I'm looking to buy a mugen next year thought I'd get in your good books......... :P ;)

you will not be disappointed!!

[Steve Garner]

hi
i am new to ic to had cen ct4s for 5 weeks had problem getting spare for it but sorted now seems like a good car but cannot compare as cannot find club around grimsby area any help or tips would be grateful hope this is in right post

steve

[jas1]

there used to be a club racing ic in grimsby, used to be on the car park of bush tyres just off the end the motorway, but not sure if its still running, maybe worth poping down and asking.
but other than that your in the same boat as me and cartman (we live near scunthorpe), you will have to travel to either halifax, tibshelf or wombwell. either way your looking at 80 miles or so.

[Steve Garner]

been looking at bush tyres but not seen any one there yet have heard of some going up to pleasureland at cleethorpes somewhere but not seen anyone there yet either looks like in the new year i will be trying one of the ones you suggest thanks