Petrol RC Cars

Petrol cars run on regular 2-stroke fuel (unleaded + 2-stroke oil mix). They're almost always 1/5 scale — much bigger and louder than electric. Run times are long (30+ minutes) and refuelling takes seconds, but they need more maintenance.

More work than electric. You'll clean the air filter, change the spark plug, check fuel lines and keep the carburettor tuned. It's like maintaining a whipper snipper. If you like mechanical tinkering, it's half the fun.

Most stock 1/5 scale petrol cars do 50-70km/h. Modified setups push past 100km/h. The real appeal isn't raw speed though — it's the engine sound, long run times and the hands-on mechanical experience.

Most 1/5 scale petrol RC cars run a 25:1 or 30:1 mix of regular unleaded petrol and quality 2-stroke oil. Check your car's manual for the exact ratio — it varies by engine. Always use a measuring jug and mix thoroughly. Never use straight petrol or old pre-mix that's been sitting around.

Run the first 2-3 tanks on a rich fuel mixture (needle valve turned out slightly from factory settings). Keep speeds moderate — no full throttle. Let the engine cool completely between tanks. This beds in the piston and sleeve for a longer engine life. Your manual will have the exact break-in procedure for your engine.