Upgrading Your RC Car: The Ultimate Guide to Upgrades
📅 Updated and expanded on November 12, 2025
Your remote-controlled car already provides you with thrilling sensations and moments of intense pleasure, but deep down, you feel it has even more to offer. You secretly dream of more raw speed, better handling in tight corners, greater robustness against impacts, or simply customizing your machine to make it unique. Welcome to the beating heart of RC modeling: continuous improvement, or "upgrading."
This comprehensive guide is your strategic roadmap for gradually transforming your stock machine into a customized and optimized racing machine. We've methodically ranked the most popular and effective upgrades by order of real impact, logical priority, and budget, from the simplest and most immediate part change to the most transformative and spectacular. Get your toolbox and budget ready—it's high time to unleash the full hidden potential of your RC car!
💡 1. Understanding the Logic of Upgrades (Priorities & Budget)
Before you rush into buying anything, it's crucial to understand the philosophy of smart upgrades . Not all upgrades are created equal, and the order in which you make them has a huge impact on your satisfaction and your budget.
🎯 The 3 Golden Rules of a Successful Upgrade
✅ Rule #1: Impact before Price
The best upgrade isn't necessarily the most expensive; it's the one that most transforms your riding experience. €25 tires can have a greater impact than a €200 carbon frame.
✅ Rule #2: Substance before Form
Always prioritize upgrades that improve real-world performance (speed, handling, durability) over aesthetics. Amazing looks can't compensate for sluggish steering or worn suspension.
✅ Rule #3: Logical Progression
Follow a logical progression: Grip → Power → Transmission → Chassis . There's no point in having 100 km/h of power if your tires can't transfer it to the ground.
📊 Impact/Cost/Difficulty Matrix of Main Upgrades
🏎️ 2. Upgrade #1: Tires (Immediate Impact Guaranteed)
This is the simplest and cheapest improvement to make, and paradoxically, the one with the most direct and dramatic impact on your car's overall handling. The best engine power in the world is utterly useless if it isn't properly transferred to the road.
🎯 Why Is This So Important and Neglected?
The stock tires on RTR models are designed to be versatile and inexpensive . They work "everywhere" but excel "nowhere." By choosing tires specifically suited to YOUR primary riding terrain, you can literally transform handling, grip, and the overall driving experience.
🌍 Selection Guide by Terrain Type
| Main Ground | Recommended Tire Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Dirt / Grass / All-terrain | Tires with high treads or aggressive knobs | Soft rubber for gripping, spaced studs for self-cleaning, maximum traction on soft ground |
| 🛣️ Bitumen / Asphalt / Parking | Slick tires (smooth) or road profile | Smooth surface maximizes contact, hard rubber for durability, optimal grip on hard surfaces, reduced wear |
| 🏁 Indoor track / Carpet | Foam or carpet tires | High-density foam, maximum grip on carpet, no bounce, highly specialized |
| 🌀 Drift | Hard plastic tires (PVC/ABS) | Zero grip intended, controlled slide, smooth and hard. See our complete RC drift guide. |
✅ Immediate Impact: Dramatic improvement in grip (traction when exiting corners), better stability at high speed, increased steering precision, transformed sensations.
💰 Budget: €20 - €40 for a complete set of 4 tires mounted on rims.
⏱️ Installation time: 10-15 minutes (simple wheel change).
⚡ 3. Upgrade #2: Switching to Brushless (The Radical Power Gain)
If your car is currently equipped with a brushed motor, this is the most dramatic and transformative upgrade you can make. It's literally the leap from gasoline propulsion to electric Formula 1.
⚡ The Concrete Advantages of Brushless
🚀 Raw Performance
+50 to 100% speed depending on model and battery. Lightning-fast acceleration, high torque, crisp pickup.
🔋 Energy Efficiency
Efficiency 85-95% vs 60-75% brushed. +40-60% battery life at equal power.
🛡️ Sustainability
Zero maintenance. No carbon brushes to change, lifespan 5-10 years vs 1-2 years brushed.
❄️ Temperature
Heats up less, consistent performance throughout the battery, no gradual loss.
🛠️ What Do You Need? The "Complete Combo"
WARNING: It is NOT enough to change only the engine. You must replace the entire power system as a single unit:
- 🔧 The Brushless Motor: More powerful, more efficient and completely maintenance-free (no brushes)
- 🎛️ The Brushless ESC: The electronic brain that controls the motor. A brushed ESC CANNOT operate a brushless motor (total incompatibility).
- 🔋 A Li-Po battery: To supply the high current required by the brushless system. Older NiMH batteries will not be sufficient (insufficient voltage and discharge).
- ⚡ Li-Po charger: If you don't already have one, it's essential for safe charging.
📖 To fully understand this technology: Our comprehensive guide to Brushless motors and our expert guide to Li-Po batteries are absolutely essential.
✅ Impact: Drastic increase in speed (+50% to 100% depending on configuration) and acceleration. Improved range (+30-50%). Completely transformed driving experience.
💰 Complete Combo Budget: €80-€150 (motor + ESC) + €40-€60 (2S-3S LiPo battery) + €35-€70 (charger if needed) = €155-€280 total
⏱️ Difficulty: Medium (soldering possible depending on model, wiring, ESC settings).
Perfect! Here is the **CONTINUATION of the UPGRADES article**: ---
🔋 4. Upgrade #3: 3S Li-Po Battery (Higher Voltage = Higher Speed)
If your car is already brushless but tops out on a 2S (7.4V) battery, upgrading to a 3S (11.1V) battery is the simplest and most dramatic way to instantly gain 40-50% more top speed. It's mathematically proven and guaranteed.
⚡ The Magic of Electrical Voltage
The maximum speed of a brushless motor is directly proportional to the voltage (volts) applied to it. More volts = more RPM = more km/h.
| Battery | Nominal Voltage | Gain vs 2S | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2S | 7.4V | Reference | 50-70 km/h |
| 3S | 11.1V | +50% | 75-100 km/h (same engine!) |
| 4S | 14.8V | +100% | 100-130 km/h (extreme) |
⚠️ Critical Checks BEFORE Buying
🔍 Points to Absolutely Check:
- 3S compatible ESC: Check that your controller supports 11.1V (usually marked "2S-3S" or "3S max")
- Suitable motor: KV not too high (risk of overheating). Max 3500-4000KV for 3S
- Battery connector: Must match (Deans/T-Plug, XT60, EC3...)
- Adequate cooling: Motor and ESC must have heat sinks/ventilation
🔴 DANGER: NEVER use a battery with a voltage higher than that supported by your ESC! Instant destruction of the electronics guaranteed (magical smoke + potential fire).
✅ Impact: +40-50% immediate top speed. +30-40% acceleration. Raw power sensation.
💰 Budget: €40 - €70 for a quality 3S 3000-5000mAh Li-Po battery.
⏱️ Difficulty: Easy (simple connection if ESC compatible).
🛞 5. Upgrade #4: Suspension (Total Terrain Mastery)
Once you have the power, you need to be able to control and use it . Improving the suspension allows you to keep the wheels glued to the ground at all times, absorb jumps without losing control, and optimize road holding in corners.
🔧 The 3 Possible Improvements
🏗️ Option 1: Aluminum Shock Absorbers
Original shock absorbers are often made of basic plastic. Machined aluminum models offer:
- Perfect seal: No oil leaks, consistent performance
- Heat dissipation: The aluminum dissipates heat from the oil.
- Robustness: They withstand violent impacts without deforming.
- Adjustability: Possibility to adjust preload and travel
Budget: €25-50 for a set of 4 aluminum shock absorbers.
🛢️ Option 2: Change the Silicone Oil
By using an oil of different viscosity, you adapt the suspension's behavior to the terrain:
| Viscosity (Wt) | Behavior | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 200-300 Wt | Very flexible, maximum absorption | Rough off-road terrain, big jumps |
| 400-500 Wt | Versatile, balanced | Mixed soil/bitumen, general purpose |
| 600-800 Wt | Firm, responsive | Asphalt track, speed, turns |
Budget: €8-15 per bottle of silicone oil (lasts for several refills).
⚙️ Option 3: Progressive or Stiff Springs
Changing the springs allows you to adjust the ride height and overall firmness. Stiffer springs result in a lower, more stable car in corners. Softer springs offer better bump absorption.
Budget: €10-20 for a set of 4 springs.
📖 Regular maintenance is crucial: Consult our complete maintenance guide which details the dismantling, cleaning and recharging of shock absorbers.
✅ Impact: Better road holding (+20-30%), better absorption of jumps and bumps, more stability at high speed, precise adjustment according to terrain.
💰 Total Budget: €30 - €60 (aluminum shock absorbers + oil + optional springs).
⏱️ Difficulty: Medium (disassembly, assembly, oil bleeding).
🎮 6. Upgrade #5: The Steering Servo (Surgical Precision in Steering)
The stock servo on RTR models is usually slow, underpowered, and inaccurate. Replacing it with a high-performance model literally transforms the responsiveness and driving pleasure, especially in tight turns.
🔍 The 3 Key Features to Look For
⚡ 1. Speed (in sec/60°)
This is the time it takes the servo to complete a 60° movement (quarter turn).
- Original servo: 0.20-0.25 sec/60° (slow, blurry)
- Mid-range servo: 0.12-0.16 sec/60° (responsive)
- High-performance servo: 0.06-0.10 sec/60° (instantaneous, racing)
🎯 Recommendation: Aim for less than 0.15 sec/60° to feel a real difference.
💪 2. The Couple (in kg.cm)
That's the strength of the servo, its ability to turn the wheels with authority.
| Car Type | Couple Min | Recommended Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Touring 1/10 (track) | 8-10 kg.cm | 12-15 kg.cm |
| Buggy/Truggy 1/10 | 12-15 kg.cm | 15-20 kg.cm |
| 1/10 Monster Truck | 15-18 kg.cm | 20-25 kg.cm |
| Crawler/Scale 1/10 | 15-20 kg.cm | 25-35 kg.cm |
🔩 3. Metal Gears
Always choose a servo with metal gears (steel or titanium) rather than plastic ones. More robust, they withstand repeated impacts and do not deform under stress.
✅ Impact: Faster steering (doubled responsiveness), more precise (finesse in corners), more powerful (turns the wheels even when stopped or in mud). Better overall control.
💰 Budget: €25 - €60 for an excellent servo upgrade (mid-to-high range).
⏱️ Difficulty: Easy (simple plug & play replacement, 10 minutes).
🔩 7. Upgrade #6: Aluminum Parts & Bearings (Robustness & Smoothness)
Once you have optimized performance and handling, it is time to reinforce the transmission and chassis to handle the power and reduce unwanted friction.
🔧 Priority Aluminum Parts (in order)
| Piece | Advantage | Budget | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hexagonal aluminum wheels | Shock resistant, no deformation, optimal transmission | 12-20€ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Aluminum CV joints (CVD) | Power transmission without backlash, extreme durability | 25-40€ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Aluminum suspension triangles | Crash resistant, geometry preserved | 20-35€ | ⭐⭐ |
| Aluminum shock absorber towers | Increased rigidity, improved suspension geometry | 15-25€ | ⭐⭐ |
⚙️ Ball Bearings: Smoothness Restored
Replacing the original bearings (often bronze/plastic bushings) with ball bearings drastically reduces friction.
✅ Advantages
- -20 to 30% friction
- +10-15% top speed
- Better battery life
- Smoother ride
💰 Budget
- Complete kit: €25-50
- Ceramic bearings (professional): €60-100
- Installation: 1-2 hours (methodical)
📊 8. Upgrade Strategies by Budget (€100 / €200 / €500)
Depending on your available budget, here are the optimal strategies to invest wisely and get the maximum impact from every euro spent.
💰 Budget €100: The Essentials with Maximum Impact
| Upgrade | Budget | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Specific terrain tires | €30 | Immediate impact, transformation of adhesion |
| High-performance servo | €35 | Doubled piloting precision |
| Ball bearings | €35 | Fluidity +30%, speed +10% |
| TOTAL | €100 | 3 fundamental upgrades |
💰💰 Budget €200: Performance Transformation
| Upgrade | Budget | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Brushless Combo + ESC | 90€ | Power +80%, the game changer |
| 2S/3S Li-Po Battery | €45 | Required for brushless |
| Tires + Servo | €65 | Mastering the new power |
| TOTAL | €200 | Machine transformed |
💰💰💰 Budget €500: Complete Pro Configuration
| Upgrade | Budget | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High-end brushless combo | €150 | 3800-4500KV racing |
| 2× 3S Li-Po Batteries | €100 | Doubled battery life |
| Big Bore aluminum shock absorbers + oil | €70 | professional suspensions |
| 20kg Metal Digital Servo | €60 | Ultimate precision |
| Complete aluminum parts kit | 80€ | Maximum robustness |
| Tires + Bearings | €40 | High-performance finishes |
| TOTAL | €500 | Competition setup |
❓ 9. Frequently Asked Questions about Improvements
🎯 What improvement should I absolutely start with?
ALWAYS start with the tires. They offer the best impact/price ratio in RC modeling, period.
Here is the recommended logical progression:
- Suitable tires (€30) → Immediate impact on grip
- High-performance servo (€35) → Precise control
- Brushless Combo (if Brushed) (120-180€) → Radical Power
- Aluminum suspension (€50) → Terrain control
- Targeted aluminum parts (depending on breakage) → Robustness
📖 Also read: Our ultimate 2025 buying guide for choosing a solid and easily upgradable base.
🔍 Where can I find parts compatible with MY car?
A foolproof 3-step method:
- Your car's manual: Look for the "Option Parts" or "Upgrade Parts" section with the manufacturer's part numbers.
- Official website of the manufacturer: "Spare Parts" or "Hop-Up Options" section with exploded view of the model
- Specialized forums: Communities by brand (Traxxas, Arrma, Axial...) with real-life user experiences
💡 Pro tip: Manufacturer hop-up parts are always guaranteed compatible. Third-party brands (GPM, Yeah Racing, RC4WD) often offer better value, but double-check for exact compatibility.
⚠️ Can too many upgrades "unbalance" my car?
YES, absolutely. It's a classic beginner's mistake: wanting to upgrade everything at once without any coherence.
❌ Common Pitfalls:
- Overpowered engine + original transmission: Gears break in 5 minutes
- Aluminum parts everywhere + excessive weight: Heavy car, degraded acceleration
- 3S on 2S ESC: Magic smoke guaranteed (electronic destruction)
- Stiff suspension + hard tires: Uncontrollable bouncing
✅ Golden rule: Progress step by step. Test each upgrade individually before adding the next. Maintain a balance between power, transmission, suspension, and handling.
💰 Is it better to upgrade or buy a new high-end car?
It depends on your situation. Here's the rational calculation:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Entry-level car <€200 Budget upgrade >250€ |
Buy new Better ROI |
| Mid-range car €250-400 Targeted upgrades <150€ |
Upgrade Perfect optimization |
| High-end car >€400 Passion for personalization |
Upgrade Sentimental value |
💡 Tip: If your current car has a solid chassis and good mechanical components, the upgrade is very worthwhile. If it's a low-end toy made entirely of flimsy plastic, you're better off buying something better from the start.
🏁 Conclusion: Creating Your Dream Car, Step by Step
Upgrading your RC car is more than just an expense; it's a true learning journey that helps you grow as a driver and mechanic. Each upgrade teaches you something about how your machine works, its limitations, and its potential.
It's a continuous, almost addictive process that allows you to develop your car alongside your driving skills. By following this methodical roadmap and respecting the logic of priorities, you'll invest your money wisely in the upgrades that truly matter and will genuinely transform your experience.
Never forget: The best improvement starts with your driving skills. No upgrade will replace regular practice and mastering driving techniques. An average car driven by an expert will always beat a top-of-the-line car driven by a beginner.
To expand your knowledge and become self-sufficient, also consult our RC repair guide and our complete maintenance guide .
📚 Additional Resources to Go Further
To deepen your technical knowledge and make the best upgrade choices:
- ⚡ Complete Brushless Guide : Everything about brushless motors and their optimization
- 🔋 Li-Po Battery Guide : Choosing, Using, and Safely Using High-Performance Batteries
- 🔧 Repair Guide : Parts Disassembly and Replacement Techniques
- 🧼 Maintenance guide : Preventive maintenance for maximum longevity
- 🎯 2025 Buyer's Guide : Choosing a Solid and Easily Upgradable Base