How to Make Your RC Car Faster: 9 Easy Ways to Boost Speed

When it comes to improving the speed of your RC car, there’s no need to break the bank on a brand-new, high-speed model. Many of today’s RC cars come with built-in customization options that allow you to tweak and modify for faster performance. Whether you’re new to the hobby or an experienced builder, there are plenty of ways to make your RC car faster and more powerful. Here are nine effective modifications to get your vehicle zooming at top speed.

The 9 Best Ways to Make Your RC Vehicle Faster

If you’re wondering how to make your RC car faster, these nine modifications can give you the performance boost you’re looking for. Whether you race competitively or just enjoy faster backyard fun, these tips will help you get more out of your ride.

1. Upgrade the Batteries

One of the simplest ways to enhance the speed of your RC car is by upgrading the batteries. Stock NiMH batteries often don’t provide the voltage needed to push your car to its full potential. Replacing them with a lightweight, high-performance LiPo battery can significantly increase both speed and acceleration.

For example, the Traxxas 11.1V 5000mAh 3S LiPo Battery is a great choice, offering more power and less weight. However, make sure your model can handle the increased power output of a LiPo battery, or else you might risk damaging the electronics.

2. Install a Brushless Motor

Many ready-to-run (RTR) models come equipped with brushed motors, which are sufficient for beginners but not known for their speed. If you're looking for how to make your RC car faster, consider swapping out the brushed motor for a brushless motor. Brushless motors deliver significantly more power, higher efficiency, and better top-end speeds than their brushed counterparts.

A popular option is the Traxxas Velineon VXL-3s Brushless Waterproof Power System, which is built to handle higher speeds and provide smooth acceleration.   We installed the 3350R with a TRA9311R Body, for our Chevrolet Corvette.  

In the end, we followed this playbook.  We had a SUPER fast RC car, from RC Superstore.  

3. Play with the Gear Ratio

If you're comfortable working on the internals of your car, adjusting the gear ratio is a fantastic way to boost speed. Changing the size of the pinion gear (the smaller gear connected to the motor) and spur gear (the larger gear connected to the wheels) can have a huge impact.

A larger pinion gear with more teeth will increase speed, but to keep the setup balanced, you may need to reduce the size of the spur gear. This modification allows you to fine-tune your car’s performance for maximum speed while maintaining efficient power transfer.

4. Try Different Tires

You might be surprised at how much tires affect your RC car’s speed. Just like full-scale vehicles, your RC car’s tires play a huge role in traction and overall performance. If you're racing on smooth surfaces like pavement, slick tires can reduce friction and help your car achieve higher speeds.

For off-road conditions, knobby tires provide better grip and traction. Experimenting with tire types based on the terrain you’re racing on can help you unlock more speed. Even something as simple as swapping out tires can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your car’s performance.

5. Modify the Motor Timing

Many brushless motors come with a motor timing adjustment feature. This is an easy modification that can help increase your car’s RPM and overall power output. By adjusting the motor timing, you can push the motor to deliver higher revs, which translates into a faster car.

However, be cautious when making this adjustment, as it can cause the motor to heat up. Ensure your motor has sufficient cooling, whether through better airflow or additional cooling fans, to avoid overheating.

6. Fine-tune the Suspension

Your car's suspension plays a critical role in how well it handles, especially at high speeds. A well-tuned suspension helps maintain control and stability during sharp turns and high-speed runs. To improve speed, make sure your shock absorbers and suspension arms are clean and in good condition.

Additionally, loosening certain parts of the suspension can allow for better-drifting performance if that’s something you’re after. If you want to focus on speed, however, consider tightening your suspension to keep your car more stable at top speeds.

7. Practice Your Cornering Skills

While this tip doesn’t involve modifying the car itself, honing your driving skills can make a significant difference in your overall speed. By practicing your cornering techniques, you can reduce the time it takes to complete a lap and avoid costly spin-outs.

Taking corners at the right speed and positioning yourself on the inside of the track will minimize the distance you need to cover and help you maintain higher average speeds.

8. Swap Out the Bearings

If your RC car doesn’t already have high-performance bearings, replacing the wheel bearings with a high-quality set can reduce friction and improve overall speed. Bearings that provide less resistance allow your car to roll more freely, contributing to a smoother, faster ride.

While replacing bearings isn’t an immediate speed boost, it’s a small but worthwhile upgrade that can improve the overall efficiency of your RC car.

9. Clean Your Bearings

If you’re not keen on replacing bearings just yet, you can give your current set a good cleaning. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on your bearings, slowing down your car’s performance. Using a bearing cleaning tool can help remove the gunk and restore the bearings to their original condition, improving speed.

Boost Your RC Car’s Speed with RCSuperstore

Making your RC car faster doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're looking to upgrade your motor, experiment with gear ratios, or just swap out tires, there are plenty of ways to unlock more speed from your vehicle.

At RCSuperstore, we’re here to help you with all the parts and advice you need to make your RC car faster. From batteries to motors and beyond, we’ve got the tools to help you build the ultimate high-speed machine.

If you have any questions or need help finding the right parts for your setup, our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you. Ready to take your RC car to the next level? Reach out to us today and let's get your car speeding!