Inside scoop

Radio Control Car Action, Mar 2003 by Vierira, Peter

THE LATEST STUFF * SPY SHOTS * INSIDER INFO

HYPER SPEED!

OFNA Hyper 7 PBS

Is this a great-looking buggy, or what? The newest addition to OFNA's Hyper 7 series is the PBS, which stands for "pivot-ball suspension." But there's more to the new Hyper than a more adjustable suspension; the big buggy also has an 8-port version of the Hyper .21 engine, and OFNA plans to add a starter box to the RTR deal--along with the usual fuel bottle, glow starter and Airtronics radio gear. And yes, that is an included factory-finished body!

awesome Altima

PROTOFORM 190mm Altima

Nissan's origInal Altima was a nice car-for your mom. But for 2003, the mid-sizer has a Maxima-flavored makeover that transforms it into a worthy luxo/performance platform with style to spare. Protoform's tuner-take on the sleek sedan is even more muscular, and it includes the usual Protoform pluses: overspray film, rear wing with mounting hardware, window masks and a full decal set.

Protoform; distributed by Pro-Line (909) 849-9781; pro-lineracing.com.

18-WHEELER

TX-18 3.Occ

Anyone hoping to add more power to the TRX 2.5-equipped Traxxas T-Maxx has his work cut out for him, since the engine is now officially the most powerful 15 tested by RC Nitro magazine! (See the upcoming April issue for the full story.) Trinity is going for extra cubes with its new. 18 engine (that's 3.Occ, versus 2.5cc for the TRX engine). Sirio's .21 engine is the most powerful mill we've dyno-tested, and this small-block.18 has many of the same features. The Italian-built Sirio powerplant can be bolted directly into the T-Maxx and is compatible with the electric starter. A 5-port ABC piston and sleeve, a manifold and a storage bag are included.

Sirio; distributed exclusively by Trinity Products Inc. (732) 635-1600; teamtrinity,com.

TAKIN' IT TO THE MAXX

Hop-ups for the Traxxas TRX

2.5 engine

Does anyone really need more power from the TRX 2.5 engine? Nah. But would anyone say no to more power?

Sirio didn't think so either, and that's why there's now a full line of parts to add a little Italian flavor to your TRX 2.5. The new internal bits include:

Heavy-duty connecting rod with dual bushings. It's more durable than the stock rod, says Sirio.

Five-port ABC replacement piston and sleeve. Sirio promises a power boost with the sleeve and piston kit, which can be used with the stock conrod or the Sirio version.

High-performance crankshaft with more timing. Yet more power, says Sirio, and it's fully compatible with the stock internals as well as with the other Sirio upgrade parts. Sirio; distributed exclusively by Trinity Products Inc. (732) 635-1600; teamtrinity.com.

Pirelli "T" 26mm Rally Tire

The next time you're watching the WRC rally machines of Ford, Subaru and other teams breaking 100mph on some cow path on the Speed Channel, try to get a look at their rubber; chances are, you'll see Pirelli 'T" tires. HPI can give your sedan the same look with its new, officially licensed versions of the T tread. The pint-size Pirellis are 26mm wide and molded in HPI's long-life 'S" compound. HPI Racing (949) 753-1099; hpiracing.com.

STAR POWER

HPI CHRYSLER

PT Cruiser & 300M

It's hard to believe that Chrysler was ever known for the K-car when you look at the latest uniquely American designs from the penta-star guys. The genre-busting PT Cruiser and retro-modern 300M are lockers in the real world, but HPI's polycarbonate versions outdo their sheet-metal sisters. Both of HPI's new Chrysler shells are 200mm designs and include rear wings, window masks, overspray film, and precut decals-the best part. I'll take peel and stick over tedious cut and stick any day of the week! HPI Racing (949) 753-1099; hpiracing.com.

GET MUGGED!

PRO-LINE Mugshot

Pro-Une's Bow Tie tread comes to IA-scale buggies with the new Mugshot, which has larger lugs than any other Pro-Line buggy the; the only places you'll see bigger bow ties are in your parents' 70s prom photos. The widely spaced, big-lug look says "soft track," but according to ProLine, the Mugshots hook up on hard pack, too. Firm, low-- roll inserts are included, and you can get "Mugged" with soft M2 and long-wearing XTR compounds.

Pro-Una (909) 849-9781; pro-lineracing.com.

neat nissan

HPI Sylvia GT 200mm

Do we have space to squeeze in one more HPI bod? Yeah? Good. This is the Nissan Sylvia--just about the hottest car going for JDM fans and a regular leader on the JGTC circuit (don't you know any acronyms? JDM is Japanese domestic market; JGTC is Japan Grand Touring Championship. Feeling smarter yet?). Precut decals complete with where-they-go instructions are included, as are overspray film, window masks and wing-just as shown in the picture.

HPI Racing (949) 753-:1099; hpiracing.com.

MAXX ON THE DOWN LOW

PRO-LINE

Crowd Pleazer Maxx

The now familiar Crowd Pleazer look comes to Maxx trucks-and other monsters with creative trimming. A bolt-on spoiler is included with the required mounting hardware, and thanks to the Pleazer's extra-low profile, your Maxx might actually turn faster laps because of its lower center of gravity. At the very least, it will look cool. Window masks, decal sheet and overspray film are all part of the deal.