Ever wondered how swapping to aluminium parts could turbocharge your RC car’s performance? Whether you’re searching for extra durability on the track or just want your car to stand out, aluminium upgrades are a hot topic among RC enthusiasts.
Understanding how RC car aluminium parts work and why they matter can save you money, boost your car’s life, and enhance your driving experience. In this article, you’ll find practical steps, smart tips, and key insights to make the most of aluminium upgrades.
Related Video
What Are RC Car Aluminum Parts?
RC car aluminum parts refer to components made from aluminum that are used to upgrade or replace stock plastic or steel parts on remote-controlled (RC) vehicles. These parts are popular among hobbyists aiming to improve the strength, performance, and appearance of their RC cars and trucks. Aluminum upgrades come in a wide array of forms, including suspension arms, shock towers, motor mounts, steering components, chassis plates, and more.
In simple terms: Aluminum parts replace weaker or heavier materials in your RC car, making it stronger, lighter, and sometimes even cooler-looking.
Why Upgrade to Aluminum Parts?
Switching out your stock RC car parts for aluminum upgrades offers several advantages. Let’s break down the most significant benefits:
1. Durability and Strength
- Tougher than plastic: Aluminum resists bending and breaking under impact.
- Less wear: Aluminum can handle repeated shocks, jumps, and crashes much better.
2. Improved Performance
- Better handling: Some parts (like suspension components) provide more precise control.
- Enhanced stability: Aluminum’s weight distribution can improve how your car grips and turns.
3. Reduced Weight (in some cases)
- Lighter than steel: While aluminum is heavier than plastic, it’s often lighter (and just as strong) as steel.
- Optimized balance: Carefully chosen aluminum parts can lower your car’s weight for speedier runs.
4. Heat Dissipation
- Cools your car: Aluminum dissipates heat more efficiently than plastic or steel, keeping critical components like motor mounts and shocks cooler.
5. Custom Style
- Eye-catching colors: Many aluminum parts come in anodized finishes, letting you customize the look of your RC car.
- Showroom shine: Your car can look as fast as it drives!
Common Aluminum Upgrades for RC Cars
Aluminum parts cover many RC car components. Here are the most popular upgrades and why enthusiasts choose them:
Chassis Plates
- What they do: Form the base frame of your RC car.
- Why upgrade: Improves rigidity, prevents flexing, and can survive big crashes.
Suspension Arms and Towers
- Purpose: Absorb impacts, maintain wheel alignment during rough driving.
- Why upgrade: Aluminum versions are less likely to snap or deform from hard landings.
Steering Components
- Includes: Servo horns, bellcranks, steering knuckles.
- Why upgrade: Provides more direct, reliable steering response and resists damage.
Shock Towers and Shock Bodies
- Key for: Absorbing jumps and bumps.
- Why upgrade: Aluminum towers and bodies are stiffer and more durable than plastic.
Motor Mounts and Transmission Cases
- Function: Hold vital drivetrain components in place.
- Why upgrade: Aluminum disperses heat, stays aligned, and protects moving parts.
Driveshafts and CVDs (Constant Velocity Drives)
- Job: Transfers power from the motor to wheels.
- Why upgrade: Aluminum versions are lighter and less likely to bend under load.
Wheel Hexes, Hubs, and Nuts
- Why upgrade: Reduce wheel wobble and strip less easily compared to plastic.
How to Choose the Right Aluminum Upgrades
With so many options out there, picking the best upgrades involves some smart decision-making. Here’s how to approach your upgrades:
1. Focus on Weak Points
- Look for parts you regularly break or parts that show excessive wear.
- Typically, suspension arms, shock towers, and steering components are first to go.
2. Match for Model Compatibility
- Only buy parts designed for your RC car’s make and model (e.g., Traxxas Slash, Axial SCX10, Tamiya TT-01).
- Manufacturers like Yeah Racing, Hot Racing, GPM Racing, and Integy offer parts for top brands.
3. Prioritize Function Over Looks
- Fancy colors are fun, but always upgrade for strength and performance first.
- Start with critical parts, and add style pieces later if desired.
4. Balance Strength and Flexibility
- Swapping all parts to aluminum can actually make the car too stiff.
- Some flexibility (like in the chassis or bumpers) helps absorb shocks and avoid breakage.
5. Watch Your Weight
- Too many heavy upgrades can slow your car down, especially for racers.
- Consider lightweight or hollowed aluminum parts when available.
Step-by-Step: Installing Aluminum Parts
Upgrading your RC with aluminum parts is rewarding and not too difficult. Here’s how you can do it:
- Gather Tools and Parts
- You’ll need a set of hex/Allen drivers, screwdrivers, pliers, and the replacement aluminum parts.
-
Work in a well-lit, organized area.
-
Disassemble the Stock Components
- Remove the plastic or stock parts you’ll be replacing.
-
Keep track of all screws, washers, and spacers for reassembly.
-
Fit the Aluminum Parts
- Dry-fit new parts first to check alignment.
-
Sometimes, minor trimming or shimming is needed for perfect fit.
-
Tighten, But Don’t Overdo It
- Aluminum is strong, but it can strip threads if overtightened.
-
Use thread locker (for metal-to-metal screws) to prevent loosening.
-
Test Your Upgrades
- After reassembly, check for smooth movement and correct function.
- Test drive in an open area before intense use.
Tips for Buying and Shipping Aluminum RC Parts
Shopping Advice
- Buy from reputable RC hobby shops—these retailers offer the most reliable and compatible parts.
- Bulk ordering can save money on shipping if you’re upgrading several parts at once.
- Compare brands—some, like Hot Racing and Yeah Racing, have extensive selections with different price points and styles.
Shipping Tips
- International shipping: Aluminum parts are lightweight but can add up. Combining orders minimizes shipping costs.
- Customs and duties: Factor these into total cost when ordering from overseas.
- Delivery tracking: Always choose sellers that offer tracking to ensure safe delivery.
Cost-Saving Ideas
- Bundle sets: Many brands sell upgrade packages (like suspension or chassis sets) which are cheaper than buying parts individually.
- Seasonal discounts: Watch for sales, especially on popular RC hobby store websites.
- Local pickup: If you have a hobby store nearby, check if in-store pickup can save you shipping fees.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum RC Car Parts
No upgrade is perfect. Here’s an honest look at both sides:
Pros
- Major strength improvement
- Longer lifespan for key parts
- Heat management benefits
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Improved handling and precision
Cons
- Upfront cost is higher than plastic
- Some parts could strip threads if overtightened
- Too much rigidity can transfer impact elsewhere, risking damage on non-upgraded parts
- Potential added weight if not careful
Practical Advice for Aluminum Part Upgrades
- Upgrade progressively: Start with the most frequently broken or high-impact parts, assess the results, and then choose what to upgrade next.
- Mix materials thoughtfully: Not every component needs to be aluminum—combine with plastics for flexibility.
- Stay organized: Keep a notebook or list of upgrades, dates, and any installation notes.
- Keep spares: Don’t throw away your old stock parts. They can be useful as backups or for comparison.
- Keep up with maintenance: Clean and inspect all aluminum parts regularly for wear, cracks, or loose screws.
Where to Find Quality Aluminum Parts
Well-known brands and RC retailers are your best resource for high-quality, reliable parts. Most trusted hobby stores carry parts for all major brands—Traxxas, Tamiya, HPI, Axial, ARRMA, and more. They also often stock exclusive upgrade sets and have knowledgeable staff to help with compatibility questions.
Manufacturers like Yeah Racing, Hot Racing, GPM Racing, Integy, and others offer a broad selection of anodized and stock-colored parts to suit every taste and budget. Many also offer upgrade “kits” for specific models, making selection even easier.
Concluding Summary
Upgrading your RC car with aluminum parts is an exciting way to boost durability, enhance performance, and customize your ride’s look. Start with the most vulnerable components, always match parts to your specific model, and remember that balance is key—you want strength, but not so much rigidity that other parts become weak links. With a little research and careful installation, aluminum upgrades will transform your RC car into a tougher, more responsive, and eye-catching machine. Enjoy the journey and happy wrenching!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I upgrade my entire RC car to aluminum parts?
You can, but it’s not always the best idea. Upgrading every part to aluminum makes your car very rigid, which can transfer crash energy to other, unreinforced parts. It’s usually better to upgrade high-stress components and keep some flexibility by retaining certain plastic parts.
Will aluminum parts fit my specific RC car model?
You need to choose aluminum parts made specifically for your RC car’s make and model. Universal parts may fit some cars but can require modification. Always double-check compatibility before purchasing.
Are aluminum upgrades worth the extra cost?
For frequent drivers or racers, yes—aluminum parts can save you money in the long run by reducing breakage and maintenance. Casual users may only want to upgrade parts that break repeatedly.
Do aluminum parts make my RC car faster?
Not directly. Aluminum parts improve handling, durability, and sometimes reduce weight, but they won’t increase speed unless they replace significantly heavier stock parts or reduce drag.
How do I maintain and clean aluminum RC parts?
A soft brush and mild soap are sufficient for most cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip anodized finishes. Tighten screws regularly and inspect for cracks or bends after hard runs. If the finish wears off, it’s purely cosmetic—functionality remains the same.