Best RC Fuels to Burn Up the Track

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 18, 2023
Any nitro fuel will just work fine with your RC model. However, if you want to get the best performance from your vehicle, you should get the right fuel. Let us add some know-power to your RC model go-power and help you find the best thing. ...Read more ...Read less
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PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Nitromethane
Oil
Volume
 
PROS

Supplied in a 1-gallon bottle, this nitro fuel will prove handy at racing competitions where fuel burns out pretty fast.

CONS

Thin plastic bottle is easy to damage during transportation.

OUR VERDICT

An ideal content of synthetic oil in the blend makes this nitro fuel best suitable for high-speed glow engines like those installed in drift and rally RC cars.

detailed parameters
Nitromethane

20%

Oil

14%
Synthetic oil

Volume

1 gallon

PROS

Available in a metal impact-resistant tin that unlike plastic bottles retains the temperature of fuel very well. 

CONS

Low oil content.

OUR VERDICT

The nitro fuel will be highly appreciated by those who own an RC model with a 4-stroke engine, as this fuel blend is designed to unleash the maximal efficiency of a glow motor.

detailed parameters
Nitromethane

20%

Oil

9%
Combination of synthetic and castor oils

Volume

1 quart

PROS

The fuel blend includes a special inhibitor that protects cylinder inner walls and pistons from rust formation.

CONS

Might fume heavily while burning out.

OUR VERDICT

If you've got an RC from Traxxas, don't take a chance with any other nitro fuel brands. This one is 100% certified for Traxxas RCs.

detailed parameters
Nitromethane

20%

Oil

12%
Combination of synthetic and castor oils

Volume

1 quart

PROS

A special preservation technology helps retain the nitro fuel blend fresh and protects it from scaling over time. 

CONS

The lid isn't too tight. It is recommended to transport the bottle in a vertical position to avoid spillage.

OUR VERDICT

High castor oil content is suitable for fueling RC models equipped with both modern and old glow engines. You won't go wrong buying this fuel.

detailed parameters
Nitromethane

20%

Oil

12%
60% synthetic oil
40% castor oil

Volume

1 quart

PROS

High oil content nitro fuel chills glow engines perfectly well even at high revs.

CONS

When used on vehicles with small capacity engines, oil tends to sediment on exhaust system components. 

OUR VERDICT

The nitro fuel is ideal for use with radio-controlled aircraft like planes and helicopters as they generally require lower nitromethane content; just like the one in this blend.

detailed parameters
Nitromethane

15%

Oil

17%
Synthetic oil

Volume

1 quart

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Torco 20% Nitro Car & Truck Gallon

Never Too Much

The Torco RC Nitro blend formula has been specially designed for the racing industry. The ideal rate of nitromethane and synthetic oil in the blend makes it suitable for high-speed medium capacity glow engines, such as those as in drift, rally cars, and buggies of 1:10 or 1:8 scale.

This 20% nitromethane fuel works towards smoother engine operation at a full rev range regardless the loads. Let's see what's there in the blend. According to specifications, this glow fuel contains 14% of synthetic oil, which is a very good rate. Oil is the essential compound of any fuel mixture that is included for lubricating the internal parts of the motor. Speaking of synthetic oils, they are much cleaner than regular oil mixes and don't leave any gummy residue. That's why their use can actually prolong the service life of the engine. So, in this respect, as you can see, the Torco RC Nitro blend combines the best properties.

The fuel is sold in a big plastic bottle with 1-gallon capacity. This amount will suffice for several hours of hard drive on a track. If you love RC hobby and often take part in different racing competitions, you will not go wrong with the Torco RC Nitro blend. 

Review of Torco 20% Nitro Car & Truck Gallon RC Fuel
Last updated price $61.53
Stock In stock
ASIN B004EFA6W4

 

PowerMaster 20% Nitro

Universal Blend Formula

This glow fuel differs from other blends not only by the percentage of compounds but also by a vessel it is canned in. While other nitro fuels are sold in plastic bottles this blend is supplied in a metal tin that holds up to 1 quart of fuel. First of all, this type of vessel is impact resistant that is crucial when you need to transport it. Secondly, metal retains the temperature better than plastic and is capable of maintaining it constant even in hot weather just like a thermos. Note it's still necessary to keep the tin away from the direct sunlight. 

As for the fuel itself, it might seem that the oil rate of 9% in the blend is insufficient. However, it isn't so. The combination of castor and synthetic oils in the fuel makes up for its smaller amount of oil, ensuring that it's not only clean but also a good lubricant. Thus, the Redcat Racing nitro is well suitable for all RCs with high-speed engines such as 0.18 cc and 4-stroke. 

Review of PowerMaster 20% Nitro RC Fuel
Last updated price $21.68
Stock In stock
ASIN B00D253TAS

 

Traxxas Racing Top

Say No to Rust Formations in Cylinders

Traxxas company is a renowned manufacturer of RC vehicles and their accessories worldwide. Not surprisingly, it's on our list too. Let's see what they've got to offer. For this review, we've picked their Racing Top RC fuel. Like many other fuel blends, this one is sold in a plastic bottle. For those racers who don't fancy dragging around bulky cans, this is surely an advantage. The content is also not much different from the other blends, comprising 12% of castor and synthetic oils mixed with 20% of nitro. However, upon taking a closer look at the product specifications, you will find out that it also includes a variety of additives that drastically affect its properties. Thus, the Traxxas fuel includes a special inhibitor that protects cylinder inner walls and pistons from rust formation, extending their service life.

The Traxxas nitro is 100% certified as a quality blend for fueling RC vehicles with low- and medium-speed glow motors. Don't hesitate to buy and try it on a track. 

Review of Traxxas Racing Top RC Fuel

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $26.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B005DZNSLA

 

Race 2000

Re-Energize Your Old Vehicles

When looking through a variety of popular blends available on the market, we've come across the Race 2000 Gen2, the second generation glow fuel from  Byron Originals company. Why did we decide to bring it up on our list? All is simple. It's one of few fuel blends on the market containing both green castor and synthetic oils. The ratio of 60: 40 of oils in the mixture has a double effect on a glow engine operation. While synthetic oils protect the internal parts of the engine from quick wear and overheating, castor oils serve as a lubricant. Having high viscosity, castor oils are also well suitable for rather old engines, which means if you've got in your store an old RC that you used to play in your childhood, you'll be able to fuel it too. Understanding users' concern about sediments, the manufacturer used a special preservation technology to prolong the shelf life of the blend and prevent it from scaling. 

Review of Race 2000 RC Fuel
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0043X65X6

 

Cool Power 15%N/17% Oil

Cooling From Inside

The nitro fuel blend from Morgan company is probably the best choice for all owners of RCs with high-speed glow engines. Why is that? The mixture contains 17% of synthetic oil to quickly remove excess heat and maintain efficient engine operation at high revs. Any vehicle that cannot be cooled in a natural way should be fuelled with this fuel to cool from inside.  

The Cool Power Oil Fuel mixed with 15% of nitro will ensure smooth operation of all RC vehicles with engines up to 0.18 cc in size. Due to the low percentage of nitromethane, this blend comes effective in reducing the operating temperature of the engine. For the same reason, it doesn't burn out too quickly during operation as well. Interestingly enough, it is the 15% nitro blend which is commonly used for RC airplanes and helicopters.

The Cool Power Oil fuel proved to be efficient on many RCs, however, if the engine in your car is of 0.12 cc size or below, the oil will not burn out completely and so, you may need to clean the exhaust system components more often. The fuel comes in 1 quart-capacity which usually suffices for up to 40 minutes of flight.

Review of Cool Power 15%N/17% Oil Fuel
Last updated price $16.19
Stock In stock
ASIN B000BKRZYS

 

What is an RC fuel

If RC models' building is your hobby you must have faced the engine type selection problem, no doubt. In fact, there are 3 main drive types that can be used in an RC. They are gas, nitro, or electric engine. The majority of hobbyists, though, tend to choose electric RCs and here are the reasons why. Firstly, as a rule, electric RCs boast a wider speed range. Secondly, they can be fitted with a bigger number of variations of RC batteries. And thirdly, they usually don't require any special maintenance. However, those consumers who take this hobby more seriously, often give their preference to RC models equipped with a glow engine. This drive type is known for its ability to sustain permanent power no matter the fuel content. Unfortunately, electric engines lack this. This review deals with the fuel blends that can be used for RC vehicles with glow engines. Depending on the proportion of compounds you need for your RC car or helicopter, you will find nitro fuels of different structures, mixed with methanol, nitromethane, and oil.

Sources:

1. Michael James Can a Different Percentage of Nitro Fuel Damage My Nitro Engine? ThoughtCo. September 17, 2016.

2. Tim Hykaway RC Car Basics Part 1: Fuel Basics, RC Universe. January 2004.

3. Radio-controlled car, Wikipedia.

4. Glow fuel, Wikipedia. December 9, 2016.

5. Can Nitro RC Cars and Nitro Airplanes Use the Same Nitro Fuel? ThoughtCo. November 29, 2016.

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Publish Date: 2017-05-24 09:44:43