HPI Racing RC: Tough, tunable rigs with standout scale looks

HPI Racing focuses on durable, easy-to-wrench platforms with scale-realistic bodies and broad parts support. From electric bashers to nitro and large-scale gas icons, HPI rigs suit drivers who want reliable performance, head-turning shells, and room to customize without fuss.

Who HPI is for

• Choose HPI if: you bash on mixed terrain, value strong shells and drivetrains, want clear manuals and parts availability, or you’re curious about nitro/large-scale gas in addition to electric.
• Avoid HPI if: you need race-only, class-optimized kits or ultra-lightweight competition platforms out of the box.

Popular HPI platforms

Model	Scale / Power	Best for
Savage (X / FLUX)	1/8 monster • Nitro or Brushless	Big-air bashing, rough lots, skateparks
RS4 Sport 3	1/10 touring • Electric	Parking-lot racing, drift conversions, 190–200 mm bodies
Bullet MT/ST	1/10 • Electric or Nitro	Backyard fun, compact monster/truggy setup
Baja 5B/5T	1/5 • Gas (petrol)	Large spaces, long run times, scale sand/dirt driving
Venture	1/10 crawler • Electric	Trail runs, scale detailing, slow-speed control

Power systems compared

• Electric (LiPo/Brushless): Low maintenance; instant torque; typical bash run time ~10–20 min on a 2S–3S 5000 mAh pack (terrain and gearing dependent). Quiet, park-friendly.
• Nitro (glow fuel): Tunable engine sound and feel; typical 12–20 min per tank; needs after-run oil and routine tuning. Louder; check local rules.
• Gas (petrol, 1/5-scale): Long runs ~45–60+ min per tank; heavier, more momentum; requires larger space and basic two-stroke care.

How to choose an HPI model

1. Terrain: For grass/gravel and jumps, pick Savage/Bullet. For smooth asphalt, choose RS4. For rocks/trails, go Venture. For wide-open dirt, choose Baja.
2. Speed vs durability: High-speed gearing increases temps. If you drive on rough ground or land jumps, prioritize shorter gearing and stronger tires.
3. Power & runtime: Electric 2S–3S is simple and quick; Nitro adds engine character; Gas excels at long sessions. Match to your noise tolerance and maintenance appetite.
4. Parts & tires: Check your local shop/online stock for arms, hubs, gears, and tires before you buy; HPI support is solid for current models and many legacy platforms.

Setup and maintenance

Quick setup tips (15–30 minutes)

• Set gear mesh with a slight paper-thickness gap to avoid stripping spur gears.
• Verify wheel nuts (12 mm hex on most 1/10, 17 mm on many 1/8) are snug; use threadlock on metal-to-metal screws.
• Baseline diffs/shocks: start around 7k/10k/5k (F/C/R) diff oil for 1/8 bashers; medium shock oil (35–45 wt) and adjust for temperature and jump size.
• Target brushless temps: keep motor under ~190°F (88°C) and ESC under ~160°F (71°C). If hotter, drop pinion 1–2 teeth or improve cooling.

After-run care (10–20 minutes)

• Electric: blow out dust, inspect driveline, re-grease metal gears as needed; dry bearings after wet runs.
• Nitro: drain fuel, add a few drops of after-run oil to the engine, clean air filter, and check clutch shoes.
• Gas: wipe chassis, check kill switch function, inspect clutch bell and spur gear for wear.

Upgrades that matter

• Tires and inserts: The biggest handling gain. Choose tread for your surface (e.g., pin tires for dirt, belted for high-speed asphalt).
• Shock tuning: Heavier oil/springs for big jumps; lighter for cold weather or technical terrain.
• Steel spur/Mod 1 gears (where applicable): Better for high-power brushless setups.
• Servo upgrade: 15–25 kg-cm torque, 0.10–0.15 s/60° improves steering precision on heavier trucks.
• Body protection: Skid plates, roof rails, and tape-backed shells reduce cracks from hard landings.

Compatibility notes

• Wheel hex: 1/10 HPI typically uses 12 mm; 1/8 uses 17 mm. Match wheels/tires accordingly.
• Gear pitch: Many 1/8 HPI rigs use Mod 1 pinions/spurs; touring (RS4) commonly uses 48 pitch. Verify before ordering.
• Bodies: RS4 takes 190–200 mm touring bodies; monster trucks vary by wheelbase/width—check your model’s wheelbase and post spacing.
• Batteries & connectors: Check your ESC plug (e.g., Deans/T-Plug, EC5/IC5). Use matched connectors instead of high-resistance adapters.

Safety and use

• LiPo care: Balance-charge in a LiPo-safe bag; store at 3.7–3.85 V per cell; stop running if voltage sag is severe or packs puff.
• Heat management: If you can’t hold your finger on the motor for 2–3 seconds, it’s too hot—reduce gearing or add cooling.
• Fuel handling: Keep nitro fuel sealed and cool; ventilate while running; observe local noise/time restrictions for nitro/gas.

FAQ

How long will an HPI electric basher run per pack?

Typical 2S–3S 5000 mAh packs deliver ~10–20 minutes of bashing. Smooth driving and conservative gearing extend runtime; heavy throttle, grass, and big tires shorten it.

Can I drive HPI vehicles in wet conditions?

Many electronics are water-resistant, not waterproof. After wet runs, dry bearings, re-grease metal parts, and avoid submersion. Check your specific ESC and servo ratings.

Do HPI cars have good parts support?

Yes—current models and many legacy platforms have solid parts availability and aftermarket options. Verify spares (arms, hubs, spurs, tires) before purchase in your region.

What’s a safe motor temperature for brushless HPI setups?

Aim to keep motors under ~190°F (88°C). If temperatures exceed that, drop 1–2 teeth on the pinion, ensure proper mesh, and consider belted tires or fans.

Which HPI is best for beginners?

For simple, durable fun: Bullet MT/ST or Savage FLUX with 2S–3S power. They’re robust, easy to maintain, and have straightforward upgrades.