Traxxas Revo is one of the heavy-duty trucks in the RC arena. Weighing more than 10 lbs, it requires an engine that can take the load. When choosing a nitro engine for this truck, keep in mind that it requires a powerful engine to full its potential.
To make your life a bit easier, I have compiled a list of the best nitro engine for revos. These are not only tested and proven but also fits revo’s requirement perfectly.
Our Recommendations On Best Nitro Engine for Revos:
- Traxxas 5407 3.3 TRX Engine – Best Overall
- 18 RC Car Nitro Engine SH 18 Nitro Engine – Runner Up
- Dynamite .19T Mach 2 – Best Budget
- Traxxas 4007 TRX Pro .15 – Innovative Design
- 18 RC Car Nitro Engine SH – Great Performance
Tuning Nitro Engine for Revos
In short, tuning an engine involves adjusting the carburetor to mix fuel and air in the right ratio. Doing so would ensure that the engine performs at the optimal level.
When tuning the engine you will have to either lean or richen their fuel flow. To make the fuel mixture lean you will have to turn the needle clockwise. To make the fuel you, do the opposite.
When tuning highspeed, at first make the fuel-rich to the full extent. Then run the RC car at full throttle and observe if the smoke is bluish. If so, then lean it by turning the needle 1/16 of a turn. Continue the process until there is no improvement in performance.
To tune low speed, get the engine running by doing a few high-speed passes. Let it sit idle for like 10 seconds and then do a hard acceleration. If acceleration seems sluggish or there is a lot of smoke then lean it by 1/16 of a turn. Continue the process until you get the desired result.
It is good to note that running an engine too lean will wear out the engine. On the other hand, you will get sluggish performance if you run the engine too rich. That is why it is so important to balance out the fuel mixture by tuning the engine.
Top 5 Nitro Engine for Revos Product Review:
1. Traxxas 5407 3.3 TRX Engine – Best Overall
Specification:
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 14.1 ounces
- RPM: 50,000 rpm
- Dimension: 8 x 2.75 x 5.25 inches
This 3.3 TRX engine comes with 60% more horsepower than its predecessor. Altogether it can generate 50% more power under the curve. Your Revo can put this extra power to good work.
It comes with an easy start design. All you have to do is to pull the level to get it started. Its lightweight reduces stress and allows higher-revving performance.
The cooling head promotes even heat distribution that keeps the engine stable. This not only means longer running time but also it is easier to tune, It is one of the most powerful nitro engines for revos.
Pros:
- IPS shaft comes with pull start
- Generates significantly more power
- Linear and smooth power output
Cons:
- Require a bit more effort to tune just right
2. 18 RC Car Nitro Engine SH 18 Nitro Engine – Runner Up
Specification:
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 12.32 ounces
- RPM: 36,000 rpm
- Dimension: 3.94 x 3.74 x 1.97 inches
You can put to use the high torque to good use when running off-road with your Traxxas Revo. This well-designed engine makes sure things don’t break off during high acceleration and braking.
Its double-needle carburetor lets you fine-tune the engine quite easily. The carburetor is made from aluminum-plastic composite. Which makes it reliable, powerful, and most of all, easy to use.
This 2.95cc engine can generate 1.80 HP to perform at any level. It also includes a hand pull, a single bearing, and a fire head. Thanks to the aluminum alloy materials you will get long-lasting performance.
Pros:
- Produces high torque
- The double-needle carburetor is made from aluminum-plastic composite
- The engine is easy to tune
Cons:
- Rough break-in period
3. Dynamite .19T Mach 2 – Best Budget
Specification:
- Material: Polypropylene
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- RPM: 35,000 rpm
- Dimension: 5.5 x 5.2 x 2.9 inches
In case you don’t want to blow a hole in your wallet, you can go for Dynamite .19T Mach 2. It is a simple engine made with polypropylene that requires no modification. You can just install in and dive into action. It is a drop-in replacement for Traxxas nitro vehicles as well as revos.
To increase engine life, manufacturers used a sleeve and ABC piston. They together with knife-edge connecting rod pushes for higher RPM while minimizing turbulence. The manufacturer also used 2 needle slide valve carburetors for increased power delivery.
This engine is the best choice if you want optimal performance without spending a significant amount.
Pros:
- Made with polypropylene
- High RPM with low turbulence
- Direct drop-in replacement for Traxxas stock nitro engines
Cons:
- The factory setting is not optimized
4. Traxxas 4007 TRX Pro .15 – Innovative Design
Specification:
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 14.2 ounces
- RPM: N/A
- Dimension: 3.46 x 0.46 x 343 inches
Traxxas TRX Pro .15 is one of the best-selling names in the industry. The secret to its success lies in innovative design and careful engineering. It is one of the best RTR engines in the radio-controlled arena.
The ABS(aluminum, brass, chrome) construction makes sure it can last through all the challenges. There is a pull start on this engine that will allow you to start it with minimum effort. There is a channeled beam that improves oil flow by connecting the rod.
If you are looking for an engine that is easy to use and offers great performance then you have found your match. You can use it as a drop-in replacement for Traxxas engines.
Pros:
- Comes with an Aluminum cooling head
- Heavy-duty recoil starter
- High flow carburetor with large bore
Cons:
- Subpar carburetor performance
5. 18 RC Car Nitro Engine SH – Great Performance
Specification:
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- RPM: 36,000 rpm
- Dimension: 3.94 x 3.74 x 1.97 inches
In this performance-oriented engine, you will get both high speed and torque. It can reach 36000 rpm in highspeed. So, you will always have an edge when racing on a plain track.
It can produce a maximum of 1.80 HP. You can put this power to use in off-road tracks or maximize the high speed. Besides, this engine has a very strong torque output. No matter the slope, if it is climbable then your Revo can climb it.
The package comes with a single bearing, fire head, hand pull, and user instructions. These are all the required tools to get you started. So, you can get to the action as soon as you receive the package.
Pros:
- Direct drop-in replacement
- Designed for long-lasting performance
- Made from high-quality materials
Cons:
- Power generation is a bit low considering it is 2.7cc
Buying Guide
Material: Engine material is the most important part of choosing a nitro, be it for an RC truck or a car. Nitro engines generate a lot of heat.
When choosing an engine for Revo, make sure it is made of a heat-conductive material like aluminum.
The build materials also play an important role when comes to lasting performance.
Engine Size: Traxxas Revo truck has enough space to accommodate bigger sizes. But with bigger size comes extra weight.
The effect will be mostly negative if you don’t know how to tune your truck to take the advantage of the bigger engine.
So, do your research first if you wish to go for a big engine.
Terrain: Before you choose an engine for Traxxas Revo, do a full assessment of the terrain you will mostly run.
For example, in case you wish to run the truck off-road then you will need better torque. Because higher torque will help to climb different slopes.
On the other hand, when running it on the plain road you can focus more on speed.
Torque: As the Traxxas Revo has a weight of more than 10 lbs, you will need more power to run it.
The requirement goes up higher when you consider that this truck is designed for running off-road.
Having high torque will allow you to not only quick acceleration but also be comfortable running on rough terrain.
Speed: Speed is an important factor if you intend to race. And, there is only a handful of RC cars and truck owners who are not into racing.
So, you will have to take a hard look at the engine and see how much speed it can offer.
Although, going for more speed almost always sacrifices the torque. That is why it is up to you to find the balance.
FAQs.
How long does nitro gas last?
They can last from 6 months to a year if they are preserved in the proper environment.
What is the fastest RC car?
The Traxxas X0-1 is the fastest car right now.
Does RC car nitro fuel go bad?
Yes, after a certain time they do go bad. Do not use nitro fuel if it seems watery or condensed.
Do nitro RC cars need batteries?
You will need batteries for servos and receiver. So, in a sense they need batteries.
Which is faster nitro or brushless?
The RC car that holds the fastest records uses brushless motors. So yes, it is faster than nitro.
Does fuel have a shelf life?
Yes, they have a shelf-life of 6 months if the temperature is around 30 degrees.
Verdict
To fulfill the potential performance of the Traxxas Revo monster truck, you will need an engine that can carry the load.
Although other engines might fail, you can install nitro engines from this list without any second thoughts.
If you want only the best performance and budget is not an issue then Traxxas 5407 3.3 TRX Engine would be the best choice. Otherwise, you can pick any that suits your requirement.
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