Adam's tips on tuning for lower nitro content.
- ProTek RC PRO Team Driver
ProTek RC PRO Team driver Adam Drake discusses nitro content and how to tune your engine with lower nitro content fuel. This isn't a major concern in the US as most people use 30% nitro for off-road. However, in some European, Asian, and Australian countries, the maximum nitro content has already been reduced to 25%, and in 2023, it will be reduced further to 16%. This has led many to ask what changes engines need to maintain power with lower nitro content fuel.
If you're current engine is on the lower end of the power spectrum, you may need to make more extensive changes to accommodate a lower nitro content. However, with OS engines, this is usually not a problem. Typically, these engines have more than enough power, and we're just trying to fine-tune the power delivery.
The OS 82 and Ronda Edition engines, in particular, are super powerful, smooth, and linear, with plenty of overall power.
How to Maintain Power with Lower Content Fuel?
Three adjustments can be made to maintain power with lower nitro content fuel. These adjustments include:
- Switching to a Larger Venturi: Installing a larger venturi allows the engine more air, which broadens the tuning window, increases overall power, and provides a little more power band. However, it may decrease the low-end response of the engine.
- Adjusting Head Shims: This adjustment involves removing one of the copper 0.1mm head shims to lower the deck height and increase compression. This adjustment can increase overall power, but it is important to remember to put the head shim back if switching to a higher nitro content fuel.
- Adjusting Clutch Settings: This adjustment involves going to a more aggressive clutch or using four 1.0 clutch springs instead of two 1.0 clutch springs. This adjustment helps the engine build more rpm before the clutch engages and can aid in bottom-end power.
Try making adjustments individually and only make changes if additional power is needed. With these adjustments, you should be able to run lower nitro content fuel without sacrificing power.
Watch Adam's RC Tuning Tips
Tuning with Lower Nitro Content Fuel
Adam Drake talks about some tuning changes that are useful when running fuel with a lower nitro content.