Getting Started: Choosing a Motor

Now that you have decided where you'll be racing and what class you'd like to enter,  it's time to purchase an appropriate motor for your car.

​Motor rules change from time-to-time so be sure to carefully read the most current rules (or ask on Facebook) to ensure you purchase the correct motor


Motor Turn, Fixed Timing vs Adjustable Timing:
At the time of my writing this, here are the current rules for motor turn and timing.  Be sure to confirm before you buy a motor

​Overgeared Racing (Indoor/Winter):
Scale Spec - Fixed Timing 21.5t (Roar approved)
Touring Stock - Open 21.5t (Roar approved)

Ready to Run Raceway (Outdoor/Summer):
Scale Spec - Open 21.5t (Roar approved)
​Touring Stock - Open 17.5t (Roar approved)



What Brand:
There are several high quality motor brands on the market these days and as a beginner, choosing any of the well known brands should work for you.  I will however highly suggest you choose a brand that is well supported at your local track so that you can get assistance from other racers on setting up the motor correctly.  Some popular brands locally include ORCA, Reedy, Hobbywing and Gravity.  Many others are also available and as a beginner, they will likely work well enough for you

For a fixed timing motor, I suggest this Gravity RC 21.5T Fixed Timing motor.
Overgeared Racing currently allows all brands of fixed timing motors but NORA mandates the Gravity RC motor.  If you plan to ever race at NORA, you'll want to ensure you have the Gravity and not another brand.  Be sure to double check the rules to ensure this is still accurate

For an open motor class, choose whatever brand you like but, if you go with an ORCA, you'll have the support of several fast drivers to help set up your motor for optimum performance
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​New vs Used:
New motors can be pricey so you may wish to consider buying a good, used motor initially
A new, high-end motor will likely cost between $150 - $250
A good, used motor will be somewhere between $50 - $150
Most of the fast racers will replace their motors every season or two so you should be able to find a nice, used motor that will have more than enough performance to get you started

To find a used motor, check out our our local Facebook buy and sell page:

• Vancouver On Road RC Buy and Sell​

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