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Traxxas makes it easy to get into the RC nitro hobby by combining the best-engineered convenience and reliability features with friendly, expert customer support anytime you need it. Not very long ago, nitro engine power was reserved strictly for highly experienced hobbyists. Traxxas changed all that with smart engineering, innovative features, and high-quality manufacturing. Now RC enthusiasts of all skill levels can experience the sound and fury of Ready-To-Run^® nitro power. Let’s take a look at what makes Traxxas the way to go for easy, exciting nitro fun.

Every fuel-burning Traxxas model is powered by a TRX^® Racing Engine. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll find a TRX 2.5 or a TRX 3.3 under the hood. They differ in displacement but have the same architecture and premium construction. Not only are they the most powerful engines in their class, but more importantly, they’re engineered for reliability, consistent operation, and long life. Quality and precision are paramount in any engine, but especially an engine that can fit in the palm of your hand. Jump over to the Traxxas Nitro Trucks Guide for more on what makes TRX racing engines number one for performance, reliability, and fun.

Tuned Pipe Performance
As the name suggests, a tuned pipe is shaped precisely so the pressure wave formed by each combustion cycle will be reflected back toward the exhaust port. This prevents the incoming charge of air and fuel from escaping the combustion chamber before it is fully ignited. Traxxas tuned pipes help TRX engines make maximum power and run more consistently. Depending on the model, your Traxxas nitro truck will be equipped with a composite tuned pipe or a premium aluminum Resonator pipe with an anodized or polished finish. No matter which pipe your model includes, it has been engineered for peak power delivery and reliable performance.

EZ-START^® Electric Starting—standard with ALL Traxxas Nitro Models
Old-school nitro power required you to use a separate glow-plug heater and cranking the engine was a job for a failure-prone pull-starter or a clumsy (and expensive) bump-starter box. You won’t find any pull-starters on Traxxas nitro models, and there’s no need for a glow-starter to heat the glow plug. The EZ-Start system powers the glow plug and cranks the engine via a starter motor (just like a full-size car) for fast, effortless starting. Just plug the EZ-Start controller into your truck’s starter port (no need to remove the body) and press the Start button.

The battery inside the EZ-Start powers the starter motor as Traxxas Smart Start technology monitors the starter motor and glow plug. In seconds, the engine starts with no more effort than it takes to push a button. If there’s a problem (if the glow plug needs to be replaced, or if the motor is under excessive load due to a flooded engine, for example), the Smart Start system will alert with its integrated warning lights. There’s no easier, safer, smarter, more convenient way to start a nitro engine.

It used to be that “ready to run” nitro models were anything but. You got an assembled vehicle and radio system, but you still had to source a glow starter and a battery to power it, a fuel bottle, spare air filters and filter oil, extra glow plugs, and potentially other accessories before you were truly “ready to run.” Not with Traxxas. All Traxxas nitro trucks include everything you need to operate your model—all you need to add is fuel and batteries for the transmitter. Power Cell NiMH battery and charger for the EZ-Start system, Top Fuel fuel bottle, spare glow plug and filter elements, high-quality tools … all the essential items required to run and maintain your nitro machine are in the box, not “sold separately” extras.

Traxxas makes the fastest RTR models available, but Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) helps to harness that power and make them easier to drive. TSM monitors your steering inputs and compares them to the model’s actual direction and orientation as you drive. Before you can even detect fishtailing or a spinout beginning, TSM corrects the steering input to keep your vehicle on track. The amount of TSM assistance is fully adjustable via the TQi transmitter’s Multi-Function Knob. TSM never limits throttle or counteracts your inputs, so it never feels like its holding you back or “taking over.” All you’ll notice is rock-solid control and enhanced driving fun. Only Traxxas has TSM, and it’s standard on most Traxxas nitro models.

Unlike electric models that can simply reverse motor rotation, a nitro engine on spins in one direction and requires gearing to make reverse possible. T-Maxx^® Classic and Revo^® 3.3 both feature 2-speed transmissions with a remote-operated reverse gear. If you encounter an obstacle, just flip the transmitter’s reverse-gear toggle and the truck’s servo-operated shift linkage engages reverse. Apply throttle, and your truck backs up with as much or as little throttle as you want to apply. Revo 3.3 adds the additional safety of the OptiDrive^® Electronic Shift Module. The OptiDrive system senses vehicle speed and only allows the truck to reverse when the Revo 3.3 has slowed to a stop, preventing potential damage to the transmission.

Several Traxxas models like Jato^® 3.3, Revo 3.3, and T-Maxx 3.3 come outfitted out of the box with telemetry sensors and the Traxxas Link^™ Wireless Module. Those that don't come with telemetry as standard equipment, can easily add this useful feature. Traxxas telemetry allows you to view data in real time on your iOS or Android smart device via the free Traxxas Link app. Telemetry is especially useful for nitro engines as it allows you to view temperature and RPM as you drive. This enables you to make precise engine tuning adjustments and see instantly the effect on engine output. Your customizable Traxxas Link dashboard can even include a GPS speedometer and additional temperature sensors using the optional Telemetry Expander 2.0.

Every piston engine requires the piston to seal completely against the wall of the combustion chamber so all the energy of the ignited fuel/air mixture is transferred to the piston’s power stroke. If that critical seal is compromised, power and efficiency are diminished. If left unchecked, the condition will worsen until the engine will not run reliably. Full-size engines use replaceable piston rings, but Traxxas RC nitro engines rely on a precise fit between the piston and plated brass sleeve. Over time, normal wear loosens this fit, reducing performance and the engine’s ability to hold a tune and operate reliably. Replacing the piston and sleeve is not inexpensive and must be performed carefully. Traxxas has a better way with the Power-Up Program.

When your TRX Racing Engine is finally ready for a new piston and sleeve, you can simply trade it in for a discount on a new engine. You can even use the Power-Up Program to upgrade from a TRX 2.5 to a TRX 3.3 if you like. You get like-new performance because the entire engine is new and fully assembled for you by Traxxas. You can Power-Up at your local Traxxas dealer, or send your engine directly to Traxxas using this form. Follow the links to learn more.