02-06-2007, 01:03 PM
I don't own an HPI Hellfire, but I have owned several Hot Bodies Lightning family vehicles. If the HPI is built like the Hot Bodies ( same family ) then you shouldn't suffer too many issues from "normal useage". You say you're new so there may be a fair number of "newbie" incidents. Maybe pick up a set of front arms like AddictedtoNITRO mentioned. Maybe a set of front hinge pins. Chances are if you hit something...it's going to be in the front ( like clipping a pipe on the track on accident ) and chances are if you hit it hard enough to break a front arm...you might also need a new hinge pin or two :eek: but they're fairly cheap. Also, maybe a couple extra glow plugs...because when they go out, they have no "fading" out...they're just done. It's easier to just throw a new plug in when the engine starts running eratically. Like AddictedtoNITRO said, check out the HPI forums too. See if the individual tracks you're planning to race at host a web site and/or message boards. The people there will be able to tell you what tires work, give you leads on suspension settings, diff oils, etc.
Oh, and have a hundred $$ bucks or so ready to go at a moments notice so that when and if you break something small or big...you can order it the next day instead of being out of luck for a couple weeks.
What kind of radio do you use? Stock AM 27mhz? I would say the single biggest initial two "upgrades" any racer can make is a Spektrum radio, and a personal transponder ( if the track(s) they race at have AMBrc that is compatible ). Between these two items, you take alot of hassle and worrying out of the equation...you'll have enough to concentrate on at the track. You'll never have to worry about who is on what radio channel, and you'll never have to worry about forgetting to track down that house transponder with less than a minute before your race starts!
By the way, where are you located? What track is closest to you?
It's fun. Good Luck!
Oh, and have a hundred $$ bucks or so ready to go at a moments notice so that when and if you break something small or big...you can order it the next day instead of being out of luck for a couple weeks.
What kind of radio do you use? Stock AM 27mhz? I would say the single biggest initial two "upgrades" any racer can make is a Spektrum radio, and a personal transponder ( if the track(s) they race at have AMBrc that is compatible ). Between these two items, you take alot of hassle and worrying out of the equation...you'll have enough to concentrate on at the track. You'll never have to worry about who is on what radio channel, and you'll never have to worry about forgetting to track down that house transponder with less than a minute before your race starts!
By the way, where are you located? What track is closest to you?
It's fun. Good Luck!
Matt Fanke