Choosing the Right Brushless Motor for Your RC Car: A Guide

By -Kyle Hilson
Posted on April 17, 2023June 2, 2023
Posted in RC Cars

Choosing the right brushless motor for an RC car is crucial for a successful and enjoyable driving experience. A brushless motor is an upgrade from a traditional brushed motor, as it provides higher efficiency, more power, and less maintenance. But with so many different types of brushless motors available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your RC car. It’s essential to consider factors like size, KV rating, brand and quality, budget, and compatibility with other components. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in the performance of your RC car, so it’s crucial to make an informed decision before investing in a brushless motor. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and advice on how to choose the best brushless motor for your RC car, so you can get the most out of your driving experience.

Consider Your RC Car’s Size

When it comes to choosing the right brushless motor for your RC car, size matters. Here are a few things to consider:

Scale: Different motor sizes are appropriate for different RC car scales. For example, a 1/10th scale RC car requires a motor with a 3650 size motor, while a 1/8th scale car requires a 4068 size motor.
Weight: Make sure to choose a motor that is suitable for the weight of your RC car. A heavier car requires a stronger motor to power it, while a lighter car can use a less powerful motor.
Power needs: Consider how much power your RC car needs. A more powerful motor will generate more speed and acceleration, but it may drain your battery faster.

Before making a purchase, consult your RC car’s manual or do some online research to determine the appropriate motor size for your specific vehicle. Check out websites like RC Planet or Amain Hobbies for a variety of brushless motors appropriate for different car sizes.

How to choose a motor for a RC car?

When choosing a motor for your RC car, consider the following:

Size: The size of the motor should correspond to the size of your car.
Speed: Motors have a rated RPM (revolutions per minute), which determines the car’s speed. Choose a motor with a high RPM for faster speeds.
Power: The motor’s power is measured in watts. Higher wattage motors are more powerful and can handle more weight and terrain.
Type: Brushed and brushless motors are your options. Brushed motors are less expensive but require more maintenance. Brushless motors are more durable and efficient but come at a higher cost.

Some popular brands for RC car motors include Traxxas and Team Associated. Websites like Amazon and HobbyKing offer a wide selection of motors for various RC car models.

KV Rating

Another key factor to consider when choosing a brushless motor for your RC car is the KV rating. Here’s what you need to know:

What is KV rating: KV rating is the number of revolutions per minute (RPMs) that the motor generates per Volt. A motor with a KV rating of 3000, for example, will spin 3000 RPMs with 1 Volt of battery power.
Speed: A higher KV rating will generate more speed, while a lower KV rating will generate more torque.
Battery requirements: A higher KV rating requires a higher voltage battery, while a lower KV rating requires a lower voltage battery.
Motor heating: Higher KV rated motors tend to run hotter than lower KV rated motors, which can affect performance and motor longevity.

Below is a table that summarizes the KV rating suitable for different types of RC cars:

RC Car Type	Recommended KV Rating
1/10th scale on-road car	3000-4000 KV
1/10th scale off-road buggy	3300-4000 KV
1/8th scale buggy/truggy	2000-2500 KV

Remember, the appropriate KV rating for your RC car will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of car, the surface it will be driven on, and the desired speed and acceleration. If you’re unsure about what KV rating to choose, consult your RC car’s manual or seek advice from online forums and communities.

How are RC car motors rated?

RC car motors are rated based on various factors such as the number of turns, KV rating, and the type of magnet used. To understand these factors better, take a look at the following:

The number of turns refers to the number of times copper wire is wrapped around the motor’s armature. A higher number of turns leads to a slower motor with higher torque levels, while a lower number of turns results in a faster motor with less torque.
KV rating (RPM per volt) measures the speed of the motor. The higher the KV rating, the faster the motor.
The type of magnet used in the motor can also affect its performance. Brushless motors tend to have neodymium magnets that generate more power, while brushed motors have weaker ferrite magnets.

Different RC car motors are rated for different purposes, and it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your needs. Websites such as Horizon Hobby and Amazon offer a wide range of RC car motors with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.

Brand and Quality

When it comes to choosing a brushless motor for your RC car, it’s important to select a reliable, high-quality brand. Here are some important things to consider:

Warranty: Look for brushless motors with warranties that cover defects and failures.
Reviews: Look for customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of the motor’s reliability, performance, and ease of installation.
Price: High-end motors tend to offer better quality and durability, but at a higher price point.

Some popular brands known for producing high-quality brushless motors include:

Castle Creations: Known for their durable and high-performing motors, Castle Creations offers motors suitable for a variety of RC cars and trucks.
Traxxas: Traxxas is a well-known brand in the RC car world, and their brushless motors have a reputation for reliability and performance.
Team Orion: Team Orion is a high-end brand that offers premium brushless motors for serious RC car enthusiasts.

Just remember, choosing a reliable and reputable brand may mean spending more money upfront, but it can save you money and headaches down the road by providing a longer-lasting and better-performing motor for your RC car.

What makes a good brushless motor?

Some of the key factors that make a good brushless motor include:

Efficiency: A good motor should have high efficiency, which means it can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy with minimal losses.
Power: A high-quality brushless motor should have sufficient power to meet the demands of the application it’s being used for.
Durability: A good motor will be durable and able to withstand normal wear and tear as well as harsh operating conditions.
Low Maintenance: Brushless motors require little or no maintenance, making them a reliable choice for various applications.

If you’re in the market for brushless motors, be sure to check out websites such as Amazon, Banggood, and Adafruit, which offer a wide variety of options with varying specifications and prices.

Budget

Budget is an important consideration when choosing a brushless motor for your RC car. While you might be tempted to go for the cheapest option available, keep in mind that motors of lower quality tend to fail quickly and will cost you more money in the long run. Here are some tips for finding the right balance between cost and quality:

Determine your budget: Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on a brushless motor before you begin your search.
Compare prices: Shop around to compare prices from different vendors before making a purchase.
Consider buying used: If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider buying a used brushless motor from a reputable seller.

Some popular websites to find brushless motors for RC cars include:

Horizon Hobby: This website offers a range of brushless motors at different prices and for different types of RC cars.
A Main Hobbies: A Main Hobbies offers an extensive selection of brushless motors for RC cars, as well as customer reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
Amazon.com: Amazon offers a wide range of brushless motors for RC cars at various price points, and you can read customer reviews to help you choose the right motor for your needs.

Remember, while it’s important to stick to your budget, you should also prioritize quality to ensure longevity and good performance from your brushless motor.

How to choose brushless motors?

When it comes to choosing the right brushless motor, there are a few important factors to consider:

Size and weight requirements
Desired power output
Efficiency and reliability
Compatibility with your specific application

To find the right brushless motor for your needs, it’s a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable supplier or manufacturer. You can also research different products and their specifications online. Some websites that offer a wide range of brushless motors include Motion Control Products and Alibaba.

Compatibility

Ensuring compatibility between your brushless motor and the other components in your RC car is crucial to avoid potential problems. Here are some tips for ensuring compatibility:

Check the motor specifications: Make sure the motor you choose is compatible with the ESC, battery, and other components in your RC car.
Consider the motor’s power output: Make sure the motor’s power output is suitable for the rest of your RC car’s components.
Check the wiring: Check that the wiring connections on the motor and other components match up, as using the wrong connections can cause damage.

Some manufacturers offer motors and other components that are specifically designed to work together, which can make things easier for beginners or those who want to avoid compatibility issues. Here are some popular options:

Traxxas: Traxxas offers a range of brushless motors that are compatible with their line of RC cars, as well as accessories such as batteries and ESCs.
Castle Creations: Castle Creations provides a range of brushless motors and ESCs that are designed to work together, making compatibility simpler.
Hobbywing: Hobbywing offers a range of brushless motors and ESCs with advanced compatibility features, including programmable options for individualized settings.

Be sure to thoroughly research compatibility before making a purchase to avoid costly mistakes and to ensure the best performance from your RC car.

Can I use any ESC with any brushless motor?

No, not all ESCs are compatible with all brushless motors. It’s important to choose an ESC that matches the specifications of your brushless motor to ensure proper performance and avoid damage. Be sure to review the manufacturer’s compatibility guide before purchasing an ESC or brushless motor. Some websites such as hobbyking.com or amainhobbies.com offer a wide selection of ESCs and brushless motors with clear compatibility information.

Conclusion

Choosing the right brushless motor for your RC car can make a huge difference in its speed, power, and overall performance. When selecting a brushless motor, factors such as your RC car’s size, the motor’s KV rating, brand and quality, your budget, and compatibility should all be considered. It’s also important to do your research and select a reliable, high-quality brand to avoid potential problems down the line.

In conclusion, upgrading to a brushless motor can significantly improve your RC car’s performance and provide a more enjoyable experience overall. By keeping the above factors in mind, and taking compatibility into account, you can find the perfect brushless motor to suit your specific preferences and needs. Remember: a little research goes a long way!