Ryan I worked for Ferrari in Maranello for 7 years. I was on the road car side not F1 but you know that not one race went by without them rebuilding their cars, in fact they rebuilt them in continuation, even during races. The same could be said for every competitive race team out there. Don’t apologise. It’s refreshing. I’m following you for what you stand for. Keep going!

You said multiple times that this was a rant but it really comes off as a solid life lesson.

Video Request: You're much faster than most drivers, but you're more relatable than the pros. My request would be (and I know this would be a difficult one to put together) a video detailing race day changes. You obviously go to a track you know with a base setup. But, what about a new track? You'll find a setup for it that gives you a baseline, but you have to make tweaks throughout the day, on top of tire selection. I think it would be cool to see what "the typical (more advanced) racer" goes through on race day, as he deals with setup and tire changes. Essentially, walk us through your thought process for making a change.

Yes, maintenance! I love maintenance. The more I'm working on my car, the more I learn about it, the more insight I get into how it reacts when changing setup. I try to take my stuff fully apart every few hours I run it to keep everything running smoothly without wearing out my parts too much. PS: An old toothbrush, a Chip Brush and a Nylon Brush go a long way for keeping things moderately clean out on track.

You explain the really truthful love for RC. Great story and teaching for someone getting in or has been in it. You are great for RC and do great videos for everyone. Thank you for for all the videos man.

Absolutely spot on video!!! thanks for the time to do it.

Such a great video thank you! This is the best overall channel as far as useful information, production effort, entertainment and inspiration. NEVER stop what you’re doing for the RC community!

Just found this video today. Honestly, I get criticized for being almost TOO fastidious about maintenance. For example, I’ve probably rebuilt the shocks on both of my cars at least a half-dozen times each. I recently did both cars at the same time to ensure that they both moved freely and smoothly based on your suggestions in another video and despite the seemingly paranoid way I maintain my stuff, I find that you really get to know your vehicle better. It may not make a lot of sense to the average person but if you know, YOU KNOW! Anyways, loving your content because there’s always a benefit to every video I’ve seen, even the beginner driving lessons.

I m fairly new to offroad buggy, but your videos are always inspiration for me. Big thank you for these videos!

Usually having just enough money to enter probably two or three classes back in the day stadium truck two wheel buggy sportsman or gas truck. Didn't have a lot of money to put into maintenance and had time to customize I was always the guy with the cheap steering servo but the custom steering or cheap shocks but set up in a custom way not much different nowadays except that collection I had started from 12yrs all the way up to 30 something years old burned up in shop fire and I lost everything not just my RCS not just if I had to guess $100,000 worth of RC stuff it's not that hard to do when you keep every little thing from the time you're 12 yrs. Twenty something year long collection and I still go over to where the shop burnt down and I'll see a shock tower or a hub it's tough but I started my collection back and have yet to race I guess point being is since you started making videos you've inspired me to want to race more than anybody else that was what was always fun to me we'll see and how my customization and hard work stack up against everybody else's money but it's actually more affordable now and if I was smarter about it I probably could be real close to affording to race. But I also have two young daughters well 13 and a 2-year-old and both want to do whatever I want to do which is great and I was like you I had a brother my brother like working on them more than driving them because me his little brother could drive them way better than he could. Used to have the trophies to prove it 💔. Anyway thanks for the videos

Amazing video !!!! I’ve spent tons of money , on my rc racing in the last year , I was really good at it as a kid , I’m old now I can afford more things (back story ) I’ve obsessed, wiring , soldering, car set ups , driving lines, learning tires, clay tracks... But all the little things you point out, in your videos are so important!!!!!! I feel like I falled to see the forest thru the trees, thanks Ryan for your passion, teaching and time, you are true sage when it comes to rc, thank you sincerely.

Everyone needs to do maintenance on your heating and air conditioning too.

have my first club race tomorrow, your vids have been awesome and encouraging. Thanks for putting these videos together!

Thanks for advice and video, Ryan. I just got into rc a few months ago and just bought my first two race vehicles, both TLR. A 22t 4.0 and a 22 5.0. I've been going through all your videos and your advice is very helpful. Your video and audio quality is excellent as well. Keep up the good work dude. Can't wait for your next video!

Nice way to convey your experiences. You give much knowledge!!!!

I just had a mini freak out with my wife.. we just moved to omaha nebraska and when you mentioned hobbyplex and showed the workers and the track that was sooooooooo dope ! I really hope to see you there one-day and get a pic with you.. im a giant you can't miss me 7footer.. lol . We've been here a month and I've already bought a rc10 b6.2 for the carpet!! Im so stoked to be here . Im from spokane washington where not much is happening with rc, just crawling. Now im sooooo into racing. This hobby is great and nothing but positive and constructive!!! We love ya over here in the smith family dude!! Great content and thank you for being you!!

Just wanted to say thanks for the videos you put up. As a new racer or I guess returning racer after 20 + year off. I have learned alot about rc racing and things I should be doing and finally stepped up to the drivers stand for my first race this last Saturday. Still alot to learn about setups and when to change things. For whatever reason may be for some reason I can relate more on the input you have to share.

I take my brand new B74.2 out for a test rip in the street, picked up a tiny little rock and it got lodged in the back of the motor, my temps where rising and I got my unit set for reverse for practice, reverse was fine then all of a sudden it would bind, forward was no issues. So the lesson learned is after every outing, you gotta take it all apart and clean it meticulously.

Awesome vid as always Ryan! Please never stop and keep em comin!

You have taught me a lot about RC vehicles for a second there you were describing me I had no idea what I was doing just having fun and breaking stuff. I don't race still and I am taking on a lot of your tips thank you very much my RC experience is getting increasingly more enjoyable. My wltoys 124001 losi clone is running Fantastic because of some of your suggestions . even impresses some of the racers down at the track that I practice on in Camarillo California. 👍👍👍

Hey Ryan, thank you for your genuineness throughout your videos! I appreciate how you are able to speak to racers at all levels, even a novice like 👍 me! Hope I can meet you sometime at a race next time up at The Beachline! Robbie,Daniel,TJ and Dalton are good dudes 😎

Awesome video...... I'm always preaching to others (while race cling at times).... that less chatter in the pits and more wrenching.... More work and overview leads to better handling out on the track..... Simply allow yourself to have the best product out on the track.....happy car, better results...... Again, great stuff Ryan..... Keep it up...... Be well....

Brilliant video Ryan, very well put over. All to do with maintenance and learn your car more

Great info I just got a 5.0 elite for off-road indoor getting better with the throttle for nitro season ty

Your 💯 percent correct! Proper maintenance is key to enjoying your RC vehicle wether you are Actually Racing or just or having fun! I just barely built my 22- X4 but I still have been doing what I can to recognize any problematic area's and repair them! Keep up the good work Ryan!

Thanks for making these.. As a total rookie I feel like I’m pretty good with the upkeep. But this is got me even more motivated to have a silky smooth buggy on race days ..

Great video 👍👍will be sharing this one with the grandkids

nice video!!! I'd love to see a video about what do you think of some of the other rc car disciplines out there, like rc drifting or rc crawling.

Great video Ryan. You make some great points about competing at a regional level. Every detail matters in these cars.

Great video. I live spending time in the shop rebuilding cars. 👍. Great points in the video.

I watched this and yes I have my 22x4 apart now cleaning it. If I want my car to act right I must treat it right! Thanks Ryan.

The mechanical side, working on the car, repairing, maintaining, improving, is a big part why im into RC buggies in the first place. This video is a good reminder that RC is as much about driving as its about "working" Good stuff

👍 competitive nature brings out the details.

Amazing there’s a new video Ryan! Needed this today buddy! 😄👍

Cheers ryan!!! I have just started racing this year and i am really enjoying it!! Your videos are super helpfull and the quality is awesome!! Thanks for all the info!! 😊🤘🤘🤘

Top video, thanks

Always have a clean and fresh buggy before changing setup!!! Unconnect the shocks and take the time to look if the 4 arms are moving freely.

great video, if people are short of cash and want super smooth silky shock action, here is what works for me. Usually the little shim between the two O-rings can be reduced in thickness by carefully rubbing it on some 400grit paper. l would take .2mm off and try it. By doing this we don't squeeze down so tight on the O-rings which is in turn putting WAY to much pressure on the shock shaft causing the stiction. The reason the O-rings are causing stiction is they have grown in size due to the reaction with the silicon shock fluid. Brand new O-rings will help eliminate the stiction but only for a very short period of time, and sometimes not at all. If you shock only has a single O-ring then apply some clear nail polish to the thread that holds the seal pack retainer in place and simply dont tighten it up all the way, this works very well on plastic shocks. The nail polish is just acting as a cheep and easy way of retaining the seal pack holder in place. Simply assemble as per normal with some food grade grease and tighten all the way down and then just back off the retainer until the shock action frees up. Now the O-rings can work properly over a long period of time. You will have it so sorted after this you will wonder what all the fuss is about. Cheers from Down Under and stay safe.

Great video Ryan. Nice ball python I’ve been breeding them going on 11 years now. You can really make some insane looking snakes. They are like beautiful art pieces and yes it’s a ton of work and upkeep.

I agree 100% that keeping the machine prepped and maintained is key to its working consistency. Maintenance is calming to me. When I wrench on my car at home I get in a zen state and could be working on it for hours and not realize the time.

Awsome video Ryan. I race 1/10 onroad and general maintenance is a game changer can be the difference from being in the top 3 or out the back door

Great advice man 👍

Just subbed, good stuff! 👍🍻

Thanks Ryan, I always enjoy your videos. I stay on top of maintenance as I know it makes a huge difference. The one question I have is on shock o-rings. How often should they be replaced? I change my oil roughly every two weeks which encompasses about two race days on average with 3-4 practice days. Thanks again and keep up the great work as we all appreciate it!

Great vid again Ryan. Shock maintenance and suspension and steering set up would be useful. Also esc settings!

Love your videos and your content! How often do you recommend checking / replacing bearings?

Totally agree maintenance is super important. The hard part is to know when to do what maintenance tasks. If there was a chart or something like that in the manuals that give more information than using the words like regularly, periodically and occasionally... instead using time frames such as after x number of batteries packs, weekly monthly and such. And giving a baseline like two battery 5000ma packs a week. I sure you get my drift on the subject.

I used to have several BPs. Still love them!

First, Ryan, much respect. You're absolutely right, however, maintenance is a mindset. I maintained aircraft in the Navy for many years and I maintain everything I own... and I do it with joy. I love maintaining everything. My point is, things in life need maintenance. One can either do it begrudgingly or learn all about it and get that sense of accomplishment when that thing works properly. So, dive in, learn, and enjoy all those wonderful things in your life. Great job, Ryan. Thank you!

Thanks bro.... Ham🤙🏾💯👀📹

You should do another video of what you have in your pit box. It would be cool to see what you have as I'm just getting back into RC racing after 10 years and it would be cool to see how the pit boxes have changed in their contents over the last decade.

In short being a perfectionist has the advantage in RC and thats just the solid truth. No need to excuse yourself Ryan. Attention to detail goes a long way. It does though become expensive replacing things with new ones and doing proper maintenance but that is the only way to run your car at a 100% and at the end of the day it will save you money replacing expensive parts that do wear out. Awesome video

Ryan, First off, I live close to OCRC and I'm bummed I didn't get to go say hi to you when you were out here for the last race. Hopefully next time I'll be able to come out and see you. This is actually a great topic because through my 10 years of racing in the 80's and 90's as a sponsored driver I just got into a routine of replacing things on my car that I felt would wear out. Money wasn't an issue, but my time was and I would neglect one little part and then go out and race and the car would handle like crap. I would try easy fixes like tires before finally a light bulb would go off in my mind and I'd remember that I didn't replace something. I'd take the car apart and I would be so pissed that I didn't take the extra 15 minutes to toss out and replace something. The part that sucks is that it would have added and additional 5 minutes to my original time when the car was already being torn down in the first place. Good condition suspension parts and bearings are crucial in being competitive and consistent and making sure all the hinge pins, arms, and steering all move freely. Now that I'm back racing again, and I have a budget now that I didn't have when I was younger, I know I tend to go longer than I probably should for replacing parts.

Perfect preparation prevents poor performance 👌

So so so much absolute truth here. Way to be real as always Ryan

Love the videos please make more and never stop all so I’m the kid from ocrc 😁

At my LHS they have a spec class in which can be no sponsored drivers, everyone same final ratio (gear/drive) and everyone gets the same brand, sealed and locked motor. It's my favorite class, it's cheap compared to 17.5 or 13.5 and no one with 50 sets of tires and $300 motor combos. Just base buggy kits and 21.5 turn motors. It's fun,and light for beginners but also competitive if you have been driving longer.

I race a tamiya M03 on carpet and all those tricks i use especially the oil in the shocks that is a massive handling upgrade ive done it to all my rc’s

Love these videos man. Cant wait to get my own competition race buggy here soon. I've been saving up so I can do it right the first time kind of thing. Really looking into getting the tekno eb48 2.0. Any thoughts on that one at all?

Very well said Ryan. 😸😸

Quick tip for tires, use dawn dish soap and old toothbrush to clean tires and rinse dry the tire with a cloth and get ready for grip is a very effective and cheap.

Great video as usual, can we see your retro rides?

I would love to see a (how to) bearing maintenance, check, cleaning video. Any Bearing recommendations. 👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼

I think a lot of us need this reminder sometimes

I guess we share a lot interests 😁 cool pit

Heeey it's Ryan again! yay

Hi Ryan, love all the videos and huge fan! Just a few questions, 1 are you pro? 2 how often would you change shock o rings and 3 do you often change crown gears etc inside of the diffs??

shots fired.... :) haha Think his point was to not stress on over wrenching at the expense off enjoying the day. don't need to rebuild shocks after every run, maybe after 3-4 weekends. And maybe his brand was maybe more durable than others. anyway, nothing like a well sorted rig. that said.. I'm about to go to my 2nd race... :) some are looking for every win, some are looking to have some fun.

The message in this video, explains why I can club race a chassis that might be 1,2 generations old. But still can out pace 90% of the competition 👍

Guilty! I was going to just sell my TLR and get out of Offroad because of this frustration. I hate spending money on things that don’t appear critical, but I guess that has gone a bit too far. I may rebuild my car properly and see how it feels afterwards. (Diff, bearings, shocks) (and other things too)

Funny and right at the same time

Nice job and congrats on dash for cash at master’s of Dirt!

sweet video! I guess its time for a rebuild lol.

Hello Ryan, I am new to racing and have a 1/10 buggy. Is there a chart of required or suggested maintenance / replacement for parts based on hours used, conditions or any other factors? I ride dirt bikes and they have required oil change, chain, filter, bearings, shock and other part replacement guides in the owners manual. Would be nice if RC cars (kits for racing) would come with an owners manual or guide. Can you help with that topic? Thanks for videos

0:29 Hey i have the Same Futaba Magnum Junior Fp2bka Controller for my RC10T great radio system.

The snake is sooooo cuttttteeeeeeee :)

In Summary, some basic maintenance would include 1. Dumping and Refilling of shocks. Sometimes topping up and bleeding shocks every few hours of driving made a lot of difference 2. Cleaning of Bearings, pins. 3. Cleaning of Universal joints, Changing drive shaft pins 4. Changing differential oil and cleaning of ball differential 5. Checking of setup. eg camber, ride height, toe. Spending just a little more time in doing these maintenance steps every now and then will make the drive more enjoyable. There will be potentially less mistakes made which may result in repairs needed. If you have just a few hours in the weekend on track, make every minute enjoyable.

Once you get frustrated with your results, then its time to take your racing program a little more seriously. That's what I did, but I remembered its supposed to be fun. I improved my results when I was focused, and that made racing more enjoyable. The thing is the techniques to improve things are not immediately obvious to the less experienced. I double bleed my shocks now (Ae cars idk if that applies to others) my x rings don't go beyond 2 months old and get fresh seals before each big race. That and how to set steering endpoints and other car prep I listened to my fast/sponsored buddies and along with polishing hinge pins and making sure everything is tight vastly improved my cars and thus my driving/results. Also if you fly some where, your shocks will have tons of air in them and if the seals are good will need completely rebleed. Ryan did you make that mistake? haha.

Glad I watched this, I just got into this hobby besides guitar playing

Ryan another awesome video....when you were building associated shocks did you use 2 x rings or did you use 1 O ring and 1 x ring. Just curious thanks for any help.

That hobbyplex is my local track!!! I race on road tho, here is a tip for you , open up your bearings and drain them then add a little sewing machine oil , it frees up the bearings and makes them lightning fast , shhhhh don't tell anyone

Hi Ryan hope your staying safe I might be able to come to masters of dirt but it’s not official

I replace my bearing evermonth unfortunately cuz of how wet it is around me and shocks get rebuilt evertime I do bearring keeping your rc clean and in good shape well allso make it last longer

@Ryan Harris id love to see a video to hear the difference between the stock TLR 5.0 AC kit and if its necessary to upgrade to the HVA conversion kit that is on the Elite version of the car. Also currently only drive on carpet track's and would love to here your input.

Ryan you should do a video on Raw Speed tires and what different compounds mean for different track surfaces.

I run a tlr 22 5.0 elite and need to do maintenance or rebuild overhaul any vids on shock rebuilds or diff rebuilds i know mine needs done for sure

Can I have one of your old buggies to give my son? Huge fan thanks for the content

Been an auto mechanic for almost 35 years you hear people say oh the Ford is crap dodge just crap Chevy is crap... That's is always based on their personal experience with that type of vehicle...when I was racing RC, on a good day I could take my old Traxxas Slash and really put a hurting on all the fancy cars now I may have not taken the best care of my old slash but I was always attentive to the way it drove and I could definitely tell when it was time to do the maintenance if you want your personal car or your RC car to last and to perform you have to do the maintenance, Great video Ryan we will see you next time

Man. I use to wrench and wrench and wrench. Your car can only get so good. I think wheeltime beats something like regular shockshaft oring replacement 99/100 times. I use to clean bearings and rebuild shocks and diffs nearly every race day thinking i needed to to be competitive. It burnt me out. Wish I would've stressed less trying to find the extra tenth and drove more

I personally think the effect of maintenance is amplified even more in on road cars than off-road cars. I once changed out full suspension components that doesn’t even feel worn out and it transformed the handling characteristics of the car and bought back all the steering I was expecting. I feel for large races I might as well build a new kit instead of using my daily.

Thank you for the kind words Ryan!!

Some say practice makes perfect. But as Chazz Sinclair once told my dad, PERFECT practice makes perfect, meaning the car must be at its peak every time it hits the track, or the driver will never be at his or her peak

Full respect for your comments Ryan . Cant think of any reason why that 1 person thumbed down. I guess we're looking in or out . Laters Alex Birmingham the original 1! ;)

I have FOR SURE have people give me the vibe that they thought i was hiding something… i was SUPER fast in the oval back in the day… i knew MY setup, and when people handed me the “same setup” i told them, i couldnt drive their car the same… i always felt it was the diff… i ran 7k… they felt like theirs had 30k or something… like posi off the corners…. They just couldnt believe mine was so smooth with 7k..

I understand this, but one thing I live by; if it ain't broke, don't fix it... worked for the past many years for me. I'm quite busy these days with school so I can't spend 5-6 hours before every race day rebuilding my 4 cars. At the end of every season, I rebuild them though. If I don't win, whatever, I had fun. I raced for years professionally too, and back then I did do that sort of thing... but I'm a weekend warrior, its not worth it anymore.

I recently heard on a video to refresh 1/10th scale 4wd buggy gear diffs every 4 runs. Seems a bit extreme does it?

Hey! How often do you recommend changing out shock x rings/o rings? I am always doing maintenance on my cars, rebuilding things, checking stuff etc.. but have never changed them out. Going to order some but curious if I should get a couple sets or what. Thanks

That’s my local track lol how often do you go there?

How often to you start replace front end components such as ball ends, knuckles, Arms etc? I know some slop is acceptable and normal, but when do you replace yours?

I'm totally new to this and I built my first kit tlr 22 5.0 ac. I built my gear diff exactly how the manual tells you with the 7000 supplied oil but my question is how do I know for sure it's working exactly how it should? I dont really know how it should feel. Thanks