XMODS by RadioShack

These are our XMODS and XMODS EVO (Evolution) by RadioShack.  We build our own portable XMODS track and have a bunch of XMODS and XMODS Evolution cars and, of course, onboard video from the XMODS.  From time to time we will have spare XMODS replacement parts for sale (see below).  We have a computerized XMODS lap counter and hold XMODS races on our portable track for free for charitable events.  Learn how we build our own XMODS tracks on the RC Tracks Build page.  These would work very well as Mini-Z tracks and Micro-RS4 tracks as well.  They are MUCH cheaper when we build them ourselves and it doesn’t take very long to build them.  They can be built in standard, medium and wide configurations.

 

 

UPDATE – We just did the XMODS Evolution 6 cell upgrade.  Details to follow.

 

***NEW – Check out our XMODS Evolution DRIFTING Video (video page)***

Our Most Recent XMODS

The Infinity G35 XMODS Evolution

And the Mustang GT XMODS Evolution

 

EVO Observations:

*       The XMODS EVO turns WAY better than the standard XMODS.  The trim dial on the thumb is actually worth while now to turn down the steering rate.  We like it!

*       Body goes off and on much easier due to different clip style.

*       Steering was dead center straight without adjustment on the XMODS Evolution.

*       XMODS EVO Batteries are mounted on the bottom, but it seems the body must still come off to change batteries.

*       Upon a cursory inspection it appears that the drives on the XMODS Evolution are much stronger than the original XMODS.

 

*       The XMODS EVO drives great on our home built XMODS Track.

*       We think the XMODS Evolution is definitely worth the $10 extra just for the steering improvement alone.

*       We’ve been bashing our new EVOs quite a bit and only broke one part so far – a steering knuckle.  We have several XMODS Evolutions now and hardly drive our Generation 1 anymore.

*       We’ve noticed that some of the new XMODS Evolution cars are a little off-centered for steering, but easily adjusted compared to the Gen 1 versions.

*       *** UPDATE*** We converted an Evolution to 4WD and did some drifting.  See the Videos page.  It’s completely stock except the 4WD upgrade and hard slicks all around.

 

 

 

Our XMODS Tracks and Race Video

 

Text Box: Quick Links: Main Menu XMODS Our RC Tracks How to Build RC Tracks Lap Counter Software RC Videos Store

We have built several XMODS tracks in Standard, Medium and Wide configurations.  You can learn more about them on the RC Tracks page. You will find video of our cars running each of these tracks as well.  Some of the footage is ONBOARD so is a lot of fun.   We can’t decide which track version we like better.  Check out the Videos page.

 

 

 

 

Lap Counting

 

 

We use Lap Trapper lap counting software when we want to score our laps.  It will handle up to six racers.  There’s no hardware installation, we just press the number of the car on the keyboard as it passes the Start/Finish line.  It’s quick, easy and low cost.  You can check it out on the Lap Trapper page.

 

Our XMODS Cars

 

We have 10 XMODS cars:  Red ’67 Camero, White Toyota Supra, Yellow Nissan Skyline, Blue Honda Civic, Yellow Acura NSX, Black Nissan Skyline, Orange Nissan 350Z, Silver Corvette – NEW (Subaru Impreza and Acura RSX)

They’re all pretty much the same other than body styles, except the 350Z has a shorter wheelbase.  We’ve observed that the Camero rides much higher and is much more prone to roll over and will very easily run off the track.  The Corvette has a curved rear and a wedge nose so is also more prone to roll over when rear-ended.  It will flip the Camero right over when it gets a nose under it.  The 350Z is the most stable and is difficult to roll even when it is hit real hard.  The NSX is also very stable.  Our new Subaru Impreza and Acura RXS cars both drive and handle well.  They also both turn pretty sharp.  We’re wondering if maybe the later runs of the XMODS have been improved upon.

 

We have noticed that there’s a good amount of variance in turning radius from car to car.  Some cars turn pretty nicely while others have a very large turning radius.  On our bigger tracks we just don’t notice it much, but on the tighter tracks it really stands out.  We’ve observed that this may have as much to do with the radio as it does the car.  We can swap radios between a car that turns well and one that doesn’t and see a significant difference.   There are lots of after market modifications for XMODS cars, but I don’t see much about modifications to the radio itself.  We may have to try this out.

 

 

XMODS Tips and Tricks

*  The left rear cup drive is the part that breaks the most on the standard XMODS.  Every car but one broke one of these.  The only one that hasn’t is the one we converted to AWD.  We’re pretty rough on them as you can see from the videos!

*  We’ve been breaking a lot of the Steering Knuckles so you may want to consider getting extra ones.  You can call Radio Shack to get these and the cup drives.

*   Almost every car came with a bad case of off center steering.  They either pull hard left or hard right.  To fix this you can simply pull the screw off of the servo horn and turn it one or two splines.

*   Get the rechargeable NiMh batteries that RadioShack sells.  They give more power and speed and they should save you money in the long run as they are rechargeable.  Ours are usually charged in an hour or less. 

 

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