Kyosho Air Streak 500

[donny]

I got the the Air Streak 500 nitro version. I´m pretty satisfied with it, but I would like it to be faster. Any ideas???

[Chris LaPanse]

What is your budget? Several things can make it go faster. The first thing you should try is a new prop. This can significantly increase your speed. Also, try adding a tuned pipe, or running fuel with a higher percent nitro. If you can afford it, the biggest way to increase performance is an engine swap. It all depends on your budget. Whatever route you take, you willalways eventually want more speed, but that is the addiction of RC boating. :D

Whatever you choose, youwill go faster. GL, and be sure to post some pics ;)

[donny]

I´ve tried with different props. It works with the speed, but the acceleration suffers too much. I was thinking about a bigger engine but never got into it because I think a 21 would be way to big. So I guess the best choice is a tuning pipe. Should I install the pipe outside the boat for better cooling? I´ve heard that they get pretty hot..

Thanks

[Hydro Junkie]

You're right, they do get HOT. As I'm not familiar with this boat, it's hard to really answer the inside/outside question. What I can tell you is to be sure the pipe is attached SECURELY to the hull. A hot tuned pipe will do magical things to a plastic hull. I've seen a pipe melt right through the side of a abs hulled boat, all because the owner was foolish and claimed the pipe would be okay attached only by the coupler. A tuned pipe will do wonders for a nitro boat, but it's only one part of the equasion. The pipe, prop and mixture in the carb combine to affect the boats performance. If you are going to install a tuned pipe, if this is your first nitro boat, have someone with experience help you in setting the length. The length affects how high the engine RPM needs to be to get the benefit of the pipe. After you get the pipe set, then experiment with props. One you didn't like might surprise you :D

[donny]

There was a pipe with somekind of watercooling, which I´ll probably go for. I´m thinking of installing the pipe outside. I´ll cut a hole in the lid to fit the pipe or something like that. About the props. I´ve only used Kyosho two bladed plastic props. Should I go for three bladed and/or steel?

Thanks.