R/C Hardware- N-Tune - Review


March 13th, 2006 - Brian
From: http://www.RCHardware.com - R/C Hardware

Recently I got my hands on a new device that has been created with the intentions of helping you tune your nitro engine. I will be the first to admit that my nitro tuning skills are slim to none. I can usually get my engines running pretty decent but I attribute that to more luck than any type of real skill. Then along comes the good people at R/C Hardware with the little device called the N-Tune. A Carburetor Tuning Dial!



The N-Tune is CNC Machined and Engraved from 6061 Aluminum. They come in a ton of different sizes all created to fit your specific nitro engine perfectly. I was extremely impressed with the fit around all the high-speed needles I had installed them on. They are held in place with a 3mm set screw, and installation is very easy!




During one of my installs, I wanted to have the number 1 facing a certain direction due to where my high speed needle was currently positioned. Then when I had it just right, I ran into the problem of not being able to get to the set screw to tighten it down because the engine head was in the way. Well, the R/C Hardware guys thought of everything! They actually have a hole on either side of the dial for you to use the set screw with! So all I had to do was remove it from the one side, and put it in the other. Perfect!


I have to say I am very pleased with the N-Tune dial! When I am out trying to tune the engine, I can tell exactly where my needle is, I can tell exactly how far I am turning it, and I can easily set it back to exactly where I had it previously incase my tuning does not seem to be going in the right direction. It's really great to be able to lean out your engine an exact amount, see what difference it has made, and if things have gotten worse, you can correct the problem with ease! I can't tell you how many times I have been out at a bash, trying to dial-in an engine, and could of really used one of these things!


I now have an N-Tune on every one of my nitro rides! Pictured are the project T-Maxx with OS .18, CEN Matrix, and Hot Bodies Lightning 2 RR! I even have one on my Duratrax Street Force, but the pic came out too blurry to post. Whether you are an expert engine tuner, or more of a guess and hope type guy like myself, do yourself a favor and pick up one of these! If you check the R/C Hardware prices web page, they sometimes have auctions for models at almost 1/2 price! The N-Tune is really a great product! I'm sure the knockoff's are not far behind, so make sure you pick up an original from R/C Hardware! The only down side of the N-Tune is that it could be a little cheaper. At $17 it's a little rough for a impulse buy at the hobby shop. Keep in mind though that they have a TON of inventory because they are custom to EVERY size high speed needle there is out there, and that is great. I would like to see it closer to the $10 mark. Maybe once they are more popular, it will be easier for them to mass-produce!





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Summary
 Time to Bash  9.5/10 Installation is fast, and the fit is perfect for your specific engine!
 Workability  10/10 The N-tune really does help! It takes all the guesswork out of needle positions.
 Car Show Rating  9/10 It does look pretty cool on there!
 Bash-A-Bility  9.5/10 Don't tighten the set screw down too hard, but it's nice and solid and not going anywhere!
Big Squid Rating  9.5/10 Tentacles. What a great device, and such a big help! It does exactly what it is supposed to do, and it does it well! If you order one, tell them you heard about it on Big Squid RC!