Traxxas Drift Car: Upgrade Tips for Mastering the Art of Drifting

RC Visions
An image of a Traxxas drift car being upgraded for optimal drifting performance

Straight out of the box, the Traxxas drift car is a solid performer. It slides well on corners and kicks up a good amount of dust. But that’s just the beginning! This vehicle can do 10x more with the right tweaks and upgrades. 

Here, you’ll learn how to transform your stock Traxxas RC car into a drift machine. We’ll discuss every single detail — from tires and suspension to the vehicle's motor and steering upgrades. After reading this blog post, you’ll have a proper understanding of what components are necessary, as well as where to source them from. 

So, let's get started and take you one step closer to becoming an expert RC drifter!

1. Tires

An image of the Yeah Racing Spec D pre-mounted drift tires

This is no secret. Tires are the foundation of drifting. With a bad set, you’re already setting the stage for disappointment. Now, by no means do we mean the stock tires are terrible — they’re decent and get the job done. However, investing in a good quality upgrade can make a huge difference in balance and grip.

Here’s what you should look for:

    • Hard Compound Tires: Pay special attention to what the tire is made out of. A harder compound material allows for smoother sliding.
  • Tread Patterns: Don’t get fooled with fake marketing ploys. Many vendors sell regular RC car tires as drifting ones because they look slick. Drift tires have little to no treading.
    • Pre-mounted Tires: This one’s more for convenience. Pre-mounted cut the hassle of gluing them to the rims. Simply pop the packaging open and directly mount them to the car.  

    Our Recommendation: Yeah Racing Spec D pre-mounted drift tires.

    2. Battery

    An image of the Traxxas 3S "Power Cell" 25C LiPo battery

    The next thing you should consider switching up is the battery. Drifting puts quite some stress on your Traxxas RC drift car’s power system. A more powerful option will deliver those much-needed bursts of speed and high torque. And not to forget extra juice. After all, no one enjoys having their drifting session interrupted because their battery died.

    Here’s what you should look for:

    • Higher mAh Rating: A battery with a higher milliamp-hour (mAh) is a win for any level of drifter. It allows you to drift longer without needing to recharge.

    • Higher C-Rating: This indicates how quickly the battery discharges power. Aim for one with at least a 25C rating for high-speed drifting.
    • LiPo Batteries: Weight is a major factor when it comes to drifting. Lithium Polymer batteries are far more lightweight than stock ones. Plus, they are capable of delivering consistent output while the car is cornering.

    Our Recommendation: Traxxas 3S "Power Cell" 25C LiPo battery.

    3. Remote Control (Transmitter)

    An image of the Traxxas TQi 2.4Ghz 4-channel transmitter.

    You might be surprised by this one. Improving the transmitter is also an option. With an advanced model, you'll have better control and access to more features. All of which are essential while burning rubber.  

    Here’s what you should look for:

    • Adjustable Throttle and Steering Sensitivity: Pick one that allows you to alter the sensitivity of the throttle as well as steering. This allows you to customize your car’s response and find that sweet spot for drifting.

    • Dual-Rate Controls: This one’s a must-have to prevent oversteering. It allows you to restrict the maximum steering angle to match your drifting style.
    • Programmable Settings: Don’t settle for basic. Consider options that come with customizable settings. This way, you can tweak other necessary controls for drifting, like the throttle curves and braking force. Plus, you can save personalized profiles tailored to different track conditions.

    Our Recommendation: Traxxas TQi 2.4Ghz 4-channel transmitter.

    4. Upgrading the Motor

    An image of the Traxxas VXL-3S Velineon brushless power system combo.

    Now, let’s move on to the heart of the RC car — the motor. The one that’s factory-installed on the Traxxas drift car is good for beginners. But if you want more than just decent power, invest in a high-RPM motor. Your vehicle's torque will increase, allowing you to perform more daring drift moves.

    Here’s what you should look for:

    • KV Rating: The KV rating determines the motor’s speed. Consider going for one that has a rating between 3000-4000.

    • Brushless Motors: Opt for a brushless motor over the standard brushed one. The simple reason is that brushless motors are more efficient and require less maintenance. Plus, they last longer.
    • Cooling: Here’s a bonus tip. Pair your new upgraded motor with a heat sink or cooling fan like Traxxas Velineon ESC Cooling Fan. High-powered motors are prone to overheating during intense drifting sessions. The cooling component will not only boost the motor’s performance but also extend its life.

    Our Recommendation: Traxxas VXL-3S Velineon brushless motor.

    5. Steering

    An image of the Traxxas 2075X servo
    Next, let’s talk about about steering, another important part of drifting. You need pinpoint accuracy and extremely responsive steering to keep your RC car under control on those narrow, slippery turns. That’s why getting a better servo instead of the company-fitted one is a good idea. Once you have it replaced, you'll feel more in charge right away.

    Here’s what you should look for:

    • High-Torque Servo: A servo that’s capable of producing more torque allows you to quickly correct drifts and maintain a smooth slide. Select metal-geared ones as they are more durable and can withstand the stress of high-speed drifting.
    • Servo Saver: Hard impacts can easily damage the servo. Therefore, it’s wise to protect your upgraded servo with a Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0 servo saver. Designed with high-quality materials, this component’s primary goal is to cushion shocks and vibrations.

    Our Recommendation: Traxxas 2075X high torque metal gear waterproof digital servo.

    6. Suspension

    Drifting looks impressive to everyone watching. But the same cannot be said for the suspension. It takes a good beating with every sharp turn and slide. A stock setup might struggle to handle this pressure — resulting in unpredictable handling and excessive wear on parts. To get the right amount of balance, its important to invest in a suspension set that has oiled shocks and slightly firmer springs. 

    Here are a few minor tweaks to maximize your suspension’s performance:

    • Lower the Ride Height: This is pure physics. By reducing your RC car’s height, you lower its center of gravity. This small change can give your car a more grounded feeling.
    • Camber and Toe Adjustments: Adjust the camber angles to give the wheels a slight inward tilt. Go with a negative camber from the front wheels to boost its grip and a slight toe-out adjustment for better steering response. 

    Our Recommendation: Traxxas Big Bore shock absorbers.

    Get Top-Quality Traxxas Drift Car Upgrades at RC Visions

    Now that you know the secrets behind a good drift setup, it’s time to get your hands on the right parts. At RC Visions, we offer a wide range of premium Traxxas drift car upgrades. From RC car tires and wheels to high-torque servos and everything in between, we’ve got it all. Plus, with our global shipping, you can have everything you need delivered right to your doorstep, no matter where you are.

    Our goal is to give you the best value for your money. The RC products listed on our website are pocket-friendly without compromising on quality. We even run special offers and discounts to help you save some more bucks. And if you need help with financing, we can help you with that, too.

    We have a passionate team of experts who are always ready to help you find the right upgrades for your Traxxas RC drift car and address any queries you might have. So feel free to contact us. 

    Conclusion

    We’ve not gatekept any secrets here — upgrading your Traxxas drift car is all about choosing the right parts and fine-tuning them. Everything from the car’s tires to its suspension system plays an important role in sliding smoothly on those corners. And you know where to find genuine and good-quality parts — RC Visions. So go ahead, get those upgrades and unleash your Traxxas RC drift car’s true potential.

    FAQs

    Is Traxxas 4-Tec good for drifting?

    The Traxxas 4-Tec is an excellent drift car for beginners. However, its motor, wheels and other parts can be upgraded to suit more advanced drifters.  

    What's the best RC drift car brand?

    Traxxas is one of the top brands in the RC drifting world. Known for its durability and versatility, RC cars from this manufacturer offer excellent performance right out of the box. The Traxxas 4-Tec series, in particular, is a favorite amongst enthusiasts. 

    Are Traxxas RC cars made in the USA?

    Traxxas is an American company that operates out of McKinney, Texas. While most of the design and engineering processes occur locally in the USA, the company relies on overseas manufacturing to produce parts and final assembly. 

    What is RC car drifting?

    RC car drifting is similar to full-scale car drifting. It’s a technique where the car intentionally slides sideways while driving through turns. To pull this off, the RC driver must expertly balance the throttle input, steering angle and counter-steering.