We range test the EP before we ever touch the rest of the car. The average XMODS EP has a range of approximately 40 feet. The best XMODS EPs can reach all the way to 60 feet before breaking up. We use these extra long range EPs for Stacked FET and V2 Board upgrades. (We do this because range decreases with a hot motor since brush arcing increases with current; creating more noise and thereby reducing effective range. So for those upgrades we have to start with the longest range EPs we can find.) The EPs in the 30-40 feet range are used as Pro Ready EPs. Anything below 20 feet is not up to our standards and we either tune it or replace the receiver and re-test it. Mini-Zs, however, always have fantastic range and therefore do not require this step.

Load testing is the most important test we do, since a bind free car is a must for maximum performance. The car is wired into our variable power supply which has a digital readout of both voltage and current draw. Each motor and upgrade combination will have different current loading characteristics and we check to be sure the loading is within specs. Excessivly high current draws usually indicate something is binding up. You can read more about this and perform the same test yourself by following the Tutorial on Measuring Current.

Speed testing involves running the car on a Tamiya Dyno to check that the top speed is within spec for its class. This tells us that the motor and drivetrain are performing at maximum capability. In the Video section there are a few example of expirimental cars being tested on the Dyno. Look for the Nuke 130 SM Speed Test.

Each car is driven on our test track for 5 minutes or so. We are double checking for any range problems; which are very common and often require replacement receivers to solve. We also check for proper handling and overall performance. Don't worry though, this test is not long enough to wear the tires down, and we use test bodies so we don't scratch your new body in case of a mishap.