RC Geek Scale Addiction: Supra Gets a Toyan V8 Makeover! | Stirlingkit
April 17, 2025RC Geek Scale Addiction, Taking the V8 Upgrade to the Next Level!
This year, Youtuber Scale Addiction once again took model modifications to new levels. This time, he swapped the small twin-cylinder engine (SEMTO L2 ) in a 1/8 scale SUPRA car model car for a stunning V8 engine (Toyan gas v8), as if giving the “toy car” the heart of a supercar! This is not just a simple engine swap; it's a complete performance revolution. How did this RC enthusiast transform a "toy" into a true beast step by step? Let's dive into the details.
From a Compact Twin-Cylinder engine to a Powerful V8, Scale Addiction's Upgrade Journey
This modification journey was not wrapped in fancy packaging, but was driven by step-by-step accumulation of experience and countless tuning sessions. Let's take a look at how Scale Addiction transitioned from the original twin-cylinder engine to the mighty V8:
Step 1: Starting with a Twin-Cylinder Engine (May 2023)
The modification began with the SEMTO L2 twin-cylinder engine as the starting point for the SUPRA model. Although this was an "entry-level" choice, the small engine still impressed with its performance. After repeated tuning, he adjusted the power output and the transmission system, giving the SUPRA model enough power. Every time the engine fired up, Scale Addiction would personally fine-tune it, ensuring every detail was as perfect as possible.
To make the small SUPRA feel more like a sports car, he first used a 3D printer to design a chassis, serving as the model's skeleton. Every connection point was precisely calculated to ensure both strength and esthetics. He then designed the transmission system and added a “clutch” to control the power output precisely, just like squeezing the brake lever on a bicycle. When the twin-cylinder engine first started, he carefully fine-tuned it, listening to the engine's sound and ensuring every component was working perfectly together.
Of course, the process wasn't without its setbacks. During the first run, he discovered that some materials were not strong enough, so he replaced them with stronger materials and adjusted the tires for better grip. The careful attention to detail in the modification laid a solid foundation for the next big upgrade.
Tip: Starting with a Twin-Cylinder Engine—Why Choose This First?
Twin-cylinder engines (like the SEMTO L2) have a simple structure, compact size, and light weight, making them ideal for beginners learning about RC modifications. They do not require complicated chassis and transmission systems, making them the perfect starting point. Want to build your own SUPRA car with Semto 2-Cylinder Engine just like Scale Addiction? Print it now .
Step 2: Upgrading to a Four-Cylinder Engine (Summer 2024)
As Scale Addiction’s understanding of RC models deepened, it was time for a performance boost—he upgraded to the TOYAN FS-L400BGC L4 inline four-cylinder engine . The four-cylinder engine provided smoother power and higher RPMs, giving the SUPRA model a significant performance boost. However, with the increased power, the engine's cooling issues also came into play, so Scale Addiction designed a water-cooling system to ensure stability under heavy load.
After switching to the L4 engine, Scale Addiction noticed smoother performance and more power. To enhance the exhaust effect, he also carefully designed an exhaust pipe to ensure smoother exhaust flow and a richer sound. After some fine-tuning and improvements, the SUPRA model’s performance took another leap. Want to build your own SUPRA car with Toyan 4-Cylinder Engine just like Scale Addiction? Print it now .
Model Engine Basics: Twin-Cylinder vs Four-Cylinder vs V8, Which One to Choose?
After experiencing both L2 and L4 engines, Scale Addiction had a deeper understanding of the characteristics of model engines. Different types of engines are suited for different needs, and here’s a simple comparison:
Key Metrics | SEMTO L2 | TOYAN L4 | TOYAN V8 | Impact on Supra Modification |
---|---|---|---|---|
Power Output | 0.6 ps | 3.05 hp (approx. 2.27 kW) | 3.85 PS (approx. 2.83 kW) | Directly determines the Supra model’s acceleration and top speed, with the V8 being the ultimate performance pursuit. |
Size | 11.2 x 9 x 9.2 cm | 16.35 x 5.05 x 10 cm | 17.7 x 17.35 x 15.39 cm | Affects whether the engine can fit in the limited shell space; V8 is a huge challenge and requires 3D printing support. |
Weight | 535g | 1250g | 2400g | Affects the model’s handling agility and weight distribution; V8 requires stronger chassis support. |
RPM Range | 4000-16000 rpm | 3200-13500 rpm | 1950 - 8650 rpm | High RPM = fast spinning engine. This affects how quickly the car accelerates and its top speed. Different engines deliver power differently across the RPM range |
Cooling | Easy (Air-cooled) | Difficult (Water-cooled + Air-cooled) | Very Difficult (Water-cooled) | Determines engine reliability under high loads; the V8 generates huge heat, so cooling is key. |
Fuel Type | 20-25% Nitro Fuel | 92# and Above Gasoline | 92# or Higher Gasoline | Fuel makes the engine go. Different fuels have different costs and are easier or harder to find. |
Installation Difficulty | Relatively Simple | More Complex | Very Complex | Affects the technical difficulty and the time/effort required for modification; the V8 has more complex structures and piping. |
Sound | Relatively Thin | Richer | Very Rich (Unique to V8) | Affects the simulation and sensory experience; the V8’s exhaust note is a unique charm. |
Step 3: The V8 Challenge Ahead: How Will Scale Addiction Decide?
With the addition of the TOYAN FS-V800BGC V8 engine, Scale Addiction began to evaluate two options: continue modifying the existing chassis, or design a completely new one from scratch. The enormous size and weight of the V8 engine made the existing chassis seem inadequate, and modifying it might destabilize the car or even compromise handling and safety.
Thus, he decided to use 3D printing technology to design an entirely new chassis, tailor-made for the V8 engine. Every connection point and reinforcement beam was meticulously calculated to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity. Although this decision added to the workload, it ensured the V8 engine would perform optimally and stably.
Scale Addiction's V8 Upgrade: How to Tackle the Challenges?
The V8 engine not only brings a leap in power but also presents a series of technical challenges. Scale Addiction needed to solve the following core problems:
Weight: The V8 engine is much heavier than previous engines. How to balance the car's center of gravity to ensure stability? By strengthening the chassis and optimizing the car's weight distribution, Scale Addiction overcame this challenge.
Cooling: The V8 engine generates immense heat. How to maintain stable operation? He chose an efficient water-cooling system to ensure optimal performance under heavy loads.
Power Transmission: How to smoothly transfer the immense power from the V8 engine to the wheels while maintaining stability? After adjusting the transmission system, the power output became much smoother.
Exhaust System: The V8's exhaust note is one of its highlights. How to make it both aesthetically pleasing and improve exhaust flow? Scale Addiction carefully designed the exhaust pipe to enhance the exhaust effect.
Finally, after meticulous design and multiple adjustments, Scale Addiction overcame all the technical challenges and created a Supra model car with outstanding performance and a striking appearance, powered by the V8 engine.
Want to Know More About the V8 Upgrade?
If you're also interested in how Scale Addiction took his Supra model car from a small twin-cylinder to a V8 powerhouse, feel free to share your questions in the comments section! The most popular questions will be answered in the next video. Don't forget to follow us for more exciting RC modification content!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scale Addiction
1.What 3D Printable STL Files are available for SEMTO and TOYAN Engines?
Answer: We offer official 3D printable STL files for the SEMTO dual-cylinder engine and the TOYAN L4 (4-cylinder) engine, both licensed by Stirlingkit and Scale Addiction. The files are designed by Scale Addition, ensuring a high-quality fit for your SUPRA projects. The TOYAN V8 STL files will be available soon.
2. Can I use the same STL files for the SEMTO and TOYAN engines?
Answer: No, the STL files are specifically designed for each engine type. The SEMTO engine uses a dual-cylinder setup, while the TOYAN L4 and TOYAN V8 engines are four-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines, respectively. Each set of files is tailored to fit the unique structure of each engine.
3. Do I need to print any additional parts for the SEMTO or TOYAN engines?
Answer: While the STL files allow you to 3D print the car chassis, some additional connection parts are required and must be purchased separately. These parts are available for purchase directly from Stirlingkit, ensuring you have access to the official components necessary for your build.
4. Are these STL files compatible with other engine models?
Answer: No, the STL files are specifically designed for the SEMTO and TOYAN L4/V8 engine models. They are not interchangeable with other engines and are tailored for Scale Addition projects, offering a perfect fit for these specific engine types.
5. Can I use my 3D printer to print all parts for my engine model?
Answer: Yes, you can 3D print the car chassis using the official STL files. However, other connection parts and components are not included in the files and need to be purchased separately from Stirlingkit.
6. What is the benefit of the Scale Addition design for my engine model?
Answer: The Scale Addition design focuses on precision and accuracy, ensuring that all printed parts fit perfectly and maintain high-level detail. These files have been specifically crafted to fit the SUPRA project with SEMTO or TOYAN engines, offering a seamless integration with the engine components for the ultimate model-building experience.
7. Are these STL files officially licensed?
Answer: Yes, the STL files are officially licensed by Stirlingkit. Stirlingkit is the only official distributor authorized to offer Scale Addition projects for the SEMTO and TOYAN engines, ensuring that the files meet the highest standards and are fully compatible with the engine models.
8. When will the TOYAN V8 STL files be available?
Answer: The TOYAN V8 STL files are currently in development and will be released soon. These files will allow you to upgrade your RC model to the high-performance TOYAN V8 engine, designed to deliver unmatched power and performance for your Scale Addition Supra project.