Just like your SC10, putting an LiPo battery in your SC18 will increase speed and improve runtimes. NiMH batteries (like the stock SC18 RTR battery) can work for casual SC18 owners, but LiPo batteries are simply a must for any SC18 racers or serious bashers. Read this article to find out how to get your SC18 LiPo powered.
1. You need to have an ESC with LiPo low-voltage cutoff. This function (not available on the stock SC18 RTR ESC) will prevent your LiPo batteries from being damaged. There are alternatives to buying a new ESC, but we won't get into that here. Read SC18 Brushless Motor and ESC Upgrade for recommended ESC's with LiPo low-voltage cutoff for you SC18.
2. You need a LiPo battery that will fit securely in your SC18. Ideally, you want to buy a LiPo battery that is about the same size as your stock battery. The dimensions are as such: Length: 3.96" (100mm), Width: 1.24" (31.50mm), Height: .68" (17.25mm). Any battery that fits within these dimensions will work with your SC18.
Below, we found two good LiPo batteries that will do the trick:
DuraTrax LiPo 7.4V 1600mAh 20C
Associated Micro Pack 1800mAh 7.4V 20C
3. You need a LiPo compatible charger
We recommend the DuraTrax Onyx 245 AC/DC Dual Charger. This charger can be plugged into an outlet (AC), or you can run it off your car battery (DC - great for charging at the track). The charger also has a cell balancer built into it which is essential for charging LiPo's. I personally use this DuraTrax Onyx Dual Charger for my SC10 and SC18 LiPo batteries and I highly recommend it.
Note: We recommend putting Deans Plugs on all of your batteries and electronics. If you are not familiar with soldering new plugs on your RC equipment, your Local Hobby Shop can do this for you.