Short answer: upgrade SCX24 tires before the motor if the truck slips, spins, or struggles for grip on your course. Tires change traction without forcing electronics, wiring, mount, pinion, or battery compatibility checks. Move to a motor or ESC upgrade only when the crawler has enough grip and the problem is clearly low-speed control, torque feel, or a failing stock motor.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. RC Tech Tips may receive a commission if you use Amazon links on this page. Check wheel size, tire clearance, motor mount, pinion, ESC compatibility, and battery support before buying SCX24 upgrades.
SCX24 Upgrade Order At A Glance
| Upgrade | Best for | Verify first | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 crawler tires | More grip on indoor and small-rock courses | Wheel size, body rub, foam, compound, width | Your issue is a dead motor or bad electronics |
| Practice obstacles | Testing lines before buying power parts | Scale fit, width, surface, storage | You need a vehicle repair, not a practice course |
| 050 brushed motor | Cheap replacement or mild brushed upgrade | Mount, pinion, tray clearance, wiring | You expect a no-fitment upgrade |
| Brushless combo | Advanced control and tuning | Board compatibility, receiver path, battery support | You are new to SCX24 wiring |
| ESC-only upgrade | Control changes and future tuning path | Cables, receiver, BEC, voltage limits | You want a simple tire-like upgrade |
SCX24 tire and practice checks
INJORA 1.0 crawler tires
INJORA 1.0 Tires All Terrain S5 Super Soft Sticky Tires for 1/18 TRX4M 1/24 RC Crawler Axial SCX24 FMS FCX24 Enduro24 Upgarde (T1014)
Best for: SCX24 owners who already understand wheel size and want a traction-focused tire check
Avoid if: new buyers who have not driven the stock tires yet or cannot verify wheel and body fit
Verify 1.0 wheel fit, tire diameter, foams/inserts, body rub, and terrain before buying.
Buy on Amazon
1/24 crawler practice obstacle
RC Remote Control Car Climbing and Balance Challenge Bridge 3D Printed - 1/24 & 1/18 Scale Off-Road Obstacle Course (Truck Not Included)
Best for: SCX24 owners who want a ready-made tabletop obstacle for practice
Avoid if: readers who can build a better DIY course or need a larger outdoor setup
Verify scale, dimensions, material, storage, and whether the obstacle fits the space before buying.
Buy on Amazon
1/24 detachable tabletop obstacle
RC Crawler Bridge Obstacle Ramp, Detachable Climbing Bridge Track for 1/18 1/24 Scale RC Crawler Cars, Tabletop RC Rock Crawling Course Accessory
Best for: SCX24 owners who want another small obstacle/course option
Avoid if: readers who would rather build low-cost DIY obstacles first
Verify scale, dimensions, material, storage, and whether the obstacle fits the space before buying.
Buy on AmazonSCX24 motor and ESC upgrades to verify
INJORA 050 motor/transmission option
INJORA 050 50T Brushed Motor with Helical Gear Complete Transmission for SCX24 1/24 RC Crawler Upgrade
Best for: SCX24 owners who want a lower-cost brushed replacement path
Avoid if: owners expecting a no-check plug-and-play upgrade
Verify mount, pinion, gear mesh, and tray clearance before buying.
Buy on Amazon
Furitek UnityDrive option
FURITEK ESC UNITYDRIVE Combo for Axial SCX24 with MINI KMD Unity 2-in-1 ESC/Motor & Mini Stellar Transmission - Remote Control Car, RC Car Electronics 1/24 RC Crawler Axial SCX24 Upgrades (FUR-2695)
Best for: owners ready for a premium brushless setup and fitment checks
Avoid if: owners who want the cheapest or simplest repair
Verify exact combo contents, receiver path, mount, pinion, and battery support.
Buy on Amazon
Furitek UNITY24 brushless system
FURITEK UNITY24 PRO 3500kv 2-in-1 Micro FOC Brushless System for Axial SCX24 - Remote Control Car, RC Cars 1/24 Scale Electonics Brushless Motor and ESC Combo (FOC Brushless System (FUR-2584))
Best for: owners comparing a complete brushless system for SCX24-size crawlers
Avoid if: owners not comfortable with wiring or programming
Verify exact combo contents, receiver path, mount, pinion, and battery support.
Buy on Amazon
Hobbywing Mini24 ESC
HOBBYWING QUICRUN Mini24 ESC
Best for: small-crawler owners comparing a non-Furitek ESC option
Avoid if: owners who cannot confirm connector and receiver compatibility
Verify brushed/brushless support, connectors, battery voltage, and programming needs.
Buy on AmazonTires Fix Traction Problems Without Creating Wiring Problems
If the SCX24 spins the tires before it climbs, more motor is not the first answer. Better tires can add useful grip while keeping the electronics stock. That is a cleaner beginner upgrade because you are not changing the ESC, receiver, motor plate, pinion, or battery setup.
Check tire outside diameter, width, compound, foam, and body clearance. A tire can fit the wheel and still rub the body or suspension when the crawler flexes.
Use Obstacles To Diagnose The Real Limitation
A small practice obstacle can tell you whether the crawler needs grip, gearing, steering, weight balance, or better throttle control. Run the same line several times before buying parts. If the crawler climbs after you pick a cleaner line, you may need practice more than power.
For course ideas, read RC crawler indoor course ideas and the Axial SCX24 beginner crawler guide.
When A Motor Upgrade Makes Sense
A brushed motor upgrade makes sense when the stock motor is weak, dead, or you want a mild power change and are ready to check the mount and pinion. Some 050-style upgrades may need a different mount or clearance changes, so do not treat a motor listing like a tire listing.
Use the SCX24 motor and ESC guide before buying electronics. If you change battery voltage or charging setup, read how to charge a LiPo battery safely first.
When Brushless Is The Wrong First Move
Brushless can be a good advanced SCX24 upgrade, but it adds compatibility work. You may need to confirm receiver compatibility, ESC placement, motor mount, pinion, battery support, wiring, programming, and whether the current board works with the chosen ESC.
If that sounds annoying, drive stock longer and upgrade tires first. The cheapest upgrade is often the one that solves the real problem without creating five new checks.
FAQ
What should I upgrade first on an SCX24?
For most beginners, tires are a better first upgrade than motor or ESC parts. Upgrade electronics after you know the crawler has enough grip and the limitation is truly power or control.
Do SCX24 tires fit every 1.0 wheel?
Do not assume perfect fit. Check wheel size, tire bead, width, diameter, foam, and body clearance before buying.
Is brushless worth it on an SCX24?
Brushless can be worth it for advanced owners who want tuning and smoother control, but it is not the simplest first upgrade. Compatibility and wiring matter.
