Building a 1/5 Scale Custom RC Car with CISON V8 PRO Engine and 6AT Gearbox

If you’re tired of the same old electric RC cars and crave the authentic roar of a combustion engine, this custom 1/5 scale project is for you. 

Today, I’m sharing the journey of building a one-of-a-kind RC car powered by the CISON V8 PRO engine, paired with a functional 6AT automatic transmission and mounted on a handcrafted chassis with MODEL GT tires. This build isn’t just about speed—it’s about engineering, precision, and bringing a full-scale muscle car’s spirit to a compact, remote-controlled platform.

Whether you’re a seasoned RC hobbyist, a scale model enthusiast, or someone who loves seeing mechanical masterpieces come to life, this build will give you a new appreciation for custom gas-powered RC projects. Let’s dive into every detail, from the hand-fabricated chassis to the throaty growl of the CISON V8 PRO.

Why This Build? The Vision Behind the 1/5 Scale RC Project

Authentic V8 Power: Nothing beats the sound and feel of a real internal combustion engine. The CISON V8 PRO was the perfect choice for its scale accuracy and reliable performance.

Functional Drivetrain: A real 6AT gearbox to mimic full-scale automatic shifting, not just a fixed gear setup.

Custom Chassis: A hand-built 1/5 scale platform tailored to fit the engine, transmission, and MODEL GT tires for a true race-inspired look.

Most off-the-shelf gas RC cars come with generic engines and plastic parts. This build was all about pushing the limits—combining a precision-engineered V8 with a purpose-built chassis to create something that’s as much a work of art as it is a high-performance RC car.

The Heart of the Beast: CISON V8 PRO Engine

The CISON V8 PRO is the star of this build, and for good reason. This 1/6 scale water-cooled 4-stroke V8 engine isn’t just a static model—it’s a fully functional powerplant designed for RC applications. Here’s why it was the ideal choice:

Scale Realism: With the iconic orange valve covers and “CISON ” branding, it mirrors the look of classic American V8s, complete with working spark plugs, cooling system, and intake manifold.

Reliable Performance: As a 44cc engine, it delivers smooth, consistent power that’s more than enough to propel the 1/5 scale chassis, while the water-cooled design prevents overheating during long runs.

Mechanical Appeal: Unlike two-stroke nitro engines, the V8 PRO has the sound and feel of a full-scale V8—think deep, throaty rumble instead of high-pitched whines.

The Drivetrain: Functional 6AT Automatic Transmission

Pairing the CISON V8 PRO with a 6-speed automatic transmission was a game-changer for this build. Most RC cars use a simple two-speed or single-gear setup, but this functional

6AT brings the car to life in a whole new way:

Realistic Shifting: The transmission shifts through gears automatically, just like a full-scale car, with smooth acceleration and torque delivery that matches the V8’s powerband.

Durability: Built to handle the V8’s torque, the gearbox features precision-machined aluminum housing and hardened gears to stand up to repeated use.

Integration: Aligning the transmission’s output shaft with the rear differential required custom driveshaft fabrication and careful measurement to eliminate play and vibration.

The 6AT also added a layer of complexity to the build, but watching the car accelerate through gears—with the V8’s RPM rising and falling as it shifts—is a sight to behold.

Handcrafted Chassis: The Backbone of the 1/5 Scale Build

The chassis is where this build truly shines, as it’s completely custom-fabricated to fit the engine, transmission, and MODEL GT tires. Here’s what went into it:

Scale & Structure: Built to 1/5 scale, the chassis features a rigid black base with triangulated support beams for maximum strength without unnecessary weight. The open-frame design keeps the center of gravity low, improving handling at high speeds.

Material Choice: A durable, lightweight composite material that balances rigidity and weight savings, ensuring the car stays responsive while supporting the heavy V8 engine and transmission.

Custom Mounting Points: Every component—from the engine and transmission to the suspension arms—has purpose-built mounting holes and brackets, machined to exact tolerances to eliminate flex and misalignment.

Building the chassis from scratch meant I could tailor every aspect to the build’s needs, from the wheelbase to the suspension geometry. It was a labor-intensive process, but the result is a chassis that’s as strong as it is unique.

Wheels & Tires: MODEL GT for Performance and Style

To complete the look and ensure the car handles like a race car, we chose MODEL GT tires paired with matching black wheels:

Tire Performance: The MODEL GT tires feature a low-profile, semi-slick tread pattern designed for high-speed on-road use, providing excellent grip on smooth surfaces while minimizing rolling resistance.

Scale Aesthetics: The tires’ sidewall branding and realistic tread pattern add to the car’s authentic look, matching the scale of the 1/5 build perfectly.

Wheel Design: The black five-spoke wheels with red center caps complement the V8’s orange accents, tying the entire build together visually.

Balancing the tires and aligning the wheels was critical to prevent vibration at high speeds, especially with the powerful V8 engine. The result is a car that not only looks fast but handles predictably, even under full throttle.

Final Thoughts: Why Custom RC Builds Are Worth the Effort

Building this 1/5 scale RC car with the CISON V8 PRO engine, 6AT gearbox, and custom chassis has been one of the most rewarding projects we’ve ever taken on. It’s a reminder that RC cars don’t have to be generic or mass-produced—they can be expressions of creativity, engineering skill, and passion.

If you’re thinking about tackling a custom RC build of your own, my advice is to start with a clear vision, take your time with precision work, and don’t be afraid to troubleshoot. The end result—something that’s uniquely yours, powered by a real V8—is worth every late night in the workshop.

Whether you’re a fellow hobbyist, a scale model fan, or just someone who appreciates mechanical art, I hope this build inspires you to push the limits of what’s possible with RC. Stay tuned for future updates, including tuning tips, performance upgrades, and more runs with this beast!