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One of the most common questions we hear about RC cars and trucks is, “how fast does it go?” While this seems like a common, ordinary and easy question to answer, the truth is that there are a number of different factors that contribute to a vehicle’s speed, torque and acceleration. One of the big determining factors is the gear ratio and transmission of your vehicle. While things like installing a faster motor or higher voltage battery are easy things to understand, wrapping your head around gear ratios can be like taking an advanced course in physics, geometry, algebra and trigonometry. While there’s a lot going on, there’s some simple ways to get a basic understanding of what the gears in your transmission do, what changing them means and how things work. We’ve also put a list of commonly used terms together for you below for quick reference to help you as you progress.
External Gear Ratio — The gear ratio of the gears that are visible or outside of a transmission case. This is the ratio of the pinion and spur gear.
Final Drive Ratio — The gear ratio of the entire drive system in a car or truck. This includes the internal gear ratio of the transmission and the external gear ratio of the pinion and spur gears. You can calculate this ratio by dividing the spur gear tooth count by the pinion gear tooth count and multiplying that total by the internal transmission ratio.
Gear Ratio — A gear ratio is the relationship between the number of teeth on two meshed gears. This relationship is expressed mathematically. For example, if one gear with 50 teeth is driven by a gear with 20 teeth, the gear ratio is 2.5:1. You would calculate this by diving 50/20 for a total of 2.5.In an RC Car, you have 2 different ratios you’ll need to work with to achieve the proper gearing for a specific application and goal. The first is the external ratio and the other is the internal ratio.
Internal Gear Ratio — The gear ratio of a vehicle’s transmission gears separate from the pinion and spur gear ratios. The internal ratio is a fixed number determined by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Module — For countries that use the metric system, Module is the equivalent of pitch. It typically refers to the pitch diameter, in millimeters, divided by the number of teeth. The higher the number on the pitch, the finer the tooth profile is. The common module types are 1.0 module and 0.6 module.
Pinion Gear — A small gear that directly attaches to the output shaft of an electric motor.
Pitch (AKA Pitch Diameter) — In countries that do not use the metric system, pitch refers to the number of teeth on a gear with a 1-inch pitch diameter. The higher the number on the pitch, the finer the tooth profile is. The finer the pitch, the more efficient the gear; however, since they have less material, they are often more prone to stripping if the mesh is not set properly. The more coarse the pitch, the less efficient the gear will be; however, they are also more durable and less susceptible to damage. 48 pitch is the most common pitch in RC, however, 64 pitch and 32 pitch can also be used.
Spur Gear — The large gear mounted to the top shaft of your transmission in an off-road vehicle, the center differential in an 1/8-scale or 4WD Short Course Truck or the main lay shaft in an on-road vehicle. The spur gear is driven by the pinion gear or clutch bell.
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SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A fully restored and beautifully finished Volkswagen Type 2 Bay Campervan.
EQUIPMENT
Pop-up fibreglass roof, roll-down cab windows, automatic choke, one piece windshield, windshield washers, cigar lighter, side sliding door, 12V electrics, convertible bench to bed, high gloss storage lockers, high gloss central locker with cup holders, power socket, what-not cabinet, panel wall insulation, curtains on all windows including cab, wear resistant insulated floor covering, electric fan blower, glovebox, louvered window screens, rear seatbelts.
EXTERIOR
This absolutely stunning campervan has undergone a full back to bare metal restoration in 2008 and the resulting finish is superb. A professional and fully photographic restoration documents the meticulous process right up to the final coats of stunning Bianco over Rosso Corsa. The high quality paint finish has remained impeccable with a deep vibrant shine and the white upper section beautifully clean and pure. Completely free from corrosion, this examples fastidious renovation is clearly evident. All trim sections are perfect as are the window rubbers and the elevating roof bellows brand new replacements as part of the process. Said elevating roof section operates freely and the entire set up is completely watertight. The supplying dealer number plates showing signs of wear remain with the car but new items have been fitted. The no expense spared restoration has born fantastic results to this one off creation which has a unique personal stamp whilst staying largely true to Volkswagens original concept. Not to be missed!
INTERIOR
The beautifully trimmed interior plays a huge part in the vehicles appeal and examples of skilled craftsmanship and hours of devotion are seen throughout. The exterior colour scheme flows to the inside with immaculately trimmed red and white vinyl coverings to the original seats. The matching door cards and red carpeting is pristine. The rear section incorporates a rock and roll style seating and bed area in matching upholstery whilst the purpose built high gloss cabinets are as new. Power supply and lighting adds to the camping features and full standing room is facilitated by the pop up roof. This clean, chic concept is finished off with a fabulous checker flooring with matching curtains around the entire vehicle and cab area. A beautifully coordinated and functional camping interior that simply exudes fun!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The four cylinder flat four air cooled engine with a capacity of 1584cc produces 57 bhp at 4400 rpm and is a mechanical delight. Supreme cleanliness from this cherished example will gain much awe from onlookers. Reliable usage is a given due to fastidious maintenance using correct grade oils and genuine and specialist supplier parts. The fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox operates correctly.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Correct 5” steel rims with VW mirror finish original chrome hubcaps have been refurbished and are immaculate in matching white. The 185/70 R14 tyres have masses of tread remaining including the original spare. A dual hydraulic brake system operating independently in pairs on the front and rear wheels operate exactly as Volkswagen intended.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 29th August 1973 by Colindale Volkswagen of Newcastle Upon Tyne, this example was acquired by the previous keeper in September 2006. Purchased as a rolling restoration project but the quest for perfection soon led to a complete bare metal restoration to be undertaken by high regarded motor engineers K. & J. Rouse in Peterborough. Two large albums full of photos documents the meticulous restoration and a collosal history file full of receipts from renowned specialists Just Kampers in Hampshire provide an insight to the thousands of pounds devoted to the project. A further huge collection of parts invoices, work schedules and old MOT certificates complete the history file and leave in no doubt the extent to which this project was completed.
Having made the arduous decision to sell the beloved campervan, the previous keeper has offered the next lucky owner the opportunity to benefit from the sheer devotion bestowed upon this iconic VW that is wanting for nothing and ready for enjoyment and preservation.
MOT October 2015, tax exempt, HPI Clear, Approved Used Car Check Certificate.