Thinking outside the starter box

Radio Control Car Action, Dec 2002 by Bess, Stephen

OFNA Multibox--Item nos. 10246 (unassembled), 0246 RTR; $99.95, $159.95 (RTR).

OFNA Racing (949) 586-2910; ofna.com.

OFNA Multibox

OFNA's new multibox sports a powerful 750 starter motor, a=it accepts 12v gel-cells or stick packs, and it has three starterwheel positions to allow you to start virtually any engine. Its brushed-stainless-steel case looks trick, and you can buy the box unassembled or in RTR form,

OFNA Multobox-item nos. 10246 (unassembled), 0246 RTR; $99.95, $159.95 (RTR).

OFNA Racing (949) 586-2910; ofna.com.

KHB RACING

PRODUCTS Quick Fit

KHB's Quick-Fit converts O.S., Picco, Megatech, Novarossi, HPI, Fantom and many more .12 and .15 pull-start engines to the Traxxas EZ Start System. Although this particular kit is designed to adapt the original EZ-Start, conversions are also available for the latest, second-generation EZ-Start that's included with Traxxas' new TRX 2.5 engine. This adapter is easy to install and allows the use of a variety of high-performance engines in Traxxas vehicles; it also allows the use of the EZ-Start in any non-Traxxas vehicles it will fit.

Item KHBC100; $44.95.

KHB Racing; www.khbracing.com.

I've heard several people at my hobby shop discuss clutches and how to tune them to make them engage later to obtain more power. I have a Nitro TO and a Mugen MBX-RR. How can I make the clutches make more power, and when should f consider doing this? Why would I want to mess with the clutches? I've heard that some engines work better than others after their clutches have been tuned. [email]

ChrisRC

A On-road and off-road vehicles can benefit from having a clutch that's properly tuned to suit the track conditions. First, what's your track like? Does it have lots of traction, or is it stick? Your answers determine whether or not you should tune your clutch. On high traction tracks, you could trim 1/8 inch off the clutch shoes trailing edges, or drill 2mm holes near the trailing edge. Both actions will lighten the shoe and allow the engine to rev faster before engaging the clutch. Trim or drill the shoes until you're pleased with the clutch's performance. If your track is slick, leave the clutch alone; high-rpm clutch engagement on a slick track can mean an instant spinout.

Much depends on your specific engine; If it has soft low-end power, it will benefit more from clutch-shoe trimming than an engine with lots of bottomend power. With less powerful engines, it the clutch engages at higher rpm, you'll notice harder acceleration. Don't expect humongous performance gains, but a little experimentation might better match your engine to your vehicle and track conditions.

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Send your Piston Power questions and comments to Stephen Bess stephenb@airage.com