Associated Electrics 7081, Manual & Catalog

23

:: Tuning Tips

Tips for Beginners:

Before making any changes to the standard setup, make sure you can get around the track without crashing.  

Changes to your vehicle will not be beneficial if you can’t stay on the track.  Your goal is consistent laps.

Once you can get around the track consistently, start tuning your vehicle.  Make only ONE adjustment at a time, testing 

it before making another change.  If the result of your adjustment is a faster lap, mark the change on the included setup 

sheet (make adddtional copies of the sheet before writing on it).  If your adjustment results in a slower lap, revert back 

to the previous setup and try another change.

When you are satisfied with your vehicle, fill in the setup sheet thoroughly and file it away.  Use this as a guide for future 

track days or conditions.  Peridicaly check all moving suspension parts.  Suspension components must be kept clean 

and move freely without binding to prevent poor and/or inconsistent handling.

Slipper Clutch:

The assembly instructions give you a base setting for your clutch.  Turn the nut on the shaft so that the end of the top 

shaft is even with the outside of the nut, then tighten with three more turns.  At the track, tighten or loosen the nut in 

1/8 turn increments until you hear a faint slipping sound for 1-2 feet on takeoffs.  Another popular way to set the clutch 

is to hold both rear tires firmly in place and apply short bursts of throttle.  If the clutch is properly set, the front tires 

should lift slightly up off the surface.

Motor Gearing:

Proper motor gearing will result in maximum performance and run time while reducing the chance of overheating and 

premature motor failure.  The gear ratio chart lists recommended 

starting gear ratios

 for the most widely used 

motor types.  Gear ratios will vary depending upon motor brand, wind, and electronic speed control.  Consult your 

motor and electronic speed control manufacturers for more information.  

Team Associated is not responsible for motor damage due to improper gearing.

Set The Gear Mesh:

You should be able to rock the spur gear back and forth in the teeth of the pinion gear without making the pinion gear 

move.  If the spur gear mesh is tight, then loosen the #31531 screws and move the motor away, then try again.  

A gear mesh that is too tight or too loose will reduce power and damage the gear teeth.

Motor Maintenance:

Brushed motors require frequent maintenance to keep performance levels at their maximum.

Periodically, remove the brushes from their holders and inspect the tips for wear or burning.  If there is 

noticeable wear (less than 75% of the brush remaining), replace the brush with a new pair.  If the tips become a burned 

blue color, the lubricant in the brush has been burned away and new brushes should be installed.

Occasionally, the motor should be cleaned with a soft brush to prevent dirt build up around the brush hood area and ball 

bearings.  At this time, it is a good idea to add one drop of bushing / bearing oil to each bushing or ball bearing.

If using a brushless motor, please refer to the motor manufacturer’s guidelines for proper maintenance.

16

*28

*26

*24

18

Pinion

87

*75

*75

87 

87

Spur

14.13:1

6.96:1

7.50:1

9.42:1

12.57:1

Final Drive Ratio

Radon Motor

17.5 Reedy Sonic Brushless

13.5 Reedy Sonic Brushless

10.5 Reedy Sonic Brushless

3300kV Brushless

Motor

* Optional spur gear / pinion used

SC10 Gear Ratio Chart (Internal Gear Ratio 2.60:1)