Awesomatix A12 Gearing Considerations for Stock 17.5 and GT12 21.5 Racing

The innovative Awesomatix A12 platform, with the inline design and inner and outer chassis frames, introduces some new constraints to traditional 1/12th scale racers -- gear selection.  The A12 has already proven itself in both Super Stock 13.5 and Modified 1/12th scale racing, but until recently it hasn't been even tested with slower / higher wind motor combos.  

Just like many of you, we race 1/12th scale too, so we know that people will be surprised about the need for different sized spur gears.  So read up and learn about our new 1/12th platform!!

Design Considerations

The “No tweak pod” concept offers a smaller range of motor fore and aft adjustment than we traditionally find within a 1/12th scale car.  The pod offers two axle positions, and these positions offer different quantities of "gear count".  Between the prototype A12 and the production A12 the amount of gear choices has been greatly increased.  

All of the following calculations are based upon a 36mm diameter 540 motor.  Motors with a smaller diameter, like the Team Scream Low Rider series can support even a wider range of gears.

• Short wheelbase: 112T to 120T of gear count
• Long wheelbase: 112T to 125T of gear count (aka, +5 teeth)

What is Gear Count?

Simply put - the sum of 64 pitch spur + pinion teeth should be in the range of

• 112 to 120 for short wheelbase
• 112 to 125 for long wheelbase

Simple Gear Charts

The following is a simple roll-out calculation based upon a 40.0mm rear tire size.  This tire size is often a great starting point for spec racing, but is by no means the smallest tire that can be run on the platform.  

Our roll-out targets for motors were:

• 17.5 - 95mm
• 21.5 - 102mm

The areas shared in the salmon color signify gear that is supported when running a long rear wheelbase in the A12.

We decided to make a small run of 63mm spur gears for one reason only.  It would allow the gearing math to IDENTICALLY match the 72/56 gearing that is recommended in Can-Am RC Series 1/12th Stock.  Running a 63/49 is identical to 72/56.  

Buy gears now!

We just did all of the hard work for you.... Thanks us with an order!

Listed under the A12 Optional Parts section of shop.awesomatixusa.com we've partnered with TeamEAM to get some RW Racing Spurs available today.  Look for more options in the upcoming weeks and months!

• 67 Tooth 64 Pitch Spur
• 66 Tooth 64 Pitch Spur
• 65 Tooth 64 Pitch Spur
• 63 Tooth 64 Pitch Spur

Stay Safe ... See everyone real soon!

What else should I buy for my new A800?

Multiple times a week we are receiving the question -- "What hop-up parts and spares do you recommend".  We've queried all of our team drivers and brought back the best answers for your help. 

Which kit version?

If you were to just have one car kit, the A800A, featuring the khaki colored A800-C01B-AL chassis, is the most versatile for the various surfaces we face.  Because of this, the A800A is the predominate version of the A800 series we've been recommending, selling, and racing ourselves.  

What hop-ups make sense?

1. Soft springs --- A700-SPR01S or A800-SPR01S-98 (1 pack/car)
2. Medium ball studs for inner upper links --- A700-ST24M (2 packs/car)
3. Long ball studs for steering and toe links --- A700-ST24L (1 pack/car)
4. Titanium turnbuckles - 9x 1-1/8"; 4x 1-1/2" --- lundsford has had stocking issues, we are looking to replace them with an option from Roche/Radtec hopefully by September 2016
5. Steering brace --- A800-C25 --- Some like the direct feel it provides. I run it in mod, but not in stock.
6. 2.25mm carbon chassis --- A800-C01B-2.25 --- This chassis has improved flex characteristics for asphalt racing
7. BSR hard dumper --- F50043L --- A must have for carpet racing. Newly redesigned for the 2016 indoor carpet racing season to be custom mounted/trimmed to prevent any front body flex.

For older generations of the A800 (pre-April/D2.2) we'd highly recommend investing in the strong Shock Guide Rod (A800-SPR02H). With the introduction of the D2.2 dampers the A800-SPR02H3 parts are already included within the kits.

One final point, you'll see many setups from Europe featuring carbon arms.  We've seen carbon arms degrade during heat and overall not withstand crash damage as well.  When comparing setups between alloy and carbon setups, we'd recommend lowering the damper oil weight by 5wt when using alloy arms as they flex less than carbon.  

What spares are recommended?

For spares -- don't get crazy here.  There are only a few that could prevent you from making it thru a day and we've marked them with a "*" after the part number.  

• P01
• P02
• P03 *
• P04 
• P05 *
• P07 
• P12
• P16
• ST13 *
• ST05L *
• P14
• P13-4
• C27
• C04AL
• ST10 *
• ST11 *

As usual maintenance items (i.e. not crash damage), especially when running alloy arms, the primary wear items are P04, ST10, ST11.  

Know your balls!

With the inclusion of the ST24, ST24M and ST24L within the A700 Evo II, A700 Evo IIC and A700L2 kits there has been some confusion at build time about the proper ball studs to use.  Without a caliper, the picture below will explain everything you need to know by analyzing the ball stud shoulder.

From left to right - ST24L, ST24 and ST03

Note the angle and thickness of the ball on the stud.