- Product Type: Pinion Gear
- Brand: Castle Creations
- Model Number: M-CC6513
- Barcode: 899598001540
- Tooth Count: 23
- Pitch: MOD1 (Module 1)
- Shaft Bore Size: 5mm
- Compatible Motor Shaft Diameter: 5mm
- Compatible Spur Gear Type: MOD1
- RRP: £18.99
- Selling Price: £18.04
Overview
The Castle Creations 23-Tooth MOD1 Pinion Gear with 5mm shaft (M-CC6513) is a precision-engineered gearing component designed for RC enthusiasts who demand reliable drivetrain performance. Whether you're building a high-performance RC car in the UK or fine-tuning an existing setup, this pinion gear offers the flexibility needed to achieve the perfect balance between speed and torque. Castle Creations is recognised as a leader in RC motor and drivetrain components, and this straightforward yet essential part reflects that commitment to quality and precision engineering.
This MOD1 pinion is specifically engineered for RC models that utilise MOD1 spur gears paired with 5mm motor shafts, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of brushless and brushed motor applications. Whether you're running a competitive setup or enjoying casual bashing with your RC car, having the correct pinion ratio is crucial for optimising your vehicle's overall performance characteristics. The 23-tooth configuration provides a midrange gearing option that allows you to experiment with different ratios when paired with various MOD1 spur gears to suit your specific driving conditions and performance preferences.
If you're new to RC gearing or looking to upgrade your current drivetrain, understanding pinion selection is essential. The tooth count directly influences your final drive ratio, which in turn affects acceleration, top speed and the demands placed on your motor and battery. A 23-tooth pinion offers versatility, making it suitable for both speed-focused builds and torque-biased setups depending on your spur gear choice. Proper gear mesh setup is critical for longevity and smooth operation, so ensure adequate clearance and correct meshing when installing this component into your RC model.
Key Features
- 23-Tooth Count — This mid-range tooth configuration provides flexibility for tuning your RC car's performance, allowing you to balance speed and acceleration based on your spur gear selection and driving style.
- MOD1 (Module 1) Pitch — The MOD1 specification ensures this pinion meshes perfectly with MOD1 spur gears commonly used across a wide range of RC vehicles, from competitive racers to casual bashers, guaranteeing reliable engagement and smooth power delivery.
- 5mm Motor Shaft Fitment — The 5mm bore accommodates the vast majority of modern RC brushless and brushed motors, making this pinion compatible with countless popular motor options available to UK RC enthusiasts.
- Castle Creations Engineering — Manufactured by Castle Creations, a trusted name in RC motor and drivetrain technology, this pinion reflects decades of experience in precision RC component design and production.
- Precise Gear Ratio Tuning — By selecting different MOD1 spurs to pair with this 23-tooth pinion, you can fine-tune your overall gear ratio to match specific track conditions, weather or personal performance preferences without replacing the entire drivetrain assembly.
- Reliable Drivetrain Performance — Proper gearing is fundamental to maximising your RC car's efficiency, protecting your motor and ESC from unnecessary stress, and ensuring consistent performance across multiple runs and racing sessions.
Technical Performance
The Castle Creations 23-Tooth MOD1 Pinion is manufactured to the highest standards of precision engineering, ensuring that every tooth is accurately profiled for smooth meshing with compatible MOD1 spur gears. The 5mm shaft bore is machined to tight tolerances, guaranteeing a secure fit on motors featuring standard 5mm shafts, whether you're running a high-KV brushless motor for maximum speed or a lower-KV brushless setup for increased torque and pulling power. The MOD1 pitch standard is widely adopted across the RC hobby in the UK and internationally, meaning this pinion will integrate seamlessly into most modern RC drivetrains. Gear ratio calculation is straightforward: simply divide the spur gear tooth count by the pinion tooth count (23) to determine your final ratio. For example, pairing this 23-tooth pinion with a 58-tooth MOD1 spur yields approximately a 2.52:1 ratio, whilst a larger 76-tooth spur would produce around a 3.30:1 ratio. This flexibility allows you to optimise performance for different motor sizes, battery voltages (2S, 3S, 4S LiPo or equivalent), track layouts and driving conditions. Careful attention to gear mesh is essential: the correct meshing gap prevents excessive wear on tooth flanks and backlash, which can compromise acceleration response and durability. Always verify adequate clearance between your motor pinion and spur gear before running your RC car, and refer to your vehicle manufacturer's specifications for recommended mesh settings. With proper installation and maintenance, this Castle Creations pinion will deliver reliable service across countless hours of RC driving enjoyment.
What's in the Box
- Castle Creations 23-Tooth MOD1 Pinion Gear with 5mm shaft
What You Need to Complete
- MOD1 Spur Gear (various tooth counts available separately for gear ratio tuning)
- RC Motor with 5mm shaft
- RC Drivetrain Assembly and Vehicle (if not already owned)
- Gear Mesh Alignment Tools (optional but recommended for precise setup)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a pinion gear and why do I need one for my RC car? — A pinion gear is the smaller gear mounted on your motor shaft that meshes with the larger spur gear in your RC car's drivetrain. Together, they form your vehicle's main gear ratio, which directly determines acceleration, top speed and overall performance. The pinion is essential because changing pinion tooth count (whilst keeping the spur the same) allows you to tune your RC car's gearing without purchasing expensive new spur gears, making it the quickest and most cost-effective way to adjust performance for different racing conditions or driving preferences.
- How do I choose the correct pinion tooth count for my RC car? — The correct pinion depends on your desired performance, motor KV, battery voltage, spur gear size and driving conditions. Generally, smaller pinion tooth counts increase top speed but reduce acceleration and torque, whilst larger pinion tooth counts increase acceleration but lower top speed. This 23-tooth MOD1 pinion is a versatile midrange option; pair it with different MOD1 spur sizes to fine-tune your exact ratio. Always consult your vehicle manual or RC hobby community resources for recommended ratios for your specific model and use case.
- Will this pinion fit my RC motor? — This pinion is compatible with any RC motor featuring a standard 5mm shaft diameter. This includes the vast majority of modern brushless and brushed motors available to UK RC enthusiasts. However, always verify your motor's shaft diameter before purchasing, as some specialised or vintage motors may use different shaft sizes (3mm, 6mm, 8mm etc). If in doubt, contact RC Model Shop for compatibility advice.
- What is MOD1 pitch and why does it matter? — MOD1 (Module 1) is a metric gear pitch standard that defines the size and spacing of gear teeth. MOD1 is the most commonly used pitch standard in the RC hobby, particularly for 1/10-scale and smaller RC vehicles. Gears with the same module (pitch) are compatible with each other; MOD1 pinions only mesh correctly with MOD1 spurs. If you try to mesh MOD1 gears with different pitches (e.g. MOD0.8 or MOD1.25), the teeth won't engage properly, causing noise, slippage, premature wear and potential breakage.
- How do I install this pinion on my RC motor? — Installation involves removing your existing pinion (if present) from your motor shaft, sliding this 23-tooth MOD1 pinion onto the 5mm shaft, and securing it with a set screw. Most RC motors use a single grub screw to hold the pinion; ensure the set screw is tightened firmly to prevent slipping under load. Position the pinion so its teeth mesh correctly with your spur gear with appropriate clearance (typically 0.5-1mm gap). Consult your vehicle manual for specific installation instructions and recommended mesh settings for your exact model.
- What is gear mesh and why is it important? — Gear mesh refers to how closely the pinion and spur gears engage with each other. Correct mesh is critical: too tight and the gears bind and wear rapidly, too loose and the gears slip and chatter, causing poor acceleration response and noise. Proper mesh should allow a small amount of backlash (movement) but no visible gap between teeth. Always set gear mesh carefully when installing this pinion, and check it regularly during use. Most RC vehicles have adjustable motor mounts or spur carriers to allow fine-tuning of mesh.
- Can I use this pinion with different spur gears to change my gear ratio? — Yes, absolutely. This is one of the primary advantages of owning multiple pinion options. By keeping this 23-tooth pinion and swapping different MOD1 spur sizes (e.g. 58T, 61T, 64T, 76T etc), you can experiment with various gear ratios to optimise performance for different conditions. A smaller spur paired with this pinion creates a taller (higher speed) ratio, whilst a larger spur creates a shorter (more torque-focused) ratio. This flexibility makes pinions like this an economical upgrade path as you dial in your RC car's performance.
- Is this pinion suitable for both racing and bashing? — Yes. The 23-tooth MOD1 configuration is versatile enough for competitive racing, casual bashing, and everything in between. Racing drivers often use precise gear ratios matched to specific tracks; bashers might prefer taller gearing for speed or shorter gearing for crawling power. This pinion's midrange tooth count and MOD1 compatibility make it suitable for virtually any RC car application using 5mm motor shafts and MOD1 spur gears.
- How often should I replace my pinion gear? — Pinion lifespan depends on driving intensity, maintenance and whether gears are properly meshed. With correct installation and maintenance, a pinion can last hundreds of hours of driving. Inspect regularly for worn, chipped or missing teeth; replace immediately if damage is visible. Properly meshed gears with adequate lubrication will last far longer than neglected gears with poor mesh. Keep your pinion clean and consider light grease application at the gear mesh point during routine maintenance.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the CASTLE CC PINION 23 Tooth - MOD1 5mm shaft M-CC6513 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
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