Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 20T 48DP 1/8 Shaft AS1338

Overview

The Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 20T 48DP 1/8" Shaft (AS1338) is a precision-engineered upgrade component designed for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand maximum performance from their RC cars. Whether you're running a competitive 1/8 scale buggy, stadium truck, or any RC vehicle that uses a 3.2mm motor shaft, this pinion gear represents a significant step up from standard equipment. Factory Team components are recognised worldwide as competition-grade upgrades that deliver measurable improvements in performance, durability and reliability.

This lightweight aluminium pinion gear is machined to exacting tolerances and hard anodised for extended service life, making it an ideal choice for anyone serious about improving their drivetrain. The 20-tooth configuration at 48 diametral pitch (48DP) offers a balanced gear ratio suitable for a wide range of track conditions and driving styles. From weekend bashers to serious RC racers, upgrading to Factory Team pinion gears is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your RC car's performance, reduce rotating mass, and improve overall reliability.

Available now at RC Model Shop, this genuine Associated component is in stock and ready to ship. If you're looking for proven Factory Team quality at a competitive price, this is the perfect upgrade for your RC drivetrain.

Key Features

• 7075-T6 Aluminium Construction — Manufactured from premium 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, one of the strongest aluminium grades available, this pinion gear delivers superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to standard steel or lower-grade plastic gears. This material choice reduces unsprung weight on your motor shaft, improving acceleration and reducing energy loss through rotating mass, which translates directly to better throttle response and overall performance on the track.
• Hard Anodised Finish — The hard anodised coating protects the aluminium from corrosion, wear and the constant friction of mesh with your spur gear. This protective layer extends the service life of the pinion gear significantly compared to uncoated alternatives, ensuring consistent performance throughout an entire racing season or extended bashing sessions without degradation.
• Dual Set-Screw Holes — Two strategically positioned set-screw holes provide redundant fastening security, preventing the pinion gear from slipping on the motor shaft even under extreme acceleration or sudden load changes. This redundancy is critical for maintaining consistent gear mesh and preventing catastrophic drivetrain failure during competitive racing or aggressive driving.
• Laser-Etched Tooth Count — The 20T tooth count is laser-etched directly into the gear body, providing permanent identification that won't wear off or fade like printed markings. This is invaluable when you're running multiple pinion sizes across different setups or spares, allowing quick visual identification without having to count teeth manually or consult documentation.
• Precision 48DP Pitch — The 48 diametral pitch (48DP) specification ensures perfect mesh compatibility with standard 48DP spur gears used across countless 1/8 scale RC vehicles. This standardised pitch is the industry standard for competitive 1/8 scale RC racing, ensuring your investment in this component remains compatible with future upgrades and setup changes.
• 3.2mm (1/8 Inch) Shaft Bore — The bore is machined to precise tolerances to fit standard 3.2mm motor shafts found on most modern brushless and brushed RC motors. This universal compatibility means the pinion gear works seamlessly with virtually all current-generation RC motors designed for 1/8 scale vehicles.
• Factory Team Hop-Up Quality — As part of Associated's Factory Team line, this component meets the same exacting standards used in professional racing vehicles worldwide. You're not buying a budget component; you're investing in proven competition-grade engineering backed by years of racing heritage.

Technical Performance

The Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 20T 48DP is engineered for serious RC performance. At 20 teeth with 48DP pitch, this pinion gear delivers a balanced performance envelope suitable for general-purpose racing and track driving across most 1/8 scale RC platforms. The 7075-T6 aluminium construction provides approximately 30% weight savings compared to equivalent steel gears, reducing rotating inertia and improving throttle response. This weight reduction is particularly noticeable during acceleration phases and when driving through technical course sections requiring rapid direction changes. The hard anodised finish guarantees a coefficient of friction that ensures reliable mesh engagement with your spur gear whilst resisting the micro-abrasion that leads to premature wear. The dual set-screw design eliminates any possibility of gear slip, maintaining perfect mesh geometry even during high-load acceleration or sudden braking scenarios. For drivers in the UK running modern 48DP drivetrain systems across associated RC cars such as the B6, B6.2, B6.3, B6.4, T6, T6.2, T6.4, RC10, or any compatible platform, this pinion gear represents the proven upgrade path recommended by factory racing teams worldwide.

What's in the Box

• 1 x Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 20T 48DP 1/8" Shaft (AS1338)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a 20T and a 21T pinion gear? — The tooth count directly affects your final drive ratio and top speed. A 20T pinion gear (smaller) provides slightly more acceleration and torque for slower, technical tracks, whilst a 21T gear (the next size up) offers slightly higher top speed at the expense of a fraction of acceleration response. Most drivers choose based on their specific track layout and driving style; 20T is excellent for tight, twisty courses that reward corner speed and mid-range acceleration.
• What vehicles are compatible with this 48DP 1/8 inch shaft pinion gear? — This pinion gear is compatible with all 1/8 scale RC cars, buggies, trucks and stadium trucks that use 48DP drivetrain components and have a 3.2mm motor shaft. This includes Associated platforms such as the TC7.1, TC7.2, B6 series, B6.1, B6.1D, B6.2, B6.3, B6.4, B6.4D, T6 series, T6.1, T6.2, T6.4, RC10 variants, SC10 series, and Element Enduro models. It also works with other 1/8 scale vehicles from manufacturers using 48DP standards, making it a universal upgrade for serious 1/8 scale RC racing in the UK.
• Why should I upgrade from the standard pinion gear? — Standard pinion gears often use lower-grade materials and looser tolerances to reduce manufacturing costs. Factory Team pinion gears like this one offer superior precision machining, premium material selection, and rigorous quality control. The weight savings alone improves your vehicle's power-to-weight ratio, resulting in noticeably quicker acceleration. The hard anodised finish extends service life dramatically, meaning you're not replacing worn gears every few months. For competitive racers or serious hobbyists, the improved performance and reliability easily justify the modest additional cost compared to budget alternatives.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — Whilst this is a genuine quality component suitable for any skill level, beginners may want to master the basics with standard equipment first. However, if you're taking your RC hobby seriously from day one and planning to race competitively, starting with Factory Team components like this pinion gear ensures you have reliable, proven equipment and avoids the frustration of upgrading repeatedly as you progress. For recreational bashing and casual weekend driving, standard gears are adequate, but for racing or serious performance driving, this pinion gear is absolutely recommended.
• How often do I need to replace this pinion gear? — The hard anodised aluminium construction and precision manufacturing mean this pinion gear lasts significantly longer than standard alternatives. With proper maintenance (cleaning after muddy conditions, regular inspection for wear), you can expect many months of regular use. The lifespan depends on driving intensity and maintenance; racers using this gear during weekly competition typically get a full season of use before needing replacement, whilst casual drivers may go many seasons. The investment pays dividends through extended service life.
• Can I use this with a different tooth-count spur gear? — The 48DP pitch specification is critical; you must pair this pinion gear with a 48DP spur gear of any tooth count. Your final drive ratio is determined by the tooth count ratio between the pinion (20T in this case) and your spur gear. Popular spur gear sizes range from 60T to 80T, allowing you to fine-tune performance for specific track conditions without changing the pinion.

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 ASSOCIATED FACTORY TEAM ALUM. PINION GEAR 20T 48DP 1/8"SHAFT AS1338 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.