Overview
The Associated Factory Team B5M Aluminium Top Shaft (3 Gear) AS91606 is a genuine precision drivetrain component designed for competitive RC buggy racers and serious builders seeking to optimise their B5M 3-gear transmission setup. This aluminium top shaft represents Associated's commitment to lightweight engineering and performance tuning, offering UK RC enthusiasts and international racers a factory-specification upgrade that delivers measurable improvements in drivetrain efficiency and handling characteristics. Whether you're campaigning a B5M in competition or fine-tuning your RC car for high-grip track conditions, this top shaft is an essential component for builders who demand the highest standards from their equipment.
As an authorised Associated component, the AS91606 forms part of the complete B5M 3-gear transmission system, which was introduced to provide spec class racers with a lightweight and low rotating mass option that improves overall drivetrain performance. This aluminium top shaft works in conjunction with the matching gearbox, gear cover and motor plate to deliver the full benefits of Associated's 3-gear technology. The engineering behind this component reflects decades of Factory Team racing expertise, making it an ideal choice for drivers who want their RC buggy to perform at the absolute peak of its capabilities on the track.
Available from RC Model Shop, your trusted UK RC retailer, the AS91606 is in stock and ready to ship. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a weekend racer, or a dedicated RC car builder, this authentic Associated spare part ensures your B5M runs with factory precision and reliability. Order online today and experience the performance difference that genuine, engineered components can deliver to your RC buggy.
Key Features
- Lightweight Aluminium Construction — The top shaft is manufactured from aluminium, significantly reducing rotational mass compared to heavier alternatives, which directly improves drivetrain efficiency and allows your motor to deliver power more responsively to the wheels of your RC buggy.
- Smaller Diameter Bearing Design — This component uses smaller diameter bearings (5x10x4mm, part number AS91560), which further reduces rotating mass and friction in the drivetrain, resulting in better acceleration, smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency across your B5M's operating range.
- 3-Gear Transmission Compatibility — The AS91606 is specifically engineered for the B5M 3-gear transmission system, providing the perfect mechanical match for drivers who have upgraded to the modern 3-gear configuration for superior performance on competitive tracks.
- Gyroscopic Effect Reversal — The 3-gear transmission (which this top shaft enables) reverses the gyroscopic effect of the motor, making your RC car stay flatter through the corners on high-grip tracks, a crucial advantage in competitive spec class and modified class racing where corner speed determines race wins.
- Tuning Tool for High-Grip Tracks — The reduced rotating mass and balanced design makes the 3-gear transmission an excellent tuning aid for modified class RC racing on high-grip surfaces, giving drivers more control and predictability when attacking technical sections of the circuit.
- Factory Team Specification — As a genuine Associated Factory Team component, this top shaft meets the exact engineering standards used by Associated's factory race team, guaranteeing compatibility, reliability and performance that matches original factory vehicles.
- Part of a Complete System — This top shaft works as part of the complete B5M 3-gear transmission package, which includes the gearbox (AS91607), gear cover (AS91604), front motor plate (AS91602 or AS91603) and these smaller bearings (AS91560), allowing you to upgrade systematically for optimal results.
Technical Performance
The Associated Factory Team B5M Aluminium Top Shaft AS91606 exemplifies modern RC engineering principles focused on reducing rotating mass and friction to maximise drivetrain efficiency. The aluminium construction provides an ideal balance between strength and weight, while the introduction of smaller diameter 5x10x4mm bearings creates a significant reduction in friction losses compared to larger bearing designs. This combination works together to lower the gyroscopic load from the motor, which is particularly beneficial when the 3-gear transmission reverses the motor's gyroscopic effect—a unique tuning advantage that keeps your RC car flatter and more stable through high-speed cornering sections. For drivers running high-grip tracks where weight transfer and corner speed are critical to competitive success, this engineering delivers measurable improvements in both responsiveness and handling consistency. The aluminium material selection ensures durability under the stresses of racing whilst maintaining the weight savings necessary for modern competitive RC buggy performance. This component represents the cumulative development work of the Associated Factory Team, refined through countless hours of track testing and competition feedback from world-class RC drivers.
What's in the Box
- Associated Factory Team B5M Aluminium Top Shaft (3 Gear) AS91606
What You Need to Complete
- 5x10x4mm Bearings — Part number AS91560 (required, sold separately)
- B5M 3-Gear Gearbox — Part number AS91607 (required, sold separately)
- B5M 3-Gear Gear Cover — Part number AS91604 (required, sold separately)
- Front Motor Plate, Black 3-Gear — Part number AS91602 (required, sold separately), or Front Motor Plate, Blue 3-Gear — Part number AS91603 (required, sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Associated B5M Aluminium Top Shaft AS91606 compatible with my existing B5M? — Yes, the AS91606 is designed for the B5M buggy, but it is specifically engineered for use with the 3-gear transmission system. You will need to upgrade to the complete 3-gear setup, which includes the gearbox AS91607, gear cover AS91604, and one of the motor plates (AS91602 black or AS91603 blue). If you have a standard 2-gear B5M, you'll need to complete the full transmission upgrade package.
- What bearings does this top shaft require? — The AS91606 requires 5x10x4mm bearings, which are sold separately under Associated part number AS91560. These smaller diameter bearings are part of the weight-reduction strategy that makes the 3-gear system more efficient than the standard transmission.
- Why would I upgrade to the 3-gear transmission and this top shaft? — The 3-gear transmission with this aluminium top shaft offers multiple performance benefits: reduced rotating mass improves drivetrain efficiency, the reversal of the motor's gyroscopic effect keeps your car flatter in corners on high-grip tracks, and the smaller bearings reduce friction losses. For competitive spec class and modified class racing, these advantages translate into better acceleration, smoother handling and improved corner speed.
- Is this a suitable upgrade for beginners or casual drivers? — This component is engineered for competitive racers and serious builders who understand transmission tuning and are prepared to make a complete 3-gear upgrade to their B5M. Beginners should first master the standard 2-gear transmission before considering this advanced upgrade, as the full system requires careful assembly and bearing installation.
- What makes the 3-gear transmission handle differently on high-grip tracks? — The 3-gear system reverses the gyroscopic effect created by the motor's rotation, which normally causes a car to tip outward in corners. By reversing this effect, the car stays flatter and tracks better through high-speed turns on high-grip surfaces, giving drivers more confidence and allowing faster corner speeds.
- Can I use the AS91606 top shaft with a 2-gear gearbox? — No, the AS91606 is engineered exclusively for the 3-gear transmission system. It requires the matching 3-gear gearbox AS91607, 3-gear gear cover AS91604, and appropriate 3-gear motor plate (AS91602 or AS91603) to function correctly.
- Where can I buy the matching components? — All components of the B5M 3-gear transmission system are available from RC Model Shop: the gearbox AS91607, gear cover AS91604, motor plates AS91602 (black) or AS91603 (blue), and the required 5x10x4mm bearings AS91560. You can order these separately or together to build your complete upgrade.
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 B5M ALUMINIUM TOP SHAFT (3 GEAR) AS91606 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.
- Brand: Team Associated
- Model Number: AS91606
- Product Type: Aluminium Top Shaft
- Application: Associated RC10B5M 3-Gear Transmission
- Transmission: 3-Gear
- Material: Aluminium
- Bearing Size: 5x10x4mm
- Bearing Part Number: AS91560
- Compatible Gearbox: AS91607 (B5M Gearbox, 3-gear)
- Compatible Gear Cover: AS91604 (B5M Gear Cover, 3-gear)
- Compatible Motor Plates: AS91602 (FT Front Motor Plate, black, 3-gear) or AS91603 (FT Front Motor Plate, blue, 3-gear)
- Availability: November 2014
- Barcode: 784695916067
- Key Feature: Lightweight/low rotating mass design for improved drivetrain efficiency
- Key Feature: Smaller diameter bearings for additional weight savings
- Key Feature: Reverses gyroscopic effect of motor for improved cornering on high-grip tracks
- Key Feature: Tuning aid for modified class racing
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