AS89597

Overview

The TEAM ASSOCIATED FT PINION GEAR 15T MOD 1, 5mm SHAFT - ALUMINIUM AS89597 is a premium upgrade component designed for serious RC enthusiasts running Team Associated 1/8 scale buggies and trucks across the UK. This Factory Team precision pinion gear is engineered to deliver measurable performance gains when paired with plastic spur gears, making it an essential upgrade for competitors and weekend bashers alike who demand the best from their RC car setup. Whether you're fine-tuning gearing ratios for track performance or optimising acceleration characteristics for off-road running, this aluminium pinion represents the gold standard in aftermarket gearing for Associated RC vehicles.

As part of Team Associated's Factory Team upgrade range, this pinion gear is manufactured to exacting standards and is backed by decades of competition heritage. The 15-tooth configuration offers a balanced approach to gearing, providing a middle ground between maximum acceleration and top-end speed capability. This makes it an ideal choice for drivers who want versatility across different track conditions and driving styles without constantly changing gearing setups. RC enthusiasts in the UK who are serious about performance will recognise the FT (Factory Team) designation as a mark of quality and reliability.

If you're running an RC8B3.1e, RC8T3.1, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, RC8T4e, RC8B4.1e, or Nomad DB8 Limited Edition, this pinion gear is the direct upgrade you've been looking for to unlock your vehicle's true potential. Lighter than steel alternatives and precisely machined for smooth, reliable operation, this is the kind of component that separates competitive setups from stock builds.

Key Features

• Hard Anodised 7075 Aluminium Construction — Manufactured from aerospace-grade 7075 aluminium with hard anodising finish, this pinion gear delivers exceptional strength while maintaining minimal weight compared to traditional steel alternatives. The hard anodising process adds a protective layer that resists wear and corrosion, ensuring longevity even in demanding racing and bashing conditions across all UK weather conditions.
• Reduced Rotating Mass — By choosing an aluminium pinion over a heavier steel equivalent, you significantly reduce the rotating mass in your drivetrain, which translates directly to quicker acceleration response and improved handling characteristics. This weight reduction is particularly noticeable during rapid acceleration phases and when negotiating tight corners at speed.
• 15-Tooth Configuration — The 15-tooth count represents a sweet spot in the gearing spectrum, offering balanced performance characteristics that work well across a variety of driving conditions and track layouts. This tooth count is ideal for drivers who don't want to sacrifice either acceleration or top speed, making it a versatile choice for multiple racing scenarios.
• MOD 1 Standard Pitch — Designed to MOD 1 specification, this pinion gear maintains full compatibility with standard plastic spur gears used across the Associated 1/8 buggy and truck range. The MOD 1 rating ensures precise mesh characteristics and reliable power transmission without binding or slippage.
• 5mm Shaft Compatibility — The 5mm shaft bore is the standard size for most modern 1/8 scale brushless motors used in contemporary Associated vehicles, making this pinion a direct fit for most competition and recreational setups without requiring additional adaptations or modifications.
• Use Only with Plastic Spur Gears — This aluminium pinion is specifically engineered to work exclusively with plastic spur gears, which provides the ideal friction and wear characteristics for smooth transmission and protection against catastrophic drivetrain failure. Never pair this pinion with metal spur gears, as this will void compatibility and risk damage to your transmission.
• Factory Team Performance Upgrade — Carrying the FT (Factory Team) designation, this component represents Team Associated's competition-proven engineering, developed and tested by professional racing drivers at the highest levels of RC motorsport. By choosing Factory Team upgrades, you're benefiting from real-world competition experience.

Technical Performance

The TEAM ASSOCIATED FT PINION GEAR represents the pinnacle of precision manufacturing in the RC hobby. Machined from hard anodised 7075 aluminium, this component showcases engineering excellence that directly impacts your vehicle's performance characteristics. The specific material choice of 7075 aluminium is significant—this is an aerospace-grade alloy known for exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, making it ideal for high-stress applications like RC drivetrain components that must withstand repeated acceleration and deceleration cycles without wearing prematurely. The hard anodising finish adds a protective oxide layer that resists both mechanical wear from gear mesh contact and corrosion from moisture and salt, extending service life significantly compared to untreated aluminium or lower-grade steel alternatives.

From a performance perspective, the reduced rotating mass compared to steel pinions creates measurable benefits in acceleration response and overall handling dynamics. When you reduce the mass of rotating components in your drivetrain, there's less inertia to overcome during acceleration, resulting in quicker throttle response and snappier handling characteristics that drivers immediately notice during competitive runs. The 15-tooth configuration is particularly versatile, offering a balanced compromise between the quicker acceleration of lower tooth counts (typically 12-13 teeth) and the higher top-end speed potential of higher tooth counts (16-18 teeth). This makes it suitable for oval track racing, off-road circuit running, and recreational bashing where conditions might change during a session.

Compatibility with plastic spur gears is crucial to this pinion's reliability and longevity. The softer material of plastic spur gears provides an ideal friction interface that prevents the aluminium pinion from experiencing excessive wear, while the plastic absorbs impact loads that might otherwise crack a metal spur gear under hard acceleration. This design philosophy, proven through countless hours of competitive racing, ensures that your drivetrain remains reliable even during sustained high-performance operation. The MOD 1 pitch standard ensures that this pinion meshes precisely with all compatible spur gears, maintaining optimal gear mesh clearances for smooth, silent operation and maximum efficiency in power transmission.

What's in the Box

• TEAM ASSOCIATED FT PINION GEAR 15T MOD 1, 5mm shaft in hard anodised 7075 aluminium

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which RC vehicles is this pinion gear compatible with? — This pinion is specifically engineered for Team Associated 1/8 scale buggies and trucks, including the RC8B3.1e, RC8T3.1, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, RC8T4e, RC8B4.1e, and Nomad DB8 Limited Edition models. Before purchasing, verify that your vehicle features a 5mm motor shaft and uses plastic spur gears, as these are essential compatibility requirements.
• What's the difference between 15T and other tooth counts available? — Fewer teeth on a pinion gear (such as 12T or 13T) provide quicker acceleration and snappier off-the-line performance, ideal for tight technical tracks requiring rapid speed changes. More teeth (such as 16T or 17T) offer higher top-end speed at the cost of slightly softer acceleration. The 15T configuration delivers balanced performance across both characteristics, making it the most versatile choice for drivers who want to avoid constantly changing gearing.
• Why is an aluminium pinion better than a steel alternative? — Aluminium pinions, particularly those machined from hard anodised 7075 aluminium, offer significant advantages over steel. The primary benefit is reduced rotating mass, which improves acceleration response and overall handling feel. Additionally, hard anodised aluminium resists wear and corrosion effectively while remaining lighter than steel. The trade-off is that aluminium requires use with plastic spur gears rather than metal gears, but this actually improves drivetrain reliability by distributing impact loads more effectively during hard acceleration.
• Can I use this pinion with metal spur gears? — Absolutely not. This pinion is engineered exclusively for use with plastic spur gears. Pairing it with metal spur gears will result in excessive wear on the pinion, potential cracking of the gear teeth, and possible complete drivetrain failure. The plastic spur gear material is specifically chosen to work harmoniously with aluminium pinions, creating an optimal friction interface.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — Whilst this is an advanced upgrade component rather than a beginner's item, it's an excellent choice for someone transitioning from a stock build to a competition-grade setup. If you're new to RC cars, you'll need an existing Associated vehicle with the correct motor shaft size and drivetrain configuration. We'd recommend starting with a complete ready-to-run RC buggy or truck package and then upgrading components like this pinion once you're familiar with your vehicle's setup and maintenance requirements.
• How does tooth count affect my RC car's performance? — Tooth count directly controls the gear ratio between your motor and wheels. A lower tooth count (fewer teeth) reduces the gear ratio, providing quicker acceleration but reducing top speed potential. A higher tooth count increases the gear ratio, improving top-end speed but softening acceleration response. The 15T pinion offers a balanced middle ground suitable for most track conditions. If you find your vehicle accelerating too slowly for your track, try a lower tooth count; if you're topping out before the finish line, try a higher count.
• What maintenance does this pinion require? — The hard anodised finish provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance, requiring minimal maintenance beyond standard RC car care. Simply keep the gear clean and free from dirt and debris, and ensure adequate lubrication of the gear mesh with quality RC gear lubricant. Periodically inspect the pinion teeth for excessive wear or damage; if you notice chips, cracks, or significant tooth wear, replace the pinion to maintain optimal performance and prevent damage to your spur gear.

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 TEAM ASSOCIATED FT PINION GEAR 15T MOD 1, 5mm SHAFT - ALUMINIUM AS89597 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.