AS89599

Overview

The TEAM ASSOCIATED FT Pinion Gear 17T Mod 1 with 5mm shaft represents a premium upgrade component for serious RC enthusiasts running Team Associated 1/8 scale vehicles in the UK. Whether you're a weekend basher, competition racer, or dedicated RC car hobbyist, this lightweight aluminium pinion gear delivers the performance tuning you need to optimise your vehicle's acceleration and top-end speed characteristics. Team Associated's Factory Team pinion gears are engineered to exacting standards, ensuring reliability and consistent performance across multiple track sessions.

Built from hard anodised 7075 aluminium, this pinion gear offers a significant weight saving compared to traditional steel alternatives, which directly translates to reduced rotating mass and improved throttle response. The 17-tooth configuration strikes an excellent balance, providing strong acceleration while maintaining competitive top-end speed for off-road racing applications. This is the kind of precision component that separates competitive RC racers from casual enthusiasts—every gram matters when you're competing for position on the track.

RC car tuning in the UK has become increasingly sophisticated, and pinion gear selection is a critical aspect of drivetrain optimisation. By choosing the correct tooth count for your specific track conditions and driving style, you can fine-tune your vehicle's performance to match your preferences. The TEAM ASSOCIATED FT Pinion Gear AS89599 is the trusted choice for pilots running compatible RC8 series vehicles who demand reliability without compromise.

Key Features

• Hard Anodised 7075 Aluminium Construction — Manufactured from aerospace-grade 7075 aluminium that has been hard anodised for superior durability and corrosion resistance. This material choice ensures the gear maintains its precision over extended use whilst being significantly lighter than steel alternatives, reducing inertia and improving acceleration response.
• 17-Tooth Mod 1 Configuration — The 17-tooth design provides an optimal balance between acceleration and top-end speed for 1/8 scale off-road racing. Fewer teeth than larger options means quicker acceleration off the line, whilst still maintaining sufficient speed for competitive straight-line performance.
• 5mm Shaft Fitment — Engineered with a precise 5mm diameter shaft that mates directly with compatible Team Associated motor shafts. This ensures a secure fit with zero play, critical for maintaining drivetrain consistency and preventing gear slippage during hard acceleration or cornering.
• Mod 1 Gear Pitch Compatibility — Specifically designed with Mod 1 pitch to ensure proper mesh with plastic spur gears commonly used in 1/8 scale RC buggies and trucks. This standardised gear pitch ensures compatibility across the Team Associated RC8 platform.
• Reduced Rotating Mass — The lightweight aluminium construction compared to steel counterparts significantly reduces rotating mass, meaning your motor works more efficiently and responds faster to throttle input, particularly beneficial during acceleration phases in racing.
• Precision Manufactured — Each pinion gear is manufactured to Factory Team specifications with tight tolerances, ensuring consistent performance and reliability race after race. Team Associated's quality control ensures no variation between units.

Technical Performance

This pinion gear represents the pinnacle of 1/8 scale RC car drivetrain engineering for the Team Associated platform. The hard anodised 7075 aluminium construction provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, essential in competitive off-road racing where every fraction of a second counts. The 17-tooth configuration is specifically engineered for vehicles like the RC8B4e, RC8T4e, RC8B4.1e and earlier RC8 series platforms, delivering optimised performance across varied track conditions. The Mod 1 gear pitch ensures perfect mesh engagement with standard plastic spur gears, eliminating backlash and maintaining drivetrain efficiency throughout acceleration and top-end speed ranges. The 5mm shaft diameter provides a precise interface with compatible Team Associated motors, ensuring zero play and maximum power transfer from motor to transmission. As an upgrade component for serious RC racing in the UK, this pinion gear is trusted by competitors who understand that drivetrain optimisation directly impacts lap times and overall vehicle performance. The hard anodising process protects the aluminium from corrosion whilst maintaining the aesthetic quality expected from Factory Team components.

What's in the Box

• TEAM ASSOCIATED FT Pinion Gear 17T Mod 1, 5mm shaft in hard anodised 7075 aluminium

What You Need to Complete

• Compatible Team Associated RC8 series vehicle (RC8B3.1e, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.1e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, RC8T4e, RC8B4.1e)
• Motor with 5mm shaft compatible with your RC8 vehicle
• Plastic spur gear (must use only plastic spur gears with this aluminium pinion)
• Hex driver tools for installation
• Optional: #25223 Set Screws M4x3mm for secure fastening

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between 17-tooth and other pinion tooth counts available? — Tooth count directly affects your vehicle's performance characteristics. Fewer teeth (like 15T) provide quicker acceleration but lower top-end speed, whilst more teeth (like 19T) offer higher top speed at the expense of acceleration. The 17T configuration offers an excellent middle ground for most racing conditions, making it ideal for pilots who want balanced performance without extreme compromises.
• Why is aluminium better than steel for pinion gears? — Aluminium offers a significantly lower density than steel, meaning a 17T aluminium pinion weighs considerably less than its steel equivalent. This reduced rotating mass means your motor doesn't have to work as hard to accelerate the drivetrain, resulting in faster throttle response and improved overall efficiency. The hard anodising process provides durability comparable to steel whilst maintaining the weight advantage.
• What vehicles is this pinion gear compatible with? — This pinion gear is designed for Team Associated RC8 series vehicles including the Nomad DB8 Limited Edition, RC8B3.1e, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.1e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, RC8T4e, and RC8B4.1e. Always verify your vehicle uses a 5mm motor shaft before purchasing.
• Can I use this with a metal spur gear? — No, this pinion gear must be used only with plastic spur gears. Using a metal spur gear with an aluminium pinion will cause accelerated wear on the softer aluminium pinion, potentially stripping teeth and causing drivetrain failure. Always use plastic spur gears with this component.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — Whilst this is a quality component, pinion gear selection is an intermediate to advanced tuning topic. Beginners should first understand how tooth count affects performance and whether their current setup is appropriate. However, once you understand the basics, installing this pinion is straightforward with basic RC tools.
• How do I install this pinion gear? — Installation involves removing your vehicle's existing pinion gear and sliding the new 17T pinion onto the 5mm motor shaft. Many pilots use a small amount of threadlock on a grub screw (like the optional #25223 set screws) to prevent slippage. Consult your vehicle's manual for specific installation procedures.
• What happens if my pinion gear teeth become damaged? — Damaged teeth will cause vibration, noise, and potential drivetrain failure. Damaged pinion gears should be replaced immediately. The hard anodised aluminium construction provides excellent durability under normal use, but collision damage or running with incorrect spur gear types can damage teeth.

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 17T MOD 1, 5mm SHAFT - ALUMINIUM AS89599 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.