Centax vs. Racing Clutch

[NSantana]

Hi everyone,



My car's in pieces after spending too much on it and all because I can't make this decision. I've already converted my OS 18CV-R on my Nitro3 from standard shaft to an SG shaft to install the Centax kit (from an R-40...the HotBodies kit). Thing is, now that I've got it apart for tuning/gear swapping, I'm double-guessing myself as to if I REALLY need it. From what I understand, all these really do is increase stall speed before engagement and since I'm running the .18 (which definitely doesn't rev as much as a good .12), am I just wasting time/money? Is there any other benefit to this style of clutch over say, the MIP racing clutch on the standard RTR3 clutchbell in my particular application? Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[Diver6127]

What's good about a cenax is that you have a solid contact between the shoe and clutchbell. Yes, the stall speed, aka engagement point, can be set. This is good so you can dial in your launch characteristics as well as utilize the power of the engine in use.

When an engine has to work through the powerband with an early engagement, the engine is struggling a bit to get the wheels moving. When set correctly, the engine is already spooled up and power can be tuned and converted to movement with little bogging on the engine.

Another advantage to this over regular shoe type clutches is you don't have to really mess with spring weights or even shaving the shoes to lighten them for a later engagement point. Also means no disassemble to tune the clutch. Another thing to remember is that once you shave a shoe, it can't be returned to original configuration.

In a nutshell, yes it is worth it if you really want versatility in your car's performace,power wise.

BTW, didn't you purchase an MTX-4 kit? It uses a centax and when you assemble it, watch how tuning the clutch can make things so easy

 

[NSantana]

cool,


Yeah, I've always seen these clutches on the high-eng cars back in Japan. That's part of the reason why I bought the conv. kit a few months ago. I figured "if the big-boys use 'em, why not try it out on the evo?". I not suprised that its on the Mugen; Those are pure-bred racers and are meant for insane revving .12's. I've got to see how this works on the HPI and learn how to adjust/tune them properly before I touch the Mugen. Thanks again. Also, any suggestions on what I should put in the MTX-4?? I was going to wait and read reviews then buy one and break it in right before next season. This will be my first time racing them in the US, I hope it'll be as fun. SORRY for going so far off of my own topic :-( but yeah, thanks for the info/help

 

[Diver6127]

The new Nvarossi N12LL3 should flip that bill just fine. Since you're in NYC, we can probably hook up when it's warmer and do some laps.