NTC3 or R40?

[Buggyracer28]

I had my mind set on a Factory Team NTC3, but i was thinking... There are a ton of people racing with the R40. What are the advantages and dis-advantages of belt drive? What are some reasons racers pick one over the other? I have some more time to think about this because my tc3 didn't sell I will be racing at www.rc-cars.com 's track (parkinglot).

 

[CorradoPsi]

i can't offer you advice as to which car to get, but i can offer you a really nice FT NTC3 with a sirio engine. I'm going electric touring since theres no nitro touring tracks in the area.

 

[Buggyracer28]

ygpm, Corrado

 

[rossb]

What are the advantages and dis-advantages of belt drive?

Advantages of belts:

• Smoother power delivery
• Front to rear belt usually runs down the side of the car. This allows the fuel tank and battery pack (heavy parts) to be mounted in the center for better weight distribution.

Disadvantages of belts:

• Not as durable, rocks can take out a belt.
• Should be used on a clean surface (no rocks).
• Harder to setup and maintain.

 

[Buggyracer28]

Thanks ross.

 

[Bouzouki]

Belts are the way to go if you are racing on a track where you shouldn't have to worry about rocks and pebbles.

 

[Remy]

Belts are the way to go if you are racing on a track where you shouldn't have to worry about rocks and pebbles.

And I would also like to say The R-40 is a awesome car when set up right.

 

[Diver6127]

Since it hasn't been touched upon and can't be commented by most (except for Ross, Ratzo, and sl0eg1n that I know, who have driven both belt and shaft) I will step in even though I already know what you're aiming for, Eric. This is basically for everyone else so a more educated choice can be made.

The arguement between belt and shaft has been an arguement/debate for a while now. The pluses for a belt are basically a smoother power transition and less rotational mass. Also, it's more of a linear motion from front to back so torque steer is almost eliminated. Gearing can also be played with a bit more with the pulleys in the front, rear, mid and layshaft pulley. This is something that most will not play with but is why the upper tier of racers use the belt driven cars such as the Serpent710, Kyosho VoneRRR WCE and Mugen MTX-3 & 4. The bad side is that there are more chances of losing, popping or even snapping a belt from a colision with an oponent or barrier. There's also pebbles that have to be dealt with ... yes, even on a groomed track that is either temporary or permanent.

For a Shaft driven car, power is instantaneously delivered to all 4 wheels. This means a better split for front/rear drive ratios. Belt drives have an inherrant overdrive ratio for the front tires. There is slight torque steer but it is minimal. It will become more noticeable if the shaft is bent in a crash. Another bad thing is that with a shaft driven car, stripped gears can be a problem over time. When the wheels are "shocked" from an impact enough times, it will affect the drive pinion and ring gear mesh.

The whole thing of drive vs belt goes deeper than pebbles and debris. But for the "avg joe" torque steer, smoothness and power transfer will not be noticeable. Race with both belt driven and shaft driven cars for a few months and you'll see/notice where the pitfalls and praises are for each car.

That can't be done unless both have been driven in similar situations/conditions.

 

[Lessen]

good post Diver. Nice to see an unbiased explanation. :thumbup:

 

[Buggyracer28]

Thanks Diver! I have good news... The guy that I bought My NTC3 from is going to use his friends Paypal, so I am paying for it tonight! yay I also have to get another reciever, foams, maybe some glowplugs, maybe starter box (gotta see if mine will work with it turned the other way)