501X longer belt conversion-a little help?

[BORMAC]

Hello all- Ive been out of racing for a few months with my 501X and want to get back into it.Ive had problems in the past with shredding belts and want to look at the 18 tooth centre belt sprocket but wanted to confirm with you the length of the belt I need.Thankyou in advance-Jason.

[jimmy]

Hiya mate, the belts you need are the 369mm ones - part no.53987

I did a lil write up on the big pulley stuff here: http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/cars/501x/bigbelts/

[AaronR]

Originally Posted by jimmy

Hiya mate, the belts you need are the 369mm ones - part no.53987

I did a lil write up on the big pulley stuff here: http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/cars/501x/bigbelts/

The rear belt will likely be loose from the setting Tamiya gives you in the new sheets. http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6157 Make sure the belts are tight and you should have no issues.

Jimmy has a link to his big belt conversion above, but do not forget to purchase the eccentric belt tensioners also! The standard bearing posts will not work with the new center pulleys.

[BORMAC]

A very big thanks guys,Ive followed the link to Jimmy's thread and it sounds great. Jimmy you are a real inspiration mate,you take some of the best pictures Ive seen in this industry.You made the 501X look like eye candy before I bought mine and now I have 2 of them.I really like the car and I think the big belt conversion will make the car go better under the amount of pony's I push through mine.I think I'll get away with running my belts much looser than standard using the bigger 18 tooth gears especially.Now all we need is a wider belt like the Yokomo.Cheers guys-Jason.

[AaronR]

Originally Posted by BORMAC

I think I'll get away with running my belts much looser than standard using the bigger 18 tooth gears especially.Now all we need is a wider belt like the Yokomo.Cheers guys-Jason.

Beware as I have had some serious tooth wear on the rear belt with the new factory setting from those little sheets Tamiya gives you in the 18T center pulley and new belts. I've tightened my rear belt by 2 'notches' on the tensioners and now the front and rear belts feel like they have the same tension. I think that is correct that with loose belts, while in motion, the teeth can slap/rub (yikes, such language!) on the top chassis plate.

UPDATE! Tightening the rear belt by 2 'notches' will destroy the belt rather quickly! Mine lasted for about five 5-minute races on high traction indoor off-road. It actually broke the inner threads, and chewed the f0k out of the 18T center pulley! Replaced the belt and pulley this morning and will try tightening the belt ONE 'notch' to see how long this will last. Live and learn, but replacing rear belts is getting quite annoying.