502 vs 511

[thaiboxer]

hi can some tell me the differences apart from shaft and belt drive between 501 502 511 and which is best

daz

[carpaste]

This is a good question. I also would like to know the answer. I hope some experts may selflessly spend their own precious time sat down in front of the monitor explaining about it patiently and particularly.

[Jan Larsen]

The suspension on both cars are exactly the same, because it works. Same with the shocks. Main difference is the steering geometry on the 502 which is much alike the Associated setup. Many people fit an updated steering rack on the car from JT Models to improve low speed steering. It simply extends the throw on the inside wheel.

If you plan on racing on carpet, I'd get the 502 for the shaft drive. Shaft drive has the benefit of no power-lag whatsoever which benefits the point-n-shoot driving style many people prefer, including myself. The 511 has a small delay (milliseconds) in transfering power to the ground due to the belts.
The 502 also has the added benefit of easier and less frequent maintenance. The 511 needs to be looked after in the transmission department, espcially if you drive on carpet with low wind motors.
The only downside I see with the 502 is the lack of geardiffs.

[msxmre]

Gotta agree wit everything Jan has stated, when i was originally looking at both cars i looked at the surfaces i'd be racing on along with the weather. I went for the TRF502X because i prefer shaftdrive and also with both gear boxes being sealed it was better to deal with the Scottish weather which can be pretty rough lol. Very impressed with the car and can't recommend highly enough.
Scotty....

[rcaddict]

+1

Jan got it right!

Belts for loose grip tracks, shaft for high grip tracks (and the added bonus on the shaft driven car is less maintenance as well as less frequent parts replacement on the drivetrain).

Here in the USA, carpet racing is pretty much null and void so it was an easy decision for me. I have a 511.

Although, the loose grip tracks almost always have little pebbles laying around here and there (we try to clean the track up as best we can, but dirt is dirt so...), therefore I would be forced to run shaft drive if it were not for Fred designing those nice diff covers for the 511.

Thanks Fred!

[discostu]

i think its just personel preference i race on polished wood floor and i prefer the 502 to both the 511 and 501 all very good IMO but 502 is good for me

stu