my 2c on the clutch vs pinion.. raced both losi 8t (tekno v3 conversion)
 

Ok, let me start off by saying I really like the clutch on my 8ight buggy conversion so when I decided to go w/ the 8ight truggy and convert as well I figured I would just get the clutch. I know the truck is a lot heavier, but figured it would still be nice. After about 4 hours of racing the thing with the clutch it basically exploded (must have had a weak spot)... anyway I just happened to have the long shaft kit so I installed a 15t pinion in and OMG this truck is SOOOOOOOOO much better w/ the pinion. I am still using the mechanical brakes, but it drives sooo much better and is so much more responsive it's not even funny. If anyone is wondering out there.. drop the clutch, trust me the pinions are the way to go. I still like the tekno kit because of the mechanical brakes.. but at least with the losi kit you get a somewhat sealed rx box vs hanging out in the open so I would if I could do it again gone w/ the Losi conversion parts for 75 and saved the 140-180 the v3 kit costs..

Again just my 2c...

Did you try reversing the clutch shoes the other way so they grab better? And/or maybe the spring was too tight allowing the motor to rev too high before engaging.

i feal the same way about my tekno revo platinum conversion, even with the shoes leading it still slips and i havent found a clutch/clutch shoe that lats for more than 2 hours worth of run time

Clutch shoes were on properly... it was setup correctly, and I ran them w/ the spring off even as suggested by the guys at tekno. It is really hard to describe how much more responsive it was w/ the pinion, it worked with the clutch until it snapped and felt ok.. just not anywhere near as impressive. I'm hoping that tekno will replace the defective "elektri-clutch adapter" as it was obviously inferior in quality to snap after such little use. When I get it back it will be a spare for my buggy conversion, there is no way I'm switching back in the truggy.

i always thought pinions were a goofy idea, thats what the best thing about electric is the instant power, why dumb it down with a clutch? and thats less matinence also, but also just my opinion