why lock in 2nd and not 1st?
 

okay guys, need your input on this....

i've locked my maxx tranny into 2nd and been quite happy with it. but is there any reason why "we" lock it in 2nd and not in 1st?
hope this isnt a dumb Q...
would there be benefits...in using a much bigger pinion in first?

Since first gear is a lower gearing ratio, you need a bigger pinion or smaller spurgear to compensate. So 2nd is the easiest to lock it into without having to adjust gearing.

The gearing ration of the 2nd speed is more ideal to common bl motors. (keeps the rpm lower to hit the 40 mph) or you need to get a bigger pinion, like you said.

Plus, the 2nd speed gears are on the spur-side of the tranny. It let's you loose one half of the case, would not be possible with the 1st.

hmm...thanks for the input guys! appreciate it!

For the record
 

I am unclear as what is considered 1st & 2nd gear. I have a flm case and
at this point when the servo pulls out the bar extended outward my gears work. When it is in all the way it does not work. What gear is it considered when bar is extended. I built this Rc monster inspired emaxx from almost scratch & aftermarket parts. I did however start w/ A emaxx trans.
12020/8xl w/18 gp3300 in series, strobe set up. When it did sorta work(bar inserted) It
seemed like a faster top speed.

Thanks ahead of time to you gus on this forum as RC Mike ad you are great information in this hobby

Link pressed in is 2nd and pulled out 1st gear.
Mark, there must be something wrong with your tranny. Does it just freewheel when the pin is pressed in?

With the hv maxx if you going to lock it in you can do 1st but you won't be able to loose the weight. There is some advantages of doing first for it is easier on the slipper. I like to do a two speed for bashing.

easier on the slipper........hmmm...

.....so if losing weight is a not a concern for me, locking in first could work too?

i'm currently running a 13t pinion and a 66t spur using a HV. locked in 2nd.

would i be able to attain the same topend if i upped the pinion tooth count while using a locked "first"?

if so, what pinion size would that be? without having to change the spur?....

would it even fit the stock motor plate??!! hahaha

(i'm asking you guys instead of trying it out myself coz 32p pinions arent easy to come by where i live...so i really appreaciate all the info that you guys are sharing )

I think i got a calculation of a 18 66 gearing in first gear to match up to your 13 66 in second.

Then I keep it locked in first, When I use the shift servo (pin in) to 2nd gear it seem almost like it is in between gears only.Almost like a clutch in a car , I only just got this thing running and since it works so impressive, at least to me, I just having fun w/ 1st gear. It does run very good but since I do like speed runs I will have to take a look inside. During assembly w/flm trans case
the pin is held from sliding with the smallest copper e-type clamp. I thought that was a weak link, the e/clamp was so small it did not slide over the pin, but the pin is seemingly not moving.

Do most people just lock in 2nd gear. ? In first gear wheelies at half thorottle
is no problem, slipper pretty tight however.

Thanks for your replys