new to conversions, need help.

[BrianG]

IMO, a clutch is useless in electric. The only purpose for them AFAIK is to unload the engine so it won't stall when the vehicle is at rest, and to allow engine rpms to increase to a point where the power really starts to rise before engaging. Electrics don't have either of these problems. I don't think it will hurt anything to use one though, except it is another point of failure. Like most things, it is generally more reliable to keep it as simple as possible. BTW: How would it add to the realism? It's not like you'll hear the engine spool up, except for the slight whine that an unloaded motor makes.

I imagine you'd have to thread the end of the shaft to be able to set the clutch up like the Nitros.

Anyway, sounds interesting. Let us know how it turns out.