Review: Vertigo Performance Hex-Drive Vented ClutchBell and Pinion System

competitionx.com /reviews/review-vertigo-performance-hex-drive-vented-clutch-bell-and-pinion-system/

Scrap Your Stock Gearing For Vertigo’s Awesome Hex-Drive Setup

If you’re a hardcore 1:5th scale racer,you’re probably always on the prowlfor something that will give you theadvantage on the track as well asmaintenance time in the pits. Oneweak point of the HPI Baja line is thepuny M4 bolt that holds the pinion tothe clutch bell. It’s weak and, as I’msure you’ve encountered, can breakeasily, sending you back to the pitsjust before you cross the line to winthe race! On top of that, when it’s timefor maintenance, you have to blindlypress the pinion through the outerbearing and key it to the clutch bell.Even if the parts are new and un-marred, it can be a chore that willcertainly make you think twice beforemessing with them again. All of the above issues have become a thing of the past thanks to VertigoPerformance’s Hex-Drive Vented Clutch Bell and Pinion System. Let’s give it a look.

Manufacturer: Vertigo PerformanceProduct: Hex Drive Vented Clutch Bell with 17t Pinion GearPart #: 61652-17Price: $59.95

What’s in the BoxThe Vertigo Performance Hex-Drive Clutch Bell System comes with a beautifully-constructed, steel clutchbell, a precision hardened pinion gear, lock washer and locknut. The pinion is quite different that a stockunit; it doesn’t have the dinky hole running through it with the keyed surface. Instead, it has a rather largehex drilled into it that keys to the hex on the clutch bell. This setup not only provides maximum surface areacontact, it also makes installation alot easier. The pinion also has the tooth number and the Vertigo namestamped on the back, a nice touch that makes identifying pinions a breeze.

The clutch bell has also been given a major reworking over the stock HPI part. A 7mm shaft extends fromthe bell’s face and no longer requires a screw to keep the pinion in place. Instead, a locknut threads ontothe shaft and pinches a stout lock washer to the pinion, keeping everything incredibly secure. Because ofthe size of the locknut (and shaft), you can use quite a bit of brute force to tighten it down without fear ofsnapping any parts. Cooling can be an issue with HPI’s clutch system as well, but Vertigo has addressedthis with the addition of large vents cut into the corners of the clutch bell, allowing cooling air in while

allowing any debris to fling out.

How it WorksBasically, you’re replacing the clutch bell and pinion, so you’ll need to get your hands dirty ripping the rearof your 5B or 5T apart to get to them. Once apart, simply slide the Vertigo vented clutch bell in place, re-assemble the rear of the buggy (or truck) and attach the pinion. The clutch bell works with the stock partsas well as most aftermarket clutch covers and carriers. The mesh is spot on and there isn’t any additionalnoise, something I’ve experienced with other aftermarket pinions. One added bonus is the fact that youcan check the wear on your clutch without having to remove anything other than possibly the gear cover (aflashlight can be handy here).

Scrap Your Stock Gearing For Vertigo's Awesome Hex-Drive Setup If you're a hardcore 1:5th scale racer,you're probably always on the prowl for something that will give you the advantage on the track as well asmaintenance time in the pits. One weak point of the HPI Baja line is the puny M4 bolt that holds the pinionto the clutch bell. It's weak and, as I'm sure you've encountered, can break easily, sending you back to thepits just before you cross the line to win the race! On top of that, when it's time for maintenance, youhave…

Excellent Upgrade Choice

Summary : In a nutshell, you're not going to find a better clutch bell system for the HPI vehicle, period.This setup has so many advantages over the stock setup that I challenge you to find something that isn'tawesome about it. I've run one of these on my 5B, my 5T and a 5B I converted to a Dirt Oval car andhaven't had one issue with parts failure, and I run my cars hard! Simplify your Baja maintenance. Get oneof Vertigo Performance's Hex-Drive Vented Clutch Bell and Pinion systems. And, while you're at it, pick upa few more pinions in different sizes.

Linkswww.vertigoperformance.com