I sent a better more detailed note to Bob, so Maybe we'll get a better answer.

But here's my thoughts. We know that the 550's put out much less torque then the CC motors. As they are a 2-pole motor, and their rotor has much less mass. But being a smaller diameter lower mass rotor, allows them to turn higher rpm's, with less cintrifugal loads.

So by using this equation of Torque x RPM's = hp = watts = amps x volts
we know that torque or rpm doesn't matter, they should draw the same power, either way, for the same speed. So it's really all about which way the motor does it most efficiently. Which is where the motor's ability of producing less torque, comes into play. For a 2000kv motor to be pushing the same speed as a 4000kv motor, it must make twice the torque. If making that much torque, is more inefficient, then running that rpm, which imo it will be, the higher kv motor will be cooler.

so which would be better suited for an rc8 on a tight indoor track limited to 2s lipo? i did the math on a 5.5 being 3700kv geared 17/46 to equal roughly 28 mph and ordered a 5.5... then i read the tuning rotor that comes with the ballistics reduces the kv by 20%. Would the 4.5 work better? O, i will be using a mmp if that helps, thanks

You should also consider that the Novak motors don't reach rated KV under load. I tested a HV6.5 in a 1/8th buggy and it was running at only 3000KV at the top speed of the car (on 4S geared 9:46 with standard buggy diffs) vs the rated KV of 3400.

All of our motor Kvs are measured (and listed/speced) "unloaded".

Exactly. So a speed calculation based on the speced KV will not give a true indication of the top speed of the car.

if i went with the 4.5 (5000kv) subrtact 20% for the tuning rotor and a few hundred when you add a load and that would put me close to the 3700 that i based my calculations on...

patiently waiting for someone ballistics to get to the shops. I have a 6.5 hv but ordered a 4.5 ballistic for outdoors. running on an 8th scale track so I can use a little more power then I currently have.

If all else fails, you can order it from our store. These orders go out to fullfillers (hobby dealers) for bid; but if none of our dealers has inventory, we ship the items.

Just wanted to know an update on this setup. I'm debating on ordering the same setup or go with the 5.5
I'm trying to keep temps down in a Slash 4x4.
I like the idea of running the 550 motor with low timing and high sensored cheat mode timing for the straights and kick in around 8,000-12,000 (depending on actual testing to narrow it down).
I already own the 6.5 and 14mm tuning rotor. I like this setup on smaller tracks but I need a setup for larger/open tracks.

We built additional higher wind stators for our Ballistic 550s a while back, but somehow we dropped the ball waiting for Bob to measure the Kvs.

We have just announced Ballistic 550 stator replacements---up to 13.5T (1600Kv):

Tower Novak Accessories

Also:

Sneak Peek of new Novak 1/8 Brushless Motor

Finally, a true 1/8 Novak BL Motor!