Where else can you get a usa- assembled, fully customized, cnc-machined aluminum canned brushless motor?
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Performance is
key, but looks
are everything.
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When it comes to sensor
wire length, go a little
longer than you think
you’ll need. You never
know when you might
have to use the motor in
another vehicle.
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START WI TH THE STATOR
First, choose which motor type you want—a 540
or 550 size? Novak will custom build either for you. For
me, I chose to build a 540 motor. Since the object of this
build is a 17.5-turn motor, there are three stator options
available: Red wire, Red wire epoxy dipped, standard
copper wire (all of which are
wound by hand). The dipped
epoxy stators add an extra
level of reliability because
the epoxy helps to eliminate
any sort of wire movement
caused by the magnetic
fields rotating around inside
the motor. As expected
there are price differences
for each option.
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VENTED OR NON-VENTED,
THIS IS THE QUESTION
Heat is one of the worst enemies for an electric motor,
so keeping the motor ventilated will not only keep
performance levels consistent, but it will also help
extend the overall lifespan of the motor. At the same
time, vents add a bit vulnerability to a motor making
it easier for dirt and debris to enter with ease. If you
plan on driving in excessively dirty environments,
stick with the non-vented can to keep dirt and
debris out of the motor. If not, go for the vented can
and help your motor run cooler.
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Large vents do
an excellent
job of boosting
airflow through
the motor.
Even though the red epoxy
adds a bit of weight, it
increases reliability.
2CHOOSING THE RIGHT MAGNET Only recently have magnets become available
as a tuning option. The down side with that option is,
you’re stuck purchasing the motor first and then the
optional additional magnet afterwards. With Novak’s
program, three different magnet options are
available from the start; 12.3mm Sintered,
13mm Sintered, 12.3mm Samarium
Cobalt. The Samarium Cobalt
(SmCo) magnet can operate at
higher operating temperatures
without losing its magnetism. So, if you tend to run heavy
gearing or run in hotter climates, consider the SmCo
magnet option.
The magnets are magnetized in house by Novak’s
proprietary liquid-cooled magnet zapper.
CUSTOM COLORS
Since the Ballistic
motors are easily
rebuildable thanks to
the three-piece motor
design, Novak felt is was
important to add some
flavor into the mix of
options in the form of
colored motor can bands.
Available colors include:
black, blue, purple, gold,
and orange.
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BEARING OPTIONS
Steel or ceramic bearings are available. Ceramic
bearings are a regular upgrade for a reason. Why?
Ceramics feature lighter, harder, smoother balls that
effectively spin at high rpms due to reduced friction. In
other words, they’ll help an electric motor spin faster.
Depending upon the application, ceramics may be less
durable while steel bearings are more impact resistant.
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The bearings are cold pressed via a
hydraulic press for optimum alignment.
FINALLY, THE HARNESS LENGTH
A unique feature to the Ballistic motors is its
captured sensor wire design, making it nearly impossible
for the sensor wire to come dislodged or removed
without the use of tools. Plus, how many times have you
spent excessive amounts of time making sure your wiring
looks completely factory, only to have a lengthy sensor
wire ruin the look. Now you can choose the sensor wire of
your choice, in 4-, 6- or 9-inch lengths.
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