Gearing for increased voltage?

[SlotBond_007]

Five of my friends and myself I do some informal racing race on a Carrera 132 digital track. The cars we use are factory stock COT NASCAR cars with downforce magnets. We generally run six race cars and one roaming car. The factory Carrera power supply for this setup is 14.8 volts. My friend, who owns the track, stepped it up by powering the track with the 18.0 volt power supply normally used with the 124 cars. It picked up the speed and worked reasonable well with one exception. Occasionally the track would “brown-out” and have to reset. He then replaced the factory Carrera 18.0 volt power supply with a Mastech variable power supply. (Part # HY3010E) It’s a regulated 0-30v and 0-10 amp unit. He, always wanting to go faster, tends to set the voltage level at 18.8 volts. We have used it in excess of 50 hours like this now, and have had absolutely no problems. But, my question to those of you with more experience than myself is:
With my car running at 18.8 v as opposed to the normal 14.8 v wouldn’t the motor (stock E-200) have more torque available and therefore be able to run a higher gear for yet more top end speed? Perhaps changing the stock 9 tooth pinion to a 10 tooth and therefore changing the ratio from 3.0:1 to 2.7:1.

[bkrownd]

With digital, changing the power supply can have somewhat unpredictable consequences. (possibly meltdowns...)

[Al's slotracing]

Originally Posted by SlotBond_007

]With my car running at 18.8 v as opposed to the normal 14.8 v wouldn’t the motor (stock E-200) have more torque available and therefore be able to run a higher gear for yet more top end speed? Perhaps changing the stock 9 tooth pinion to a 10 tooth and therefore changing the ratio from 3.0:1 to 2.7:1.

With more voltage the motor will produce more torque AND more maximum rpm. It'll also take more current and run hotter. Generally motors have a reduced life expectancy at higher voltages, but for motors with plenty in hand there is no need to worry about that.

Changing from a 9 tooth pinion to a 10 will give more top speed and less acceleration.
Changing from a 9 tooth pinion to a 8 will give less top speed and more acceleration.

Which gives better lap times?
It depends on the car and the circuit.
On tracks with short straights where the car never gets to maximum speed more acceleration may be be better.
On tracks where the car spends significant time at maximum speed, more top speed may be better.
Whichever ratio makes the car easier to drive round corners may be more important than either of the above.
The only sure answer is try it and see.