you can loosen the 2nd gear engagement point by turning the angled screw in the center of the second gear counter clockwise a turn or two... be careful not to go too far or you risk losing the screw and spring..... I have done this in the past when traction is a problem.. driving in the snow..... However, If you are stripping first gear alot, your gear mesh is off... make sure the engine is straight and the gears are lined up perfectly. then take a piece of paper and put between the gears.. push the clutch bell towards the gears and tighten the motor screws on the bottom... there should be a very small amount of play between the gears... thats what you want... I run an os 18 in mine and its alot stronger that the cen engine and I haven't stripped first gear in at least a year... I wear out gears and pinions before they strip...