Salt Lake Mini-Z Club Forum

I have one of these (http://www.kyosho.com/eng/products/rc/detail.html?product_id=104749) in transit to me.  I have about $50 that I can add to it for upgrades.  What should I do first?  I assume tires first?  Motor too?  If so, what is the right one?  Suggestions would be much appreciated!

Here is what I would start with.

Tires:
PN 6* treaded Rears  (http://www.saltlakemini-z.com/Zen_Cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92_79&products_id=281)

PN 10* fronts (http://www.saltlakemini-z.com/Zen_Cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92_79&products_id=287)

I personally like the 15* for a little push

PN 15* fronts (http://www.saltlakemini-z.com/Zen_Cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92_79&products_id=288)

Bearings (http://www.saltlakemini-z.com/Zen_Cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74_120&products_id=218)

HFAY 70T Motor (http://www.saltlakemini-z.com/Zen_Cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_65&products_id=392)

then go for some stainless king pins and then springs.

Rod,  I'll compile a list of all the parts that I put on Andy car for you.

I should have everything in stock that you will need.  I can get you a price and bring everything with me to work and you can pick it up.   Or if you'd like you can drop off your car and I can set it up for you.   Just let me know how you want to do it.

Sounds good.  I'll probably have to break it up into part I & part II.  I made a quick list myself earlier and it came out to somewhere around $150-175.

Definately get some tires first. For $50 to start I would get 2 pairs rears PN RRR06 work great. Then I would get some fronts. I like RRF08 radials or RSF06 slicks but others like a little harder tire for a bit of push so get a couple to try out and see what you like. Then I would definately get some bearings. I like the (PN 600120 $8.95) cheapie's myself but you have to clean them out good. I run mine dry. You can polish your stock king pins and that works great. You might want to get a spring set for the front, they are cheap and can help tune the car to your likeing. I like the low down kind (MR2090) for a little front droop. 

So to break it down (in my opinion of importance) for $50 or less:

1. Tires 2 front 2 rear = $15.96
2. Bearings $8.95
3. King pins polish $free (if you have the polish and a drill or dremel)
4. Springs $5.99 (I have a set of low down springs for $5 brand new if interested)
5. Wheel nuts $3.99 (not necessasary but nice to have)
6. T-Plates Set $11.95 (PN MR2023)(not necassary but nice to have)
Total $46.84 plus tax or shipping, less discount?.

Next steps would usually be something like:
1. Differential
2. Disc Damper
3. Motor Pod
4. PN70t motor

Russ, 

he had asked that I setup the car the same as I setup Andy's car.   He Test drove it on Saturday and really liked how it handles. it's the same setup that I have on my car with the exception of the PN A-Arm.  We went with 1 degree knuckles and 1 degree caster with PN 6 rears and 15 fronts.  it's a very neutral car.  We had 10 fronts on it initially and it was just a little twitchy.  the 15's calmed it right down.

I'll post the complete setup here when I have time to type it all out. :)

Here is Andy Complete Setup that is on His MR-02 MM Car

It’s setup at 98mm Wheel base

Full Bearings

Rear:
PN Diff with Ceramic bearings and PN Ultra Light weight shaft
PN 94/98 Multi Length Motor mount.
PN Graphite Multi Length damper,  sanded plate and disk with 2000 grit. (removed all sharp edged) Blue spring on top / Green on Bottom.
PN Dual Action Top Shock.
PN 6* Radials

Front:
Stainless Kingpins
2* Knuckles ( I personally like 1*)
1* Caster Bar
Yellow low Down Springs,  with limiter and stock preload bushing installed.
PN 15* Slicks

Thanks for taking the time to type out this list, Brian.  Now the bad news...My car won't be here until 1/6. :(

Does anyone use the WTF by Reflex Racing?

http://www.reflexracing.net/proddetail.asp?prod=RX1135BL (http://www.reflexracing.net/proddetail.asp?prod=RX1135BL)

Just curious...

it's a good setup for a mod car.  the it allow you to have the +3 offset with running 0 offset wheels.  it's too wide for most of the stock bodies.

when you car arrives let me know what you want to do and I can help you select the right parts for it...

UPS shows it out for delivery today.  Woohoo!  I'll post an update later when I see what I have to work with.  I know it has a few upgrades, but I'm not sure which.

I don't think I'll make racing tomorrow, but I'm planning on Saturday.

I'm also trying to track down a Mini Giant.  There's a used one on Ebay right now I might bid on.  I've always wanted one.  This gives me a good excuse to buy one finally.

the mini giants are sure fun,  they are very durable as well.  Unless you go crazy (I do that sometimes). 

As for the car,  do you have pics or a link and I can see what is on it.?

The only Mini Giant on ebay has been on there for some time you might want to offer the seller like $80 shipped or something. Its got a few nice hop-ups on it so I would say its pushing the limit at $95 shipped but decent. I saw one go just the other day for about $50 shipped. They come up every now and then so If you arent in a hurry just keep your eyes peeled. I usually will post up on SLMZ whenever I find a good deal on a Mini Giant or a Helios radio. Just keep an eye out on the private general discussion for the "Good Deals I found on Ebay" thread.

P.S. FYI I got a bunch of stock replacment parts for the Mini Monters.

My wife gave me a call at work and said the package has arrived.  Woot!  I'll be home in about 2 hours and will post up some pics then.


Thanks for the info Russ.  I agree that $95 shipped is a little steep for that one (with the Hummer body) currently on eBay.  I can do better.  I'll also keep an eye on that thread you mentioned.

Okay, here's what I got...

(http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2703/img20641.th.jpg) (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/img20641.jpg/)(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/8073/img20651.th.jpg) (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/img20651.jpg/)(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5775/img20661.th.jpg) (http://img521.imageshack.us/i/img20661.jpg/)(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9683/img20671.th.jpg) (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/img20671.jpg/)

The upgrades are slim, but it's a start.  It has bearings, aluminum wheel nuts, an FRP T-Plate, and an Atomic Stock Motor.  There are also a few spare parts in a bag like a motor pod, pinions, and some used tires.  A few tools too...

I also picked this up for it:

(http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6485/img20681.th.jpg) (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/img20681.jpg/)

It all seems to work.  Let the upgrades begin!

let me know when and where you want to begin,  there is not rush you can obviously run it how it is.   You might need some tires to start, but everything else can be as you need/want it.  :angel:

It looks like a nice set to begin with for sure.  What kind of TX is that? it's not one I've seen.

Cool!! Looks nice. You will like that radio I think. I have an Airtronics MX-3 FM one that I use for a few of my other 1/10 and 1/18 cars I actually like it the best of all the radios I've owned. The one you have there looks very similar. I dont think its a Kyosho radio, it should be Sanwa or Airtronics probably an MX-A model but somebody put Kyosho stickers on it I believe. But it should be a great start and capable of running all your AM cars. The car looks nice and really all you need to race is maybe some tires depending on what came on it.

That's a Kyosho Perfex KT-14 radio (http://www.kyosho.com/jpn/support/instructionmanual/digital_prcs/pdf/kt-14-t01_perfex_m.pdf).  It used to come with some of their 1/8 nitro RTR buggies.  It's basically a relabeled Airtronics/Sanwa MX-A 27mhz radio.  There was no way I could live with the stock radio.  It's way too small and uncomfortable for my hands.  Plus, I wanted some radio tuning options and multi-model profiles.  This is the second Airtronics radio I've had like this one.  I had the FM version for a short while and regretted selling it.  It should work well enough for this since I don't want to pony up for the 2.4ghz stuff.

Huh... Good to know. I've never seen that radio with the Kyosho name on it. Thanks for clearing that up. I to like my MX Airtronics radio. I wish I could get one to work with the mini-z in 2.4ghz.

The package for my rechargeable batteries was delivered today.  Unfortunately, it was torn open and nothing was inside.  Dang it!  Guess I'll be running some alkalines for a while.

oh,  sorry to hear that.   I'll have some batteries you can use on Saturday.

Hey Brian, if you are able, can you bring some parts for me tomorrow?  I'd like to pick up the following for now:

Rear:

PN 6* Radials

Front:
Stainless Kingpins
PN 15* Slicks

What's the best way to pay for them?  Should I place an order through the site or give you some cash?  I plan on adding more later, but haven't decided what yet.  The HFAY motor is out of stock, right?

If you could help me out with some batteries tomorrow, too, I'd most appreciate it.  I'm still working out my eBay deal gone bad.  They seem like they want to resolve it and are cooperating so far.

I'll bring the parts.   you can place the order online,  then just select pickup as the deliver and it won't charge you.  :)

I'll have some batteries you can use. as well

Okay, I just placed an order for the above, along with a low down spring set.  I went ahead and paid for it with Paypal.  I'll see you at the race tomorrow.

I've got it all ready,  I'll be in my box for tomorrow.

thanks.

Question about motor mounts...I'm seeing that some mounts use 2 screws to attach the motor, like in 1/10 scale stuff.  Others uses the D-shaped extension on the can?  What is the best way to go?  Will the HFAY motor work with both types?

Two screw option is the most popular I think. Yes the HFAY can is threaded for the two screw mount.

the HFAY motor can be mounted both ways.   you can use your stock mount still or when you upgrade to the other mount you will need the screw holes to mount the motor.  you can carefully drill the can,  or get the HFAY motor is you don't want to run the stock motor.

I ended up getting a brand new PN Racing ceramic diff set from eBay for a good deal.  Is the spur that's included 64 pitch?  I think it might even come with pinions, but I'm not sure.

By the way, I'm really glad I picked up that radio.  The exponential adjustment for steering helps a ton with driving these things.  I don't know how other guys do without it.

What diff is it.  if you have a link I can let you know what it comes with.

Click here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=370291574250&Category=34061&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2).  I had some eBay bucks to use up.  So, it was even cheaper for me.

that's not bad,  that is the older version but good non the less.  It will have standard gearing on it.  it wasn't until just recently that they had diffs with pre installed 64 pitch gears.  you'll want to tear it apart and sand down the rings prior to running it.   they might have a coating on them that needs to come off.  then just put it back together with a little bit of diff grease.

Argh!  So, I was supposed to receive a replacement set of batteries today, as per the eBay seller.  They didn't show.  They said to ask for refund if they didn't arrive by today.  I think they are jerking me around.  Hopefully they are actually telling me the truth.  I should have bought those Energizer batteries when they were on sale.  Oh well...

On the plus side, my diff did arrive.  I'll rebuild it this weekend.

that sucks about the batteries.   Hope the show up,  was this a paypal purchase?  if so file a dispute.

I think my batteries will finally show up today.  I have my fingers crossed!

Will this fit on the stock mount while I wait for the orange PN multi-length motor mount to come back into stock?

http://www.saltlakemini-z.com/Zen_Cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92_80_83_89&products_id=267

It'll go right on you stock MM mount.

Anybody got a set of PN Racing Pro Match pinions (non-64 pitch) they want to sell me?  I can't seem to find a set for a decent deal.

I have a bunch of pro match pinions. I will bring them to the race Thursday along with your wheely bar.

Sounds good Russ.  I won't be at the next race.  I don't want you mess you guys up for HFAY.  I'll be to the next race in March though. 

You wouldnt mess anyone up for HFAY! Arent you doing the HFAY? If not you should.

Honestly Russ, the Mini-Z racing is more of side thing for me right now.  Once offroad racing starts up @ Blacksheep in Spanish Fork, I'll be spending most of my limited "fun" time down there during the good weather months.  They also race on Thursdays. :'(

However, I'd still like to turn up for a Z race at least once a month when I can.  I might end up only being able to get to those special Saturday morning practice days or maybe a Thursday once in a while when a point series isn't going on down @ Blacksheep.  I'll definitely look into joining HFAY later this year once offroad wraps up though.