There are a great number of spare parts and kits available on the market for the new mini-Z MR03 by Kyosho. For this reason, we have divided this article into three parts (or stages) of preparation based on the tune-up level that we want to reach.
In this case, the order of the preparation levels is important as it will help us to improve our driving skills at the same time as the performance of our race car. There is no point in driving a super modified Mini-Z if we aren´t even able to handle it with stock parts.
LEVEL 1
This is the basic level of optional parts that all Mini-Z MR03 chasses should house. These parts will allow for improved overall efficiency plus will provide us with better handling and total control of the car. For this first stage of preparation the recommended options are:
1- Bearings: (Ref: TRP013)
With this ítem we enable the entire set of transmission fixtures to run more smoothly. As a result, the car gains acceleration, as well as velocity and star performance in general. We must also mention that if you want your bearings to rotate with greater ease and speed they should be cleaned with special with special degreasing liquid before they are assembled. This is because, once manufactured, they are coated with a layer of factory protective grease. If not cleaned, the end result will be that the rotating speed of the bearing won´t be very fluid. The use of bearings that are in good condition reduces battery power consumption. Therefore that act of mounting the bearings is just as important as keeping them clean and in good running condition.
In total, the bearings kit consists of 7 units. The four similar bearings are to be mounted on the front rims, 2 per rim. The remaining three bearings go on the rear wheel assembly; two of which go on the motor mount and the other on the outer part of the rear rim located on the crown of the differential.
2- Suspension “T” Plates: (Ref: 10019)
By incorporating this ítem onto your Mini-Z, you will improve the lateral torsion of the rear wheel assembly of the car; thus avoiding unnecessary bouncing caused by the plastic plate. In this manner the traction, stability and grip of the MR03 chassis will be notably improved. This kit of “Ts” (so-called given their shape) are in fact comprised of three plates of different hardnesses. To begin with, its advisable to assemble an intermediate plate first and then try the other two in order to fine tune your preferred tune-up. Generally speaking, you would want to know that on smooth, foam-type surfaces, soft plates are used to allow for much smoother lateral torsion. On the other hand, on hard surfaces such as carpet, wider plates, which have a much harder torsion, are used.
With this ítem we enable the entire set of transmission fixtures to run more smoothly. As a result, the car gains acceleration, as well as in velocity and star performance in general. We must also mention that if you want your bearings to roll with greater ease and speed you they should be cleaned with special degreasing liquid before they are assembled. This is because once manufactured they are coated with a layer of factory protective grease. If not cleaned, the end result will be that rotating speed of the bearing is concerned won´t be very fluid. The use of bearings that are in good condition reduces battery power consumption. Therefore that act of mounting the bearings is just as important as keeping them clean and in good running condition.
3- Front shocks: (Ref: TRP016)
To adjust the performance of the front part of the car to your liking, you´ll have to try different types of front shock with their different hardnesses. For the front of the car you should use the hardest type so that the front of the car will tend to slide out on wide , open corner. We will also mount softer shocks as we want the front of the car to close in tighter when it swerves. As with the suspension plates, it is worthwhile beginning with the shocks of medium hardness and later on try other hardnesses in order to put the finishing touches on the car tuneup. The function of the suspension is closely related to the type of tire that you use. A bad fitting in the combination of shocks and front tires will make your car undriveable, way out of control and very difficult to manuever.
The combination of very soft tires with shocks that are somewhat hard or vice versa; (harder tires with softer shocks), in many cases is the key to a good tune up.
4- Ball differential: (Ref: TRP011)
The stock differential used by the Mini-Z MR03 is the planet-satellite type which is the reason for which it doesn´t come with a regulating component. As a result of this, depending on the surface on which it runs, the use of stock differentials can cause continuous over swerving or even spinning if the surface is somewhat slippery. In order to avoid this effect, the assembly of a ball differential is vital, given that it enables us to change the power supply of the motor to the wheels. On slippery surfaces we can leave the differential a little loose to prevent the wheels from skidding when gas is given to the motor and we can then gain greater control of the vehicle.
This differential, made of steel (axle and discs), aluminium (volts and disc supports), delrin (crown) and ceramic (ball differential), comes already assembled and greased, ready for use on your Mini-Z MR03, together with conventional 6T, 7T, 8T, 9T, 10T sprockets.
5- Wheel nuts (Ref: TRP010)
Every time you assemble and disassemble the rims of your car, the nuts that come with the original kit must first be loosened and then tightened. These original nuts are made of plastic and tend to quickly lose the braking effect, making them difficult to tighten them to your liking. For this reason we recommend aluminum brake nuts. You can fasten and loosen them over and over again and will also give your Mini-Z a more stylish look.
6- Tires:
This first level of preparation is recommended for when, once you have carried out the modifications of your chassis, described previously, you begin to to look for tires that improve its traction. If the car is used for racing around the house you ought to know that the grip will be seriously compromised. This is why there are no specially made tires for surfaces like wood or ceramic tiles. In such cases one would have to opt for mouting soft tires (generally speaking) onto the rear assembly (between 10 and 20 degrees by any manufacturer) and harder ones on the front assembly (around 40 degrees), so that the performance of the car could be smoother and easier to handle.
Other common surfaces, for use in competitions such as carpets or tracks made of foam come with rubber tires made specially for this purpose.
Coming soon we will be continuing with the development of our chassis with additional possible options. This will be Stage 2.