Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

My other step son is looking at getting into the Mini Cooper class He said he wants to leave off road to his brother. We saw a kit at PT for like $92 on the shelf. Is that what he needs? I talked to Randy Nukem and he showed me 1 on ebay also for alot cheaper but was already over. Is there somewhere I can find the regulations/rules/restrictions for this class so we can start him a car? What is it im looking for to get him going in this class?

Rfury

iTrader: (6)

Locally we use the Tamiya Cup Series aka TCS rules. Tamiya only parts and the silver can stock motor. The only change to the rules allowed is that you can run any tire and wheel.

http://www.tamiyausa.com/tcs_races/index.php

You can find the rules there. You can start with the basic RTR mini and upgrade over time.

Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

Do you guys follow the batteries allowed rule? edit: Read further lol. But still there just isnt a max battery size rule like in VTA?

Rfury

iTrader: (6)

That I don't know. I think Lipo is legal now. Most run basic and fairly cheap stick packs.

FordGT40

That $92 kit would be great to get him started with, assuming you have the electronics. He won't win with it against Chad, the Clines, and the Sawyers, but he will have tons of fun. And those little things are extremely tough, they hardly ever break and even when they do the replacement parts are cheap and Primetime keeps a pretty good stock.

Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

And that is mainly because of their driving skill level or set up? I was understanding you coulsnt really "upgrade" these cars

shadow102

iTrader: (21)

No battery rule for the simple fact you have to run stick packs (no side by side cells) and the mini has very very limited room for large cells

Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

crap only stick packs? arg i figured we could get away with them 2 sharing batteries awhile lol. thats most the cost in these elctrics lol. o well ok. thanks for the info guys

shadow102

iTrader: (21)

Why not set him up with a VTA since it seems you have more than enough motors and packs to run a second car.

My only problem with mini racing is although fun some can take it too far IE there are people out that that have the ability and know how on tweaking Silver can motors to out perform all other box stock motors

Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

I might just ask him if he would rather do that. Guess the thought never dawned on me cause he said mini.

bmr

iTrader: (27)

FM,

There is a very specific list of allowed batteries. The only deviation from the TCS rules is for the tires. A clarification ... any tire/wheel that is designed for the mini. No touring car tires are allowed.

Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

Mini it is....so looks like we are in the market for a mini lol. Just had a talk with him and explained the 2 classes and he still wants mini. Id rather him be in what he really wants to be in. He will enjoy it that much more. Just damn it that means more batteries lol....have 11 packs as it is.

What size stick packs is going to be what he needs for the races? biggest stick pack we have is a 1800. but mainly 1500's.

Flying Monkey

iTrader: (54)

Ok which 1 am i after?

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCPW0&P=7

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGA44&P=7

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXTRN3&P=7

Or does it matter?

Rfury

iTrader: (6)

It isn't supposed to matter. Most of the fast guys I see run the Rover version with the shorter wheelbase.

K_Spec_RC

iTrader: (8)

You will see all kinds of packs ranging from 2400's on up to the 4200 and even some 4600 packs. Some people seem to opt for the 3300 stick packs from Radio shack. They are only (i think) $25 a piece. Also, Team Orion sells a 2 pack of 3300's for around $60 on tower. But I'm sure Tommy could order them for you and you could save on shipping

As far as a Kit goes, I would look into either the Swift or the 06 Cooper S. The newer kits come with ball bearings instead of bushings for all axles. That way the only other bearing upgrade you might want is for the transmission. Also, if im not mistaken, the newer kits have different style front end pieces. Other than that, they are all the same kit with a different chassis extender in the middle.