Patriiick

iTrader: (3)

Tech racing is not tamiya original parts so on theory you re not legal.(although that can be debated at great length).

However, you could maybe see if there is an identical part in the tamiya catalog that is the same (which might be possible since Tech racing makes somes aluminium parts for Tamiya)... and turbuckles might be just a good case of that...

Turbonium

iTrader: (27)

in my experience with the TCS stuff, most race directors and Tech inspectors may not worry about some of the small stuff, as long as Tamiya makes a similar product, or it doesnt really enhance performance. i have seen Lunsford turnbuckles, RPM ballcups, etc...

but keep in mind, it is all up to the Host Club and Tech guy what they let pass... best to be 100% to be sure...

nagatahawk

some of the small stuff can be overlooked at the TCS qualifiers, and as far as I know if you are so lucky/good enough to make it to the Japan finals, everything will have to be tamiya.

westerdude42

I had to change links at my first TCS regional. It was no big deal but I recomend showing up with the stock ones pre-built just in case. Then it's a quick switch if you have to.

tony gray

iTrader: (7)

Now on rc-mini TWO super-rare little Minis from ABC Hobby.
The 4WD Carrera IV and a cute little 1/20th one as well
Click here to check em out

Scottrik

iTrader: (261)

Tony,

On the RWD mini conversion you install "long" shocks. What should I be looking for?

Many thanks,

Scottrik

nikkiesteban

iTrader: (5)

why is my m03m swift keeps on going to left sometimes right? for example when i let go off of the throttle it will steer into left sometimes right? why is that?

Steven Key

iTrader: (7)

I had a similar situation with turnbuckles at the National. I had raced at three Regional events with no problems but at the Nationals they made me replace my Lungsford turnbuckles with Tamiya ones before they would let me run. Forunately, my son was running the exact same car so I popped his on and was still able to make my qualifier.

Better safe than sorry.

Turbonium

iTrader: (27)

yea, i would figure the Nats would be a little more strict. with all thats at stake, it would figure!

i am thinking of going again this year...

Wes

Scottrik

iTrader: (261)

What's sad is that the regional events aren't every bit AS strict. The rules are clear enough...everyone should be forced to comply with them. Kinda sucks that the message here is "cheat to get into the 'show', then be ready to revert to compliance".

Turbonium

iTrader: (27)

i agree... sorta. the thing is, if i dont have a local hobby shop stocking Tamiya parts, and i need something like a turnbuckle, ill use whatever i can get. the comments at the regionals i have overheard is "... as long as it isnt a performance enhancing part..." for what thats worth.

my Tamiya cars are all kept 100% TCS Nats legal, for what thats worth....

Steven Key

iTrader: (7)

Have any of you Mini drivers tried putting the M03m new front and rear suspension on an M04m.

I heard (unconfirmed) the M04m that won the nationals last year had made this switch.

What would be the advantages or disadvantages?

Manny

I don't see why the M03m parts wouldn't fit. Compared to the stock set up, you would have less unsprung weight because of the smaller bearings and kingpin screws. The rear toe-in on the M03m upright gives the car more stability.

rccardr

iTrader: (8)

My guess is...minimal performance difference. Rear toe on the M03M is 2 degrees, same as the option parts for the M03/L. Smaller bearings will be virtually no weight difference and the kingpins are about the same on my scale. But the 03M plastic front knuckles are stronger than the M03 parts and lighter than the aluminum option parts. It all fits (you've got to use the later uprights with the new knuckles but they come on the same tree) but probably not worth buying all of it expecting to see a performance gain.

The M03R parts are another issue altogether, Steve. Three mounting holes for the ball end (two give you Ackerman changes), you don't have to use that special tall ball end, and the rear uprights not only have two locations for the outer link (think roll center, baby) but they have 1.5 degree toe-in. Sweet.

Jam-ehz

iTrader: (6)

I've had the M suspension on the 04, and it's been great for me.. I had the aluminum knuckles before, but I've never had to replace an upright in many a dozen races.

It's been successful on carpet in major races, I'm one of maybe 2 or 3 04's in a field of 03's in Toronto.. it managed 1st of 20, 2nd of 25, made the A out of 40 mini TCS entries. It's done well, and has taken its hits and rolls with no problems.. I think I'll end up keeping the plastic parts, no aluminum really needed.. how much more performance can you really get out of a Mini?