woofenstein

I've only been to one track but I'm pretty sure that the track I run at (Cal Raceway in Orange, CA) is considered a med/low grip asphalt track (I think).

Interesting that you are using two different tires front and rear, this is my first 2wd on-road car but I hadn't thought of that! So you are using a harder compound on the rear to get it to turn better?

I found those Sweep EXPs on their site, which insert are you using soft/med/hard?

And what does "scrubbed in" mean?

Thanks for helping a noob!

gigaplex

iTrader: (2)

Softer compound on the rear for more stability. Being FWD, the rear tires don't generate much heat so need a bit of help to grip up.

I use the preassembled Sweeps, I'm not sure what insert they use.

Scrubbed in means they've been used a bit to take the seam line off, or alternatively use a tire sander.

From what I've heard, Cal Raceway is pretty high grip for aspalt. Talk to their locals to see what tires they use.

AM03GT

iTrader: (13)

I have been running the MG for a little over a year at Cal. Sweep EXP's are great i run 32's in cooler weather and 36's when it gets hot. Usually get around 20 runs before times drop off noticeably. Pre-mounts with the std pink insert.

The TCS Ride 33 tires are good too but are pricey although the 60D can be a small advantage if tuned correctly to the car setup.

ActiveRC/Rush tires are also one of the tires run at in the socal area but personally i don't like the feel of the large air gap...

WhiteLX

iTrader: (11)

AM03GT and woofenstein, are you guys still running your MG EVO minis at Cal Raceway? How are they holding up against the competition, Tamiya M07/M08 and Xpress FM1s? I've been thinking about picking one up as I'd like to get into the mini class. The price is right on them at the moment. Any issue getting parts? Is the 17.5 FT or open 21.5 motor the better choice? Any upgrades that are a must-do right out of the box?

varmint

I picked one off these up just because I wanted something to build. Went together pretty well but I forgot how hard it can be on your fingers for all plastic kits. Need bigger/better hex drivers.

bentouttashape

iTrader: (5)

My buddy and I are trying to get a parking lot group together for some casual racing and maybe grow it out from there. We like the idea of an inexpensive mini class, so I decided to order one of these. He already has one.

Any advice on a decent "spec" tire for a parking lot? It's cool for now, but we'll be in the 80's-90's soon enough. Mixing/matching fronts and rears isn't an issue. I just don't have much recent experience on asphalt, especially not w/FWD. We'll be dusting/sugaring the track surface, but it's not a permanent track, so grip will not be high. I already order from Sweep for 1/8th scale, so those seem appealing to me.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

gigaplex

iTrader: (2)

Sweep EXP 36 are good up front. I don't like their rear compounds. My favourite these days for the rear is Solaris 28.

bentouttashape

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the reply. I might stick w/Sweeps on all four just to keep things simple for folks, even if it's not ideal. What kind of track temps do you normally see?

gigaplex

iTrader: (2)

Ranges between 10 and 70 Celcius, typically between 20 and 40.

If you go with Sweep, stick to the newer EXP compounds. The older ones, especially the 25, are garbage on asphalt.

bentouttashape

iTrader: (5)

Perfect. Thank you. I'm going to try 36 EXP's front, and 28 rears to start. I'm thinking our track temps will be similar. If they work well enough, I think we'll end up "spec'ing" them. Trying to get everyone in at around the $200 mark.

What I'm most excited about are the body choices:

92mnstanger

iTrader: (16)

Threads are better with pics

AM03GT

iTrader: (13)

yes still running and finding it very competitive. my main issue is the open rules so most racers now are gearing very low FDR and after trying to stay at 4.8 (tamiya match) for a year i've finally started to go larger pinions to make up the gap. I'm also having to adjust the setup since my previous setup was really good for the 4.8 FDR with the increased speed the car was spinning out so now i'm basically reversing the tuning theory...

tuned 21.5 is the popular choice vs the FT 17.5 i don't think i've seen anyone go that route. Upgrades aren't necessary the aluminum stuff is a little stronger but the plastic especially the motor mounting bridge will give a bit more flex. I did find that my motor was touching the chassis and causing a slight bow so cutting a small notch under the motor helps ensure a flat chassis...

varmint

What's the minimum torque needed for a steering servo for this car? I wasn't paying attention and bought a 3.5kg servo (fast as heck tho).

I don't want to just try it out, may make it hard to return.

tygertyger

If you're not in a rush to run the car at an upcoming event, I'd say return it and get something more in line with the current standards, say 7 to 10 kg, just for the peace of mind.
However, in a pinch I suspect it would probably work fine, especially in an M-sized car. As a kid I ran Futaba S3003s (3kg) in literally all of my cars and it worked "fine", even in 1700g buggies.

bentouttashape

iTrader: (5)

Getting closer. Just need to finish the body and a couple of other odds and ends. Really impressive, especially for a $70 kit. Looking forward to driving it.