Our current viewpoint on the matter (for what its worth)

The M05 is NEWER and it is DIFFERENT - that doesn't necessarily mean that it's BETTER.

We've held off from doing a full comparison and review yet because at the moment we cant get an M05 within a second of our best M03 times.
That's not to say that it isn't possible, just that we havent been able to do it yet.

So we'll be holding off on a full review/comparo until we have more time with the car.

Bear in mind however, that down here in Aus we run the Hobbywing systems in our cars, and because we're going quite a bit faster than the silver cans used elsewhere, we're probably encountering issues that others may not necessarily have seen yet.

Tony, what is your experience so far with the M05 steering setup. I heard the steering arms still need the tall ball studs (despite having the control arm raised), to stay level with the high-mounted steer rack. Are there any issues with durability or performance in this area?

Can't say that we see that as an issue at all.

We not keen on the whole steering set-up full stop (although it's better than we thought it'd be) but that part of it isn't a problem that we've seen.

Thanks Tony,
However bad it is, I think I'll end up getting one in the end. You know how it is.

sim600,

With the standard MO5 kit using the plastic front knuckles you only use a short 5mm ball stud.

It is only when you fit the Alloy MO5 front knuckles that you have to use the tall 5mm ball stud. This is because the MO5 alloy knuckle is the same as the MO3R knuckle.

The plastic MO5 knuckle is of a completely new design and has the arm located towards the top of the knuckle.

Regards,

Calvin.

Ah okay. Got it. That clears everything up. Thanks.

My lhs only has the m03L available right now. He says its like 1mm longer and the new body style mini. Aside from the body is there any reason not to buy this one? Do all the hoop up parts still work?

All the spec class guys around run the 03L from hs telling me and he feels it has better cornering manners being a bit longer.

So yes? Pick up the L?

The M03L is only different by body and a chassis extension, you can convert a l into a short with the purchase of a body, and you can convert it to an M with a body, and possible a parts tree dependind on which kit you are looking at.

Typicaly the M03L seems lazier in the corners due to the longer wheel base, and tends to be a bit of a more forgiving car. It isn't as responsive as the short wheel base chassis.

if it is the Mini Coopers Kit, it should come with bearings, and should have the parts to allow the chassis to be a "S" "M" or "L"

Well this will be my first on road car so being forgiving is a plus. Ill pick one up tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

Make sure it is the 2006 Mini Cooper S kit 58400

Will do. Thanks for the help.

You need to read this MINI FOR DUMMIES on our site. Should help

Thanks Calvin. I didn't realize that only the rear hubs are alloy. Seems a bit weird to include alloy hubs on only one end of the car???

My preference would be to race and be competitive without the alloy parts. There's still a few weeks before the MO5 is available here. I'll decide between now and then whether to buy the Pro or the standard kit.

Actually I have been reading the site for 2 days. Love the Mentos trick. Is that real or do you get a kick out of seeing people try it? Its a great site with awesome info.

Gday mate, Mentos is real allright, just think, would a Aussie take the Piss out of a Yank, dont think so !!!!!
Bob