So I have literally read through this entire thread over the last 2 weeks and I am now a bit more knowledgeable about minis and at the same time a bit brain dead. I do have one question though. Currently I have an old Alfa M-04 kit that is collecting dust. I want to run in the mini class at my local track and while they allow the M-04, the consensus seems to be it is not quite fair since it is not FWD. I'm also in a pinch with the budget and I can't add to my stable at the moment. What is the best way to convert the M-04 to FWD?

My options as I see them now are;

M-04 to M-03 / Looks like all I will need is the 50792 A parts and this will only set me back about 20.00 (PERFECT!) Is that all that would be needed?

M-04 to M-05 / Will need A parts, B parts, D parts, F parts minimum maybe more.. looking at least 60.00 (not so great for the budget as a full M-05 Mito kit is only 100.00 shipped)

M-04 to Xevo / This is a straight swap, but it's pricey (100.00 shipped) and I don't really like the idea of not running a stock Tamiya chassis for some wierd reason.

Any insights?

Its not that simple. I have both M03 and M04 and I would never convert my m04 to M03 front drive car. Why? well for one you can pick up a cheap Mini online for about $50 with a ton of hop ups so its not worth killing your M04. It will cost you about the same to convert it over to an M03 (you will need M03 gears, chassis most anything else will fit from your M04). Just keep checking ebay you will find a cheap Mini sooner or later. I got one of my M03's for about $55 including shipping. You can also ask any of the members if they are willing to sell you a spare rolling chassis. I had one about a month ago but I sold it to a friend for $30. Like I said it would be a shame to kill your M04. Be patient and something will turn up.

I totally agree with M03Racer. Ebay and the sale forum on RC Tech are good sources for buying a cheap used mini. Sometimes the sale forum is better because the seller doesn't pay a cut to Ebay. I have friend who has a M04 and he runs very well at the local parking lot races. If you're not going to a TCS race you can buy speed tuned gear sets from after market companies on Ebay.

If you check ebay under "Tamiya M03" billdapart there is an M03 Mini for sale for starting bid $50+ 10 shipping and its in the U.S. so you might get lucky and pick this one up its not to expensive and it comes with the servo minus electrics and for the time being you can use your electrics form your M04.

HEHE,

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah Ebay has been a thought.. also just waiting until my fiance tie the knot and get back from our honeymoon/wedding in September is an option. M03Racer you hit it on the head I think. Patience is not something I've ever been very good at practicing.

I guess until something crops up I will run the Silvercan GT class and Stock TC and just dreams of the minis... maybe I'll throw my M-04 out there for one race just to see how many jeers I get.

Thanks again gang!
B

Mine was a pig at first, all shimmed up etc. I found that having to much air gap between tyre and insert to be the main issue.
I run 5 or 5.5mm spice inserts with a nice tracking car. Also make sure it has toe out on the front end .

Thanks guys for the input. Just didnt want to throw more money at the car if it wouldnt help. But if the general consensus is to go with the steering then I'll give it a shot.

Doc, sorry to hear you and Ray wont be hitting up Madness. I heard the regional is going to be on carpet this year. Wanted to run the MD TCS race but I honestly didnt do anything R/C for a while and by the time I did, the race had come and gone. Want to get down there sometime soon. But I'll try not to tuck a body or blow it in any other way this year...ha

Dave, you might want to consider driving down for the Glen Burnie, MD TCS race- that's a week from Sunday.

Look what the nice postman came with from Rcmart!




Just waiting for a few more hopups then it's building time...
Options are :
53509 Hard Flourine Coated 0.6 Alu. Pinion (20T/F201)
53597 Assembly Universal Shaft Set For M03
53570 Clamp Type Alu. Wheel Hub (4mm Thick)
53924 DF-03 Heat Sink Bar Set
54177 M-05 Aluminum Front Upright
54184 M05 Aluminum Motor Plate
54191 M-05 Racing Steering Set
54192 M-05 Steering Link
54193 M-05 Steering Post
54214 M05 Motor Mount Titanium Hex Head Screw
54236 RC M05 Front Alum Damper Stay - Blue
84118 M-Chassis Alum. Damper Set (BK) for M-03, M-04, M-05 & M-05 PRO
Or i will use 54000 TRF Blue Dampers....
42168 Touring Cars Short Sus. Springs (BK)

Undecided about the diff... Not sure if i will use 54194 M-05 Ball Diff. Set, 53267 TA03 Ball Differential or 3Racing M05-17/HT Aluminum Ball Differential with Tamiya thrustbearing. The 3Racing diff with Tamiya thrustbearing has so far been the best 'new' diff...

Also got a brand new Ezrun 35A/3000kv system on it's way.
Then the 'old' M05Pro will get a well deserved rest as a spare car.

ok, assuming that i'm not running my mini past 7min, is it worth buying the tamiya heatsink? what's is the most effective/efficient upgrade (I already have trf shocks and aluminum steering bell crank, & ball bearings.

Installing really good, really smooth ball bearings are the single best thing you can do to a mini. You can really see a difference. The rest of the upgrades you've listed are enough to be competitive.

I think with the, "dog like" motor you have installed you'll be fine without it. Buy a 540J and break it in properly and then you could use one haha.

If you like to race Tamiya Minis come out and race with us tomorrow.

http://www.rctech.net/forum/wisconsi...racing-18.html

shut up andy

Wish I was anywhere but here even LeBron left this boring town