big al

iTrader: (10)

Hey guys,

I'm considering entering the world of mini's. I'm curious as to what the differneces between the M03 and M04 are. As well as the "M" & "L" distinctions. Also, is ther a performance advantage to either of them? Thanks--Al

dynodan22

iTrader: (9)

There is a whole thread here on mini's. Go to it, also go to the link in the thread , it will take you to a wonderful site for under standing mini's
quite good.

Dynodan22

JamesArluck

iTrader: (52)

M03's are Front-wheel drive, M04's are Rear-wheel drive. M=mid-wheelbase, L=Long wheelbase. The front wheel drive cars are a ton easier to drive than the rear wheel drives, especially on low traction tracks. If you're just starting out, i'd suggest an M03M, like the Swift http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMFV9&P=7

-James

big al

iTrader: (10)

Thanks James!!-Al

Xtant3150c

iTrader: (10)

I agree with James.

Go for the Swift Kit!

That was my choice when I started racing Mini here!

The car is easy to drive. Just get some oil shocks for it and get the ride height as low as possible, especially if you are going to use the Tamiya 60D tires.

I do race an M04M now though. With a set of RP 36r mini tires this thing hooks up really well on our track

But check out the Tamiya Mini Cooper thread here and http://www.rc-mini.net/

big al

iTrader: (10)

I actually have an old M01. I realize that this kit is older, but is it worth it to try it out? I'm not a big fan of the mono shock, but I thought I would ask.--Al

abailey21

iTrader: (37)

You cant beat the swift kit!

monkeyracing

iTrader: (10)

I've run both, and overall the FWD version is a little easier to drive. Not to knock the RWD version, though. If you get the suspension set up just right (it takes a while) they are quite fast, possibly even faster than the FWD, due to less driveline loss.

Jim

bobbyvegas

I agree with everything you said except I don't remember any driveline loss when comparing the 1st gen. M01 (FWD) to a M02 (RWD)- I had both.
The Swift is the most popular mini for TCS racing and bashing because it's the best..

monkeyracing

iTrader: (10)

My mention of driveline loss is more of a guess than it is fact. One can only assume that with all the extra and ever changing angles thrown into the half shafts by using them for steering as well as drive that some driveline loss would occur.

I know that my FWD mini is slower out of the corners than my RWD, but that may just be a difference in driving lines and style for the platform. In a straight line, it's a bullet. My RWD tends to be slower mid to mid-late corner, in order to keep the back wheels planted on the line.

Jim

zenithrr

m03/M/L FWD
208mm/225mm/239mm wheelbase

m04/M/L RWD
208mm/225mm/239mm wheelbase


there are 4WD mini out there!!! they could sneak in to surprise you

Artur Fischer

iTrader: (1)

Hi,

bringing the topic back.

If I have a M04L, what do I need to convert to a M03?
besides body,wheels and Tamiya (#50792) M03 Chassis A-Part (Chassis)?

thanks!

mtveten

iTrader: (29)

If the plan is TCS you will need an m03 or m05 variant. The m01, 02, & 04 cars are no longer legal.

The 03 is by far the best choice for this area, the 05v2 looks to be slightly better on higher speed circuits.

sosidge

M-04 shares virtually nothing with the M-03, it's not even worth considering a conversion.

rccartips

iTrader: (3)

M04 gearing is different. 21T pinion