Hi Bodymot, I have recently raced in the Christchurch area where minis are very well supported (sadly not as well up in the midlands!). They run a silver cans only class (although some clubs allow other cans in modified) which we tend to compete in when we go down there on holiday... Yes, our Minis are effectively holiday rides!

We both race M03 type Rs and although I have spent considerable time, money & effort with high torque, short stack, servo & servo saver, 3Racing ball diff, Sweep tyres 25 deg. front & rear (on both cars), quick release battery mounts to allow the longer LiPos (when spaced) to try & realise that extra .2 volt with the added lighter weight advantage, anti roll bars front & rear & whilst I accept that there are some significant hop ups on the 'R' chassis, my son was all over me with his geared (certainly noisier!) diff. His car had an older & 'broken in' -quicker- motor, but I have driven both cars indoor and out & there is little to distinguish between them & his was a lot cheaper & certainly less effort to get to that stage. I truly think that the only reason I beat him was that I drove a little better, but he's 14 & going to improve (& I won't!)

So, after the rather extended life story & if you've not slit your wrists by now, I think that based on my personal experience & having read previous posts, it's a close run thing & is probably left to personal preference (I think I would go with a geared diff now...)

(Probably didn't help 1 iota!)