295LikesTamiya mini cooper
12-04-2007 | 12:37 PM
#5537
I've just given it a run up and down my street and found that it is not very stable in a straight line - it seems to want to wander of its own accord. I'm running a Futaba 3010 servo with the stock standard servo saver and a bit of toe out. I can't really measure the toe out accuratley as my setup guages are a bit big for the mini's width, but I shortened the turnuckles up a couple of turns each side over the stock set up. Everything else on the car is standard, except for a set of CVA shocks from a TA05 (with spacers under the piston and short springs to reduce ride height).
12-04-2007 | 04:58 PM
#5540
Tech Elite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,367
No, on a mini you run toe out. That's what makes it run straight. You have to run a lot. C 2 degrees per side. Also helps turn in. If you can't measure it crank in toe out till you see a barely discernable amount with the suspension fully compressed. You're right about the rear toe in uprights
12-04-2007 | 06:06 PM
#5542
I have a little toe out, but it does revert to toe in when the suspension is compressed so I'll give it a bit more. Also, I have the new Toe in rear uprights so hopefully there is not much more to do.
On the question of servo savers what is the general consensus? Is the stock one shite or does it suffice?
On the question of servo savers what is the general consensus? Is the stock one shite or does it suffice?
12-04-2007 | 06:23 PM
#5543
edit: I just realized that you have already localized the problem to slop in the servo saver... nevermind my drawn out post. I have never found the need to use a non-stock servo saver in any of my minis, but I also dont use very aggressive servos. I have broken the stock saver before and I've noticed that some stock kit servo horns & savers fit tighter than others... I've had to swap them around in the past to find the best fit.
Minis are awesome, & very easy to diagnose & maintain once you are familiar with them. Another area to watch out for... check your suspension step screws often, as they tend to work loose, but be careful not to overtighten them or thread them in crooked, or your suspension will hang up.
Have fun.
Minis are awesome, & very easy to diagnose & maintain once you are familiar with them. Another area to watch out for... check your suspension step screws often, as they tend to work loose, but be careful not to overtighten them or thread them in crooked, or your suspension will hang up.
Have fun.
Last edited by mep; 12-05-2007 at 07:35 AM. Reason: redundant info...
12-04-2007 | 07:01 PM
#5545
Hi guys. After marshalling minis for a couple of months I could not stand by and watch so many others having so much fun, and have taken the plunge with an M03 (gotta love the orignal Cooper shell!!). I was also gifted a near new M03M roller by a very nice couple at my local track who had a few too many minis to race.
I've just given it a run up and down my street and found that it is not very stable in a straight line - it seems to want to wander of its own accord. I'm running a Futaba 3010 servo with the stock standard servo saver and a bit of toe out. I can't really measure the toe out accuratley as my setup guages are a bit big for the mini's width, but I shortened the turnuckles up a couple of turns each side over the stock set up. Everything else on the car is standard, except for a set of CVA shocks from a TA05 (with spacers under the piston and short springs to reduce ride height).
It looks like the servo saver may be the problem as it has a fair amount of play. I was just wondering if this is fairly common and if so how you guys have fixed it. I've considered using something like a Kimbrough with some spacers under the servo mounts to move it down - would this help?
In the long run I don't think it is going to make too much difference - at least it gives you something to do on the straights.
I'm really looking forward to giving this a run in this weeks club championship (last race for the year 
) and getting the Italian Job M03 out for next season.
Cheers guys.
I've just given it a run up and down my street and found that it is not very stable in a straight line - it seems to want to wander of its own accord. I'm running a Futaba 3010 servo with the stock standard servo saver and a bit of toe out. I can't really measure the toe out accuratley as my setup guages are a bit big for the mini's width, but I shortened the turnuckles up a couple of turns each side over the stock set up. Everything else on the car is standard, except for a set of CVA shocks from a TA05 (with spacers under the piston and short springs to reduce ride height).
It looks like the servo saver may be the problem as it has a fair amount of play. I was just wondering if this is fairly common and if so how you guys have fixed it. I've considered using something like a Kimbrough with some spacers under the servo mounts to move it down - would this help?
In the long run I don't think it is going to make too much difference - at least it gives you something to do on the straights.
I'm really looking forward to giving this a run in this weeks club championship (last race for the year ) and getting the Italian Job M03 out for next season.Cheers guys.
Step screws i just Super glue in,they do work thier way out.
12-05-2007 | 08:12 AM
#5546
Tech Elite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,367
I have a little toe out, but it does revert to toe in when the suspension is compressed so I'll give it a bit more. Also, I have the new Toe in rear uprights so hopefully there is not much more to do.
On the question of servo savers what is the general consensus? Is the stock one shite or does it suffice?
On the question of servo savers what is the general consensus? Is the stock one shite or does it suffice?
12-05-2007 | 01:03 PM
#5547
Thanks for all of your advice guys. I've increased the the toe out on the front to the point where it retains just a bit when the suspension is fully compressed. I've also wrapped the metal spring from an old Tamiya Super Servo saver around he stock one to give it a bit more strength. Sunday will be my first run (weather permitting) and I'm really looking forward to it.
I'll save the hop up options for my M03 which I'll build up for next season. I'll be able to compare the two and see how much the mini really does respond to tweaking and mods. Based on posts here and some local racers at my track I've gone for the ball diff, TRF shocks, universals, toe in rears, hinge pins and of course full bearings.
We have a pretty loyal mini contingent at my local track and this weekends Club Championship should see another good turn out with hopefully 2-3 heats ready to rock'n'roll.
I'll save the hop up options for my M03 which I'll build up for next season. I'll be able to compare the two and see how much the mini really does respond to tweaking and mods. Based on posts here and some local racers at my track I've gone for the ball diff, TRF shocks, universals, toe in rears, hinge pins and of course full bearings.
We have a pretty loyal mini contingent at my local track and this weekends Club Championship should see another good turn out with hopefully 2-3 heats ready to rock'n'roll.
loserville
12-06-2007 | 05:49 AM
#5550
Tech Initiate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 48
Ran my first race last night with my new Mini. No one else bought there Mini with them so I ran with the Legend guys. The car felt good and I knocked off the rust (I and a Nitro guy so I haven’t raced in a while) by the end of the night I was turning some decent times. I wasn’t able to keep pace with the legends, running a silver can but I had fun.
so I ran with the Legend guys. The car felt good and I knocked off the rust (I and a Nitro guy so I haven’t raced in a while) by the end of the night I was turning some decent times. I wasn’t able to keep pace with the legends, running a silver can but I had fun.