Tamiya mini cooper
Tech Elite

Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,583
I run touring cars and 2wd offroad so I'm familiar with ball differentials but new to front wheel drive and from what I read you wanna 'tighten the crap' outta your mini ball diff which isn't what I'm used to doing so I was seeking some insight on ball diffs and FWD.
Also what the thoughts are on ball diffs over a gear diff in mini cooper, advantages and disadvantages of each, Thanks.
Also what the thoughts are on ball diffs over a gear diff in mini cooper, advantages and disadvantages of each, Thanks.
Tech Regular
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 291
I reckon you've answered your own question there Andy.
When using cvd's the o'rings not only bind the driveshaft but also limit the suspension movement on the right hand side.
Like you I have also removed them and run with no problems for the last 12+ months, so my assumption is they are there to act as a buffer when using the standard kit bones.
On a similar note has anyone tried these? CLICK
I've got some on the way but interested on any experiences so far. The blades look to be a good idea.
When using cvd's the o'rings not only bind the driveshaft but also limit the suspension movement on the right hand side.
Like you I have also removed them and run with no problems for the last 12+ months, so my assumption is they are there to act as a buffer when using the standard kit bones.
On a similar note has anyone tried these? CLICK
I've got some on the way but interested on any experiences so far. The blades look to be a good idea.
Thanks to everyone for the good info in answering my question. I never thought about the O-rings holding the diff cups into the diff. Makes good sense though. I'll try the fuel tubing trick.
Andy
hey mini guys.. how well does the mini cooper hold up with a 21.5BL system installed? the normal BL esc, not the UBER fast tekin v203/LRP SXX stock spec speedos...
speedwise.. is it comparable to a good silver can, etc?
speedwise.. is it comparable to a good silver can, etc?
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Posts: 291
In the mini, I have experience with the silver can and a middle of the road 27t brushed motor. The silver can is a bit slower than the 27t.
Hope this helps
Andy
Tech Elite

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,367
Yes and no. It will work with no maintenance almost forever, but will loosen up very quickly. I favor the gear diff on certain tracks, but have to spend more time keeping the right amount off "drag" in the diff action. A ball diff will stay "adjusted" much longer.
I guess it is really about how particular you are in your car set ups. Possesing only moderate driving ability, I'm very attentive to this sort of stuff to make up for the deficiencies in driving ability.
I guess it is really about how particular you are in your car set ups. Possesing only moderate driving ability, I'm very attentive to this sort of stuff to make up for the deficiencies in driving ability.
Tech Elite

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,367
Talk to Craig Richter. He's got more experience than anyone else at Aliso.
I agree with Grandpa. The gear diff just lossens up too quickly under racing conditions and you wind up giving up too much corner speed. I prefer a tighter diff for this reason...a smooth, flowing diff in a FWD car doesn't work well...for me anyway. As noted, the ball diff will hold its setting better.
Tech Addict
iTrader: (29)
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 596
From: San Dimas, CA
YAAAHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!
My TA03 ball diff and AW Grease showed up yesterday and today! No more diffing from my car!!
Finally, some drive out of the corners. It's a shame that I had to order the diff from Utah and the AW Grease from Florida. Everyone local, including Tamiya USA, was out of stock. Time to get to work on my cars improvements!
Thanks for the info people!

My TA03 ball diff and AW Grease showed up yesterday and today! No more diffing from my car!!

Finally, some drive out of the corners. It's a shame that I had to order the diff from Utah and the AW Grease from Florida. Everyone local, including Tamiya USA, was out of stock. Time to get to work on my cars improvements!Thanks for the info people!
Hi guys,
Has anyone made a list of bodies that fits on a m-chassis car?
I have tried to make a list of bodies that fit the M and L versions (because I have an M04-L myself), but I know that it isn't complete (I only have Tamiya and HPI bodies for one).
So does a more complete list exist somewhere?
Thanks.
Peter
Here is my list:
Has anyone made a list of bodies that fits on a m-chassis car?
I have tried to make a list of bodies that fit the M and L versions (because I have an M04-L myself), but I know that it isn't complete (I only have Tamiya and HPI bodies for one).
So does a more complete list exist somewhere?
Thanks.
Peter
Here is my list:
- Tamiya, Renault Alpine A110, TAM49338
- Tamiya, VW,
- Tamiya, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint,
- Tamiya, BMW Z3 M, TAM50848
- Tamiya, Mini Cooper S 2006, TAM51335
- Tamiya, Suzuki Swift Super 1600, TAM51236
- Tamiya, Porsche Boxster, TAM50754
- HPI, Datsun 240z, HPI7210
- HPI, Toyota Corolla Levin, HPI7213
- HPI, Honda Civic Mini, HPI7024
- HPI, Mazda Miata, HPI7205
- HPI, Datsun 510, HPI7209
Hi guys,
Has anyone made a list of bodies that fits on a m-chassis car?
I have tried to make a list of bodies that fit the M and L versions (because I have an M04-L myself), but I know that it isn't complete (I only have Tamiya and HPI bodies for one).
So does a more complete list exist somewhere?
Thanks.
Peter
Here is my list:
Has anyone made a list of bodies that fits on a m-chassis car?
I have tried to make a list of bodies that fit the M and L versions (because I have an M04-L myself), but I know that it isn't complete (I only have Tamiya and HPI bodies for one).
So does a more complete list exist somewhere?
Thanks.
Peter
Here is my list:
- Tamiya, Renault Alpine A110, TAM49338
- Tamiya, VW,
- Tamiya, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint,
- Tamiya, BMW Z3 M, TAM50848
- Tamiya, Mini Cooper S 2006, TAM51335
- Tamiya, Suzuki Swift Super 1600, TAM51236
- Tamiya, Porsche Boxster, TAM50754
- HPI, Datsun 240z, HPI7210
- HPI, Toyota Corolla Levin, HPI7213
- HPI, Honda Civic Mini, HPI7024
- HPI, Mazda Miata, HPI7205
- HPI, Datsun 510, HPI7209
hi all i'm having a bit of a problem with my m03 i'm hoping someone can help?
Two weeks ago my m03 was planted i could nearly go flat out round the corners and it would go flat out down the straight and would go straight as a dart i was well happy with it, now its still great round the corners but as soon as a i put the power down the car goes to the left. i've looked all over the car and find nothing wrong.
i'm running 17.5Bl with a Ta03 ball diff,any help would be great
Cheers Ginge
Two weeks ago my m03 was planted i could nearly go flat out round the corners and it would go flat out down the straight and would go straight as a dart i was well happy with it, now its still great round the corners but as soon as a i put the power down the car goes to the left. i've looked all over the car and find nothing wrong.
i'm running 17.5Bl with a Ta03 ball diff,any help would be great
Cheers Ginge
Tech Master
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,920
hi all i'm having a bit of a problem with my m03 i'm hoping someone can help?
Two weeks ago my m03 was planted i could nearly go flat out round the corners and it would go flat out down the straight and would go straight as a dart i was well happy with it, now its still great round the corners but as soon as a i put the power down the car goes to the left. i've looked all over the car and find nothing wrong.
i'm running 17.5Bl with a Ta03 ball diff,any help would be great
Cheers Ginge
Two weeks ago my m03 was planted i could nearly go flat out round the corners and it would go flat out down the straight and would go straight as a dart i was well happy with it, now its still great round the corners but as soon as a i put the power down the car goes to the left. i've looked all over the car and find nothing wrong.
i'm running 17.5Bl with a Ta03 ball diff,any help would be great
Cheers Ginge
rebuild it and look at everything



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