Getting started in Mini Z – quick start guide

What to Buy;

Mini Z RWD MR-04 ready set or RWD MR-04 chassis kit.
8.5mm front Low Profile PN KS tires.
11mm Rear Marka RADIAL
Tire tape
T-Plate
Easylap transponder
NIMH Batteries
Charger
USB C block and cable for charger. Min 30w.

While the medium wheelbase MM,GT cars appear to be the most competitive, long wheelbase (LM) like Porsche 962C, Sauber Mercedes and other LMP type chassis are allowed. We recommend the MM chassis.

The stock bodies, while super cool, break easily. During racing wings, dive planes and mirrors are often lost. If racing is your primary objective, get the MR-04 MM chassis set ($159.99). It comes without a body or wheels and tires. Then buy

Non licensed hard body like the Jomurema . Lexan bodies are not allowed in this class.

Stock tires are for display and worthless for racing. We have found the best success with:

8.5mm fronts Low Profile PN KS tires in Super soft, soft, or medium

KS1130, KS1134, KS1138

11mm Rear you want Marka RADIAL (with tread) in 10-15deg, some have had success up to the 25deg.

MZR-V1RR10, MZR-V1RR15, MZR-V1RR20, MZR-V1RR25

Wheels

Type of wheel – You want something that can accept the tuning discs like the Associated or Reflex racing dish. Tuning discs on the front wheels are like gluing the sidewalls, this keeps edge from biting into the surface causing traction rolling. Difference size discs can be used like gluing up the sidewalls more/less.

Front Wheels: 8.5mm width. Wheels are available in +0 to +3mm offset. + 3mm is stock on the MM chassis and help calm the twitchiness of the car.

Rear Wheels: 11mm width. Wheels are available in +0 to +3mm offset. +3mm is stock on the MM chassis and there is no use for a lower offset.

T-plate can be changed, Stock Kyosho set works well

After changing, check rear pod is level with chassis, screw in middle shock can be adjusted to make level

Easylap transponder is cheap and can be plugged directly into the Mini-Z circuit board using the provided adapter wire (READ THE DIRECTIONS). If done this way turn CHANNEL 4 all the way left or you will get inconsistent lap counting. Otherwise, there are ways to solder directly to the circuit board or to the +/-

NIMH Batteries. Only NiMH batteries may be used. Kyosho House of Speed or Gen Ace work well (~$10).

NIMH should be charged at 1C MAX. (i.e. 800mah batteries charge at 0.8amp).

Before using the NiMH batteries for the 1st time, it is good to do an “activation” cycle. This charges/discharges many times over the course of 8-20 hours and should be done at a low current, .2-.4A. This “wakes up” the battery chemistry to provide peak performance/run times.

Refer to your charger’s manual for instruction on running “activation” cycles and general use.

An Activation cycle is not required. The batteries can be charged normally and used straight from the package. Activation can be done at any time in the batteries life to help improve its performance.

Charger – There are many very good and reasonably priced chargers available. We recommend an ISDT N series charger. The ISDT N8 lets you charge 2 sets at the same time. It runs from a USB-C power supply and works well.

Critical, get a power supply and USB-C cord meant for 30W minimum. Purchasing a 60W or 100W power block will give you room for growth and having a larger supply does no harm.

When you get on track for the first time.

Set the steering trim so the car tracks straight.

Set the dual Rate to 50%. This is a good starting point. You want the dual rate at the lowest point that lets you get around the track. This will minimize traction rolling.

Once you are making it around the track consistently take the car out of beginner mode.

To take the car out of “beginner” mode. Turn car/controller off. Pull trigger and turn radio on, turn car on. If you ever want to put it back into beginner mode, with radio off, hold brake, and turn on radio/car.

When you are ready for more speed, install the 9 tooth pinion that comes with the kit.

The pinion press’s on/off

Use provided plates marked 9T to space the motor for proper gear mesh. Note the location and orientation of the factory installed plates as you remove them. Install the 9T plates.

You are allowed to use reverse to self-marshal. Get use to how to do it quickly/efficiently as it will save you time during a race

Practice practice practice!