Kyosho Mini-Z RWD MR-03: Convert MM2 Wheelbase from 94mm to 98mm & Widen Front

Описание: My MR-03EVO kit is an 94mm MM2 with a narrow front. In preparation for running it with my R8 track body, I need to extend the wheelbase to 98mm and widen the front. Please note only the MM2 (not MM) pod can support both 94mm and 98mm.

The first step is disassembling the top shock and damper plate. Keep track of the order of the washer, spacer, and lock nut. I wasn't planning to remove the shock mount, but the post can only be unscrewed from underneath. For this 20th Anniversary EVO, 3 places need to be shifted by 4mm for this conversion. This shock mount post is the first. Next we need to move the t-plate back also by 4mm. There's a holder piece under the carbon t-plate that will move too.

So far so good. After the t-plate has been re-attached, the car is already at the intended 98mm wheelbase. Thirdly, the damper plate must also move back by 4mm. Curiously, Kyosho didn't see fit to include two extra screws for this conversion. I procured two 4mm machine screws. The damper plate originally was screwed by the same two screws on the shock mount. At 98mm, it goes on like this. Twist the motor pod to verify freedom of movement.

The top shock goes back on as well. The shock length remains the same since both the shock post and damper plate were moved. As usual, let's check for smoothness of operation after this step. It's also a good time to adjust the damper plate pressure.

Now we can work on widening the front. From the box, look for wide bottom plate, wide top arm holder, and the wide tie rod. Though MR-03 is not the most flexible chassis, its genius lies in the ease of converting its geometry such as the front track width. After transferring the pivot balls into the new bottom suspension holder, check for any binding there. I won't be able to re-use the narrow width PN alloy tie rod, but at least the kit comes with the right part. Just like that, the bottom part is now wide.

With the EVO chassis top cover, replacing the top suspension holder doesn't require exposing the servo. Once the wide top holder is in place, simply re-install the same arms, knuckles, and springs. Now the front is wide.

The chassis is ready for a 98mm wide body! At this wheelbase, MM2 doesn't have as low of center of gravity compared to MM. But I like that it can do 94mm.

Unfortunately I didn't take any footage of the car running on the track the other day! It ran well for me even though it clearly had more acceleration and top speed than the brushed MR-03. Paired with 30 degree low profile slick front and 20 degree radial wide rear, there was zero traction rolling tendency. Running Kyosho's MM2 at 98mm on a track is definitely viable at my very amateur level. All in all, I'm glad the MR-03EVO 20th Anniversary model got to run on the track. Originally I was going to keep it a shelf queen.

This is Sammy and thanks for watching!

Music: "Instructions for Living a Life", Savfk (   • Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk [C...  )