Ferrari 458 GT2 MR03 LED lights installation

So, I bet you wish Kyosho made it easy for you to install LEDs on your GT2 Mini-Z.
Well this is one of the autoscale bodies without any pre-made space for lights. Very few bodies are ready equipped for LED installation. Unfortunately the 1/27 scale Ferrari GT2 body lacks available space for light setup too. If you buy the standard lighting, you'd find it impossible to install it without disrupting the cars performance, especially at the rear tires. The only solution is to buy micro hobby model lighting. These are the kind often used on train sets and do a little drilling. Buying an autoscale white body set is an easier start to setting up LED lights. The rear light assembly has to be removed first. This can be done by using drilling a small hole into the taillight sockets. The taillight can be pushed out then. Once they are pushed out drill another small hole into the taillights big enough for the LEDs to fit in.  After that glue the taillights back in but don't block the made holes. Now just insert the small LED light in and tape in place. Use red electrical tape to block out back light.

Try to buy these pico or train set lights at a plastic model shop. Down side expensive!

Power source

LED extension wires

Micro LED

Micro LED

Drill body from the inside.

3mm drill tool

Remove and drill a  small hole in the back. 

Insert taillights and LEDs then tape secure.

Note placement for switches. Hot glued in place. 

The Ferrari Garage 1/43 scale!

This is a Micro garage that anyone can enjoy on a desktop or shelf year round.
1/43 scale models are cool because they pack perfect detail in a tiny package.
I decided to create my own micro size garage in a display case. To get started I cut up an old shoe box for two sides of the walls and printed up some decorative stickers. I bought a few 1/43 scale items. One item is the Snap-On mini garage set. The set includes 4 tires, coffee mug, fire extinguisher, carpet, work bench, mechanic's vise, diagnostics system, A/C service center, waste oil drain, parts washer, solvent drums, seat creeper and tire rack. This is a very sweet set but I threw in a few extras like authentic Ferrari disc breaks, door cards, a replacement seat and wheels. I really had fun setting this one up. Hey, I think this is a garage Alonso wouldn't mind owning. Check it out!

Micro Ferrari garage

Ferrari 1/43 scale service garage

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano 1/43 in a micro garage

Ferrari disc brakes and tires

Have fun and build a micro 1/43 scale workshop

Limited Edition ＫＹＯＳＨＯ ＪＫＢ８６

Toyota Limited edition JKB86

Mini-Z to Mini-Slot Convert Your 1/27 scale!

What to do with an extra autoscale body you got laying around? How about converting it into a slot car. If you have a club that host a Mini-Z course as well as slot lanes, you could transform one of your Z's into a running slot. It's a cool idea if you have to wait for batteries to charge or give time for the cars to cool between runs. Here's how...

Choose a body that you don't mind modifying then carefully remove the white brackets that hold the body on the chassis. Once you've done that prepare some epoxy or some strong bonding glue. Cut two strips of firm foam to replace the white brackets. Start by glueing the foam inside the autoscale body and make sure that it has an appropriate hight to accommodate the slot chassis. When the strips are well dried, bond the slot brackets to them and wait to dry. Next insert the slot chassis and adjust it to the size needed for your body. Note! make sure that you don't buy a fixed slot chassis that cannot be adjusted. Make sure all the screws are in place and tightened and you are done. Enjoy a slot at 1/27 scale.

Slot-Z

Mini-Z modified slot conversion

Upgrading to Performance Parts on the TT02 Tamiya Chassis

The reason you upgrade parts is because you expect more from an initial purchase.  After you’ve bought a scale RC there comes a time that you want to upgrade it, especially if you like the RC. It was time for me to improve not just the looks but also the performance of my Italia 458 Challenge. I tried not to overdo it, but just upgrade the parts that will increase the performance of the vehicle. If you are interested in doing a similar upgrade here is a list of good performance parts to get started.

Hop-Up List 

Optional Performance Parts

Alloy Front/Rear Dampers

Batter holder & Heat Sink

Aluminum Motor Mount

540 Tuned Motor

Universal Swing Shaft

Alloy Drive Shaft

Alloy Steering Assembly

Alloy Tie Rods

One of the first upgrades I wanted to put on my TT02 was to replace the original no frills four dampers with better dampers.  The standard dampers are simplistic and they certainly leave you expecting more than a just a lightweight formed piece of plastic and spring.  My option is the newly released alloy 53mm dampers by GPM. Most of the upgrades are manufactured by GPM, but if you can go for genuine Tamiya parts because they will fit precisely. 

GPM Alloy Dampers are pretty strong well designed with adjustable easy grip tension rings. They come pre oil lubricated and factory sealed. Color option red anodized coating. These GPM dampers provide a firm reliable ride and improves cornering and road response. Go ahead run over those manhole covers and little dips in the road.  

GPM TT02 Oil Filled Damper Upgrade

TT02 suspension upgrade 

GPM Alloy Drive Shaft offers a sturdy drive mechanism to decrease power loss and shaft distortion at high rotation. Replacing this part will stop the flexing that happens during your run and puts the power back to all four wheels. It includes a rubber O-ring spacer to firmly set it in position 

GPM alloy Battery Holder is replaced to help dissipate the heat from a hot battery. Overheating of any parts could decrease running time or durability of parts. Using an alloy battery holder may help to increase the longevity of the battery over time.

GPM Alloy Universal Shaft for front steering keeps rotating drivetrain in synched. There are fewer transitions between moving parts to cause friction.

GPM Alloy Tie Rods offer support for sure steering control and firm handling.

GPM Alloy Steering Assembly  this is a three piece set and unfortunately they weren't produced accurately. I could only use the one long piece and had to revert back to the original.

this part is smaller and misaligned producing steering jam.  I do not recommend seek better ones!

GPM TT02 steering assembly

Try and set the steering tie rods with the old ones for the right length
When the screws are straight up and down they are set well. 

Tamiya 540 Sport Tuned Motor a perfectly engineered horsepower replacement for the original stock motor. While the standard stock motor gives you a feel for the car, a sport-tuned motor increases twice the power and performance.  It breathes fresh new life into the TT02 you’ll think you’ve bought a new RC. The speed is substantially increased but not the point where the car is uncontrollable. This car really doesn’t need to go Li-Po or brushless to enjoy great performance. Certainly a no brainer for whatever you got in mind for race or fun.

Tamiya TT02 540 Sport Tuned Motor

Tamiya Anodized Aluminum Motor Mount a good choice to support a tuned motor and take the heat.

Set the pinion gear to 3mm

Heat Sink Motor Mount

1/10 Sport Tuned Motor

Now that you got a good idea of some of the upgrade options, get out there and own the road! Select the options right for you.