Brushed · Brushless · Pinions
Motors
Brushless conversions raise the performance ceiling. Pinion changes are the cheapest tuning move available.
Why it matters
The stock brushed motor is a starting point, not a destination. Brushless systems offer more power, better efficiency, and longer life. At minimum, experimenting with pinion gear ratios costs almost nothing and directly affects how the car pulls through corners.
Recommended Parts Affiliate links · no extra cost to you
3500KV Sensorless Brushless Motor
Aluminum-housed 3500KV brushless motor for Mini-Z. Significant power increase over stock brushed.
Shop →Brushless Motor System (MR-03)
High-efficiency brushless motor with matched ESC. Race-ready out of the box.
Shop →Mini-Z V4 Brushless Motor
Fits all Mini-Z motor mounts including MR-04. Compatible with Kyosho, PN, and aftermarket mounts.
Shop →EZRUN Mini28 Brushless Combo (Motor + ESC)
Matched 1/28-scale brushless motor and ESC. The simplest path to brushless on MA-020 and MR-03 chassis: single SKU, no part-matching.
Shop →Pinion & Spur Gear Set (MINI-Z AWD)
Genuine Kyosho pinion and spur gear set for the MA-020 AWD drivetrain. Confirmed in stock direct from Kyosho.
Shop →MR-03 Pinion Gear, 6T (3pcs)
Lowest ratio in Kyosho’s current MR-03 pinion range -- more low-end punch, less top speed. Sold separately from the spur.
Shop →MR-03 Pinion Gear, 7T (3pcs)
Middle-of-the-range MR-03 pinion. Good default before you start tuning toward a specific track.
Shop →MR-03 Pinion Gear, 8T (3pcs)
Taller MR-03 pinion for more top speed on open layouts. Trades off low-end acceleration.
Shop →MR-03 Pinion Gear, 9T (3pcs)
Tallest pinion in Kyosho’s current MR-03 range. High-speed RCP tracks only -- acceleration suffers.
Shop →MR-03 Spur Gear (Ball Diff.)
The spur half of the MR-03 ratio equation. Pair with whichever pinion tooth count above matches your track.
Shop →MR-04 Pinion & Spur Gear -- No Confirmed SKU
Kyosho has not published a pinion or spur gear listing for MR-04 as of 2026-08-05 -- their current sets are stated for MR-015/02/03 only. Do not assume MR-03 gears mesh correctly; check Kyosho’s catalog before ordering.
Shop →MX-01 Motor & Drive Parts
High-torque motor for the MX-01. Prioritizes pulling power and control over top speed.
Shop →Related Guides
Mini-Z Brushed Motor Guide: Turn Counts and What to Buy
What Mini-Z brushed motor turn counts actually mean, the RPM-vs-torque-vs-heat trade-off, and how to pick the right motor for your track and class.
MA-020 Motor Upgrade: FET, Brushless, Club Rules
How to upgrade your MA-020 motor step by step, from FET replacement to brushless conversion, with class rule context for club and IFMAR racing.
Mini-Z Brushless Conversion: Motor, ESC & LiPo
Step-by-step brushless conversion for Mini-Z MR-03 and MA-020. Motor KV selection, ESC compatibility, LiPo wiring, and what actually changes on the track.