← All Platforms

The MR-04 EVO is Kyosho's answer to narrow GT body shells that don't proportion well on the wider MR-03 chassis. The narrower track and lower ride height give it a more scale-accurate stance, and the shorter wheelbase options make it well-suited to sports car bodies. The core upgrade philosophy is the same as the MR-03 — bearings first, then T-plate, then motor — but parts are not fully interchangeable between the two platforms. Confirm compatibility before ordering.

Guides for the MR-04 26 guides

reference

Mini-Z Pinion Gear Ratio Reference: 6T to 11T by Chassis and Use Case

Gear ratio table for Mini-Z pinion sizes 6T through 11T across MR-03, MR-04, MA-020, and MX-01 chassis, with motor type context and surface recommendations.

intermediate

Mini-Z Spring Rate Tuning: Read Your Car

Diagnose understeer, oversteer, and chassis balance by what you feel on the track, then pick the right Mini-Z spring change to fix it.

intermediate

MR-04 Setup Guide: Kyosho's Narrow Platform

The MR-04 EVO2 runs different from the MR-03. Here's how to dial in springs, T-plate, tires, and gyro for the narrower chassis.

performance

Mini-Z FET Mod: MOSFET Replacement and Stacking

What a FET mod actually is, which Mini-Z platforms need it, how to do it safely, and when it's worth doing at all. The complete reference for club racers.

intermediate

Mini-Z Droop and Camber: What Spring Rate Can't Fix

Droop screws and camber are the Mini-Z suspension variables most drivers skip. Here's what each does and how to set them for RCP, carpet, and AWD.

intermediate

Mini-Z Bearing Upgrades: Ceramic vs Steel

Not all Mini-Z bearings are worth upgrading. Here's which positions actually change handling, ceramic vs steel trade-offs, and what to buy at every budget.

beginner

Mini-Z Racing vs Bashing: Setup Guide

Racing and bashing demand different setups. Here's how to configure your Mini-Z for competitive laps or backyard fun.

reference

RCP Track Setup: Layout, Surface, and Gear

How to set up an RCP Mini-Z track at home or at your club. Covers track tiles, layouts, barriers, timing systems, and surface prep.

reference

Mini-Z Battery Guide: NiMH vs LiPo

Consistent voltage means consistent lap times. The full breakdown on NiMH vs LiPo for Mini-Z, which cells to buy, and how to charge them correctly.

reference

Mini-Z Body Compatibility: MR-03, MR-04, MA-020

Don't buy a body that won't fit. Wheelbase, offset, and width specs for MR-03, MR-04, MA-020, and MX-01, with the fitment rules that trip up new buyers.

beginner

Best Mini-Z Transmitters in 2026: Ranked

Syncro EX-6R, KT-432PT, and KO Propo EX-1 KIY compared. Features, price, and which radio is worth the money for RCP racing.

beginner

Best Mini-Z Upgrades Under $50: Every Platform

Compare the best $50 Mini-Z upgrade path across MR-03, MR-04, MA-020, MX-01. Ranked by impact with prices and platform-specific notes.

beginner

Best First Mini-Z Upgrades: 5 Mods That Matter

New Mini-Z owner? Do these 5 upgrades before anything else. Ranked by real-world impact per dollar, starting with the one mod every car needs first.

performance

Mini-Z Tire Guide: Which Compound for Your Track Surface

RCP track? Carpet? Tile? Here's exactly which Mini-Z tire compound to run on each surface, plus a symptom-to-fix cheat sheet when your car pushes or snaps.

reference

Mini-Z Maintenance Schedule

A session-by-session Mini-Z maintenance schedule. What to check after every run, every 5 sessions, and every 20, so nothing fails on race day.

beginner

Mini-Z Race Day Checklist: What to Bring

Everything you need in your pit bag for a Mini-Z race night. Batteries, tools, spares, and the pre-race routine that keeps you off the DNS list.

reference

Mini-Z Wheel Offset and Width: What Fits

Wheel offset and width explained for every Mini-Z platform. What the numbers mean, what fits without rubbing, and how offset affects handling.

performance

Mini-Z ESC Tuning: Punch, Brake, Drag Brake

What ESC tuning parameters actually do on track: punch control, brake strength, and drag brake settings explained practically for Mini-Z RWD and AWD.

reference

The Mini-Z Tools Guide: What You Actually Need

Most Mini-Z owners have the wrong tools or are missing one critical size. Here's exactly what to buy, in what order, and what you can skip.

reference

Best Mini-Z Tires for RCP Tracks (2026)

The definitive tire compounds to buy for high-grip RCP foam tracks. Stop guessing and start turning laps.

buyer-guide

Mini-Z MR-03 vs MR-04: Which Chassis to Buy in 2026

MR-03 wins on parts availability and budget. MR-04 wins on raw speed out of the box. Full comparison on handling, cost to race-ready, and who each platform actually suits.

performance

Mini-Z Tire Compounds by Surface

A practical tire compound system for Mini-Z racers. Baselines for RCP, carpet, and hard surfaces with symptom-based adjustments that actually work.

performance

MR-04 Upgrade Guide: Kyosho Mini-Z Narrow GT

MR-04 upgrade path from stock to competitive: what's different from the MR-03, what parts don't cross over, and what to buy first.

beginner

How to Set Up a Gyro on Mini-Z MR-03 and MR-04

Step-by-step gyro install for the MZW405 and DasMikro. How to set direction, dial in gain, and eliminate snap oversteer on carpet, RCP, and tile.

performance

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.

performance

MR-03 T-Plate Setup: Flex Ratings and Shims

The T-plate is the primary tuning lever on RWD Mini-Z platforms. How to read what your car is doing and choose the right flex rating for your surface.