The Kyosho Mini-Z is a tiny RC car with real racing chassis engineering inside. At around 1/27 scale it fits in your hand, runs on AAA batteries, and can be raced on a living-room track or a club layout. This guide explains the different Mini-Z models, what to buy first, and the tires and tuning parts that make the biggest difference.
Why drivers love the Mini-Z
- Run it anywhere. A kitchen floor, a garage, a hallway or a roll-out track works fine, so weather never stops you.
- Real tuning. Springs, suspension plates, camber, tires and gearing all change how the car drives, just like a full-size race car.
- Beautiful bodies. Highly detailed licensed bodies of Porsches, Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans and race cars, which many owners collect.
- Racing. Mini-Z racing is popular at hobby shops and clubs, with lap timing available for the home.
The Mini-Z models
First Mini-Z: the easy starter
The First Mini-Z (FMZ) line is the simplest and most affordable way in. It's ready to run out of the box and made for casual driving. Models include the Subaru Sambar, the Initial D Mazda RX-7 FC3S, the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 and the Shelby Cobra Daytona. It's a great gift and a fun first taste of Mini-Z.
Mini-Z RWD MR-04: the racer
The MR-04 is the current rear-wheel-drive racing chassis and the most tunable Mini-Z. Readysets come with bodies like the Honda NSX, the Toyota GR Supra, the Jaguar XJR-14 and the 1966 Volkswagen Beetle. If you want to race or tune, start here.
Mini-Z AWD: rally and all-wheel grip
The AWD (MA-020) chassis drives all four wheels and uses a gyro, so it's stable and forgiving. It's the home of classic rally cars like the Toyota GRMN Yaris, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRC, the 1992 Lancia Delta and the 1992 Celica Turbo 4WD. AWD is also popular for Mini-Z drifting.
Mini-Z Buggy and 4x4
The Mini-Z Buggy, like the Turbo Optima Mid Special, brings off-road racing to the tabletop, and the Mini-Z 4x4 is a tiny scale crawler. Both use their own parts, so check the model name in each listing.
What you need to start
- Batteries: Mini-Z Readysets run on AAA batteries, and the transmitter needs batteries too. Rechargeable NiMH cells like the Speed House 800HV AAA 4-pack and a charger like the Speed House USB AA/AAA charger pay for themselves quickly.
- A place to drive: any smooth floor works. For racing, a roll-out RCP track gives you grip and a real layout. The 30cm Mini-96 track set fits a room, and the 50cm Wide L Oblong set is a full club-style track.
- Tools: Mini-Z screws are tiny. A small driver set like the Powerhobby magnetized Mini-Z tool set saves a lot of frustration.
- Storage: a Mini-Z storage case or the padded Mini-Z carrying bag protects your bodies.
Tires: the first and best upgrade
Tires make the biggest difference in how a Mini-Z drives. Kyosho rates tire hardness in degrees (shore): a lower number is softer and grippier. A 20° tire grips more than a 30° tire, and a 10° tire more again.
- Smooth floors: high-grip tires, such as the High Grip 30° tires, help a lot on slippery surfaces like tile and wood.
- RCP track: radial racing tires like the 11mm wide racing radial 20° in the rear with a harder or narrower front, such as the racing radial 30°.
- Too much grip? If the car traction rolls (flips in corners), use a harder rear tire or a harder front tire to calm it down.
Check that the tire width and height match your wheels and chassis: Mini-Z tires come in narrow, wide, low-height and super-low-height versions.
Tuning parts worth trying
- Rear suspension plates: the plate controls how the rear pod rolls. Try the carbon rear suspension plate set or 0.6mm FRP plate set for the MR-03 (MM/LM).
- Springs: the MR-04 front spring set has five rates to tune front grip.
- Camber: aluminum steering blocks for the MR-04 change front camber and steering feel.
- Servo: the Powerhobby MZ44 servo is a faster, stronger steering servo for the Mini-Z RWD.
- Lap timing: the EasyLap timer lets you time laps at home and see whether each change helped.
Change one thing at a time and run a few laps, so you know what made the difference.
Bodies and lights
Mini-Z bodies are made for a specific chassis and wheelbase, which is listed in each body's title (for example, a body for the MR-04 W-MM). Bodies like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS or the Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 come painted and ready to mount. An LED light set adds working headlights and taillights.
Browse all Kyosho and mini RC cars and trucks, or pick your Mini-Z in the Parts Finder to see the parts that fit.
Frequently asked questions
What scale is a Mini-Z?
Most Mini-Z cars are about 1/27 scale. Some models, like certain First Mini-Z cars and the buggy, are listed at a slightly different scale.
What batteries does a Mini-Z use?
Mini-Z Readysets use AAA batteries. Rechargeable NiMH AAA cells are the best value if you drive often.
Which Mini-Z should a beginner buy?
For casual fun, a First Mini-Z. For racing or tuning, the MR-04 RWD. For an easy, stable car with a gyro, the AWD.
What's the best first Mini-Z upgrade?
Tires matched to where you drive. After that, try springs and suspension plates.
Have a Mini-Z question? Call us at 202-888-3669, or find more how-tos on our RC Guides page.