Build Thread The, "I ain't afraid of no ghost" Mini Z: Ecto-AMG

[OnwardGuinevere]

Hey all!

I have been holding off on getting this build thread started until I had more parts in, but I'm starting to get excited with some stuff having arrived now. It's kind of a quasi build as I'm not building the chassis, but I think it still counts .

The idea: as the title says, I plan to make my own unique Ecto-1, the Ecto-AMG.

The chassis: MR-04 Evo2, RWD, brushless, Xspeed 4100kV motor. The kit also comes with 6T / 7T / 8T / 9T pinions. I already have the headlight/taillight LEDs.

Paint:
Looking to go with a bone white. Considering Tamiya TS paint in racing white as that seems to be a softer white. Adding black accents (striping or something) and then the waterslide GB decals. Still noodling the paint process and what to do first, black accents or the main body color.

Things I want to do:

1. (2) 1s lipo conversion from the AAAs. Figure two 1s lipos for balance within the chassis. Still trying to figure out how to achieve this.
2. Additional lighting for light bar and possibly micro speaker siren.
3. Upgrade the motor from 4100kV to probably 5600kV, cuz I need my speed
4. Gyro (but only potentially) I'd rather learn to drift it without the gyro, but we'll see.

Still needed:

• nano LEDs
• speaker for Ecto-1 siren
• Light bar
• 2-Way Connector for Mini-Z Sports LED Light Set
• paint/primer
• Probably some other connectors for light integration
• time

Likely challenges:
Integrating the additional lighting/siren into the existing system. Also assuming I can fit all this into the car. Possibly needing to adapt these to an ICS plug. And of course, the final challenge of trying to drift it.

I'm hoping this turns out how I'm envisioning it because I think it'll be super cool! And fulfill the void of finally having an Ecto-1.

And...as always, any input/considerations for lighting this bad boy up is appreciated! I think I'll have a lot of trial and error.

 

[Spksh]

Very excited to see this one!

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

Very excited to see this one!

Me too! I really hope it turns out the way I want. I'm really loving using themes for my paintwork. Got some more ideas for my 1/10s too

 

[Doom!]

I hope this all works out, gonna be tight in there. Going to be a sweet ride!

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

I hope this all works out, gonna be tight in there. Going to be a sweet ride!

It will be tight. I'm certain I'm pushing the boundaries here. But how would we know if we don't try?

 

[Spksh]

But how would we know if we don't try?

 

[racerEX]

Very much looking forward to this.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Lights and sirens are fun but how about a working proton pack mounted to the hood???

I can't wait to see what you do with this one!!!

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

Lights and sirens are fun but how about a working proton pack mounted to the hood???

I can't wait to see what you do with this one!!!

Mini proton pack would be tough. I'm just hoping I can find a tiny roof rack.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

My husband when a small padded envelope arrived in the mail, "rc parts?"

Me: "Yes, you already know it is"

My light bar fits perfectly! Got the 2:1 connector too.

Room for 8 LEDs!

 

[Spksh]

My husband when a small padded envelope arrived in the mail, "rc parts?"

"Always."

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

"Always."

I mean, it's way better than shoes or handbags any day.

 

[Spksh]

I mean, it's way better than shoes or handbags any day.

...RC shoes?

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

My LiFe batteries and wiring harness arrived! These batteries are freakin' adorable.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

Well that took about all of 10-15 min to mod!
Removed the screws attaching positive and negative terminals on the wiring harness.

reinstalled the screw in opposite direction (from the chassis side out)

Wiring harness installed

Battery check before removing the metal battery plates on opposite side to fit the LiFe.

It works!!! Bye-bye AAA's

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

Okay...so 15 more minutes for refinement

The screws felt a little too loose for my liking without that back plate in to hold the screw (circled in blue). So I did a test fit with the battery and confirmed it'll clear it with that reinstalled on both sides.

Absolutely thrilled that I can lay these batteries flat too. That means there is still hope with getting the Mercedes body to it without much modification (if any).

 

[Spksh]

They look like they were designed to fit that way. Nice work.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

They look like they were designed to fit that way. Nice work.

Thanks!

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

I channelled my inner MacGyver and not gonna lie; I'm super proud of it.

I have yet to buy some tires for the mini Z, but you most definitely can make your own tires with string and electrical tape

In case you need RC drift and pick up dog hair at the same time.

 

[WickedFog]

My LiFe batteries and wiring harness arrived! These batteries are freakin' adorable.

View attachment 266012

I've gad smaller