Late LWB Optima Mid & Lazer differences??

[DerbyDan]

Ok - so i'm not particularly familiar with the Kyosho range of cars - but I always admired the 4wd off road buggies - and really hankered after an Optima Mid during my early days of racing.... the end of line Optima Mid Custom Special (in my eyes) being the ultimate car to own at the time!

The Optima line ended when they released the Laser ZX (I'm not suprised they changed the name as they must have been running out of extra words to use to distinguish new models). Thing is how different is say the Lazer ZX from the last of the Optimas.... & for that matter whats the difference between the ZX & the ZXR? Also would it be possible to fit the Optima Mid Custom body (my favorite) onto a Lazer ZX or ZXR?

I'm sure you guys will be able to help

Thanks in advance

Dan

[adam lancia]

The major differences are:

Belt rear transmission
Longer arms front and rear
Rear-mounted rear shock tower with revised geometry
Longer front shocks with taller tower
I think they may have also changed the battery position a bit, definitely set more towards the middle of the chassis (later chassis like the ZX-RR moved the batteries further back compared to the original ZX)
Better slipper
Front one way incorporated onto transmission top shaft with option for double one way in the slipper hub on the top shaft
2.2" wheels and tires

I think that's it. Anyone with a more comprehensive list please feel free to add on or correct what I've got listed.

[DerbyDan]

The major differences are:

Belt rear transmission
Longer arms front and rear
Rear-mounted rear shock tower with revised geometry
Longer front shocks with taller tower
I think they may have also changed the battery position a bit, definitely set more towards the middle of the chassis (later chassis like the ZX-RR moved the batteries further back compared to the original ZX)
Better slipper
Front one way incorporated onto transmission top shaft with option for double one way in the slipper hub on the top shaft
2.2" wheels and tires

I think that's it. Anyone with a more comprehensive list please feel free to add on or correct what I've got listed.

Wow thanks for that info... sounds like they are quite different! Certainly more so than what it would seem at a casual glance. Still would like to know if it would be possible to convincingly fit a lwb Optima shell onto a Lazer.... the latter seem more commonly available & would make the better runner, but I love the look of the (mid custom) Optima shell. I guess there are very few interchangeable parts too, between the Optima Mids & Lazer ZXs?

P.S; Adam, just noticed your location details - how often are you in Cologne... I've been a few times its a beautifull city

[adam lancia]

Hey Dan,

No problem, glad I was of some help. You're right in thinking that there's not a lot of interchangeable parts between the two. I don't have both bodies nor do I have my LWB Mid with my in Cologne so I can't answer your question about the bodies being similar enough to swap.

I live in Cologne and you're right, it's a gorgeous city!