"Which Mini-Z AWD do I have, and will my parts fit?" gets confusing fast, because the AWD line is really six chassis in two families. The MA-020 family covers the original MA-020, the MA-020S Sports, and the brushless MA-020VE and MA-020VE PRO. The MA-030 family covers the MA-030EVO and the current MA-030EVO2. This guide walks through what is different between them, what carries over, and which setup changes Kyosho's own manuals describe. It is the AWD companion to our MR-03 vs MR-04 guide.
The Mini-Z AWD lineup at a glance
Everything in this table comes from each chassis's instruction manual. If a cell says "not stated," the manual doesn't say, so we don't either.
| Chassis | Radio system | Motor | Wheelbase options | Wheelbase as shipped | What you add to run it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-020Radio system 2.4GHz ASFMotor Motor set MD009P (brushed or brushless not stated)Wheelbase options M 90 mm / L 94 mm / LL 98 mmWheelbase as shipped LWhat you add to run it An ASF transmitter (KT-18, EX-5UR, or another 2.4GHz ASF 3-channel radio from Kyosho or Kondo Science) if yours didn't come with one | 2.4GHz ASF | Motor set MD009P (brushed or brushless not stated) | M 90 mm / L 94 mm / LL 98 mm | L | An ASF transmitter (KT-18, EX-5UR, or another 2.4GHz ASF 3-channel radio from Kyosho or Kondo Science) if yours didn't come with one |
| MA-020S SportsRadio system Perfex KT-19 2.4GHz (included)Motor Not statedWheelbase options M 90 mm / L 94 mmWheelbase as shipped Not statedWhat you add to run it 4 AAA batteries for the transmitter and 4 AAA batteries for the car | Perfex KT-19 2.4GHz (included) | Not stated | M 90 mm / L 94 mm | Not stated | 4 AAA batteries for the transmitter and 4 AAA batteries for the car |
| MA-020VERadio system 2.4GHz ASFMotor Sensorless brushlessWheelbase options M 90 mm / L 94 mm / LL 98 mmWheelbase as shipped LWhat you add to run it An ASF transmitter if yours didn't come with one | 2.4GHz ASF | Sensorless brushless | M 90 mm / L 94 mm / LL 98 mm | L | An ASF transmitter if yours didn't come with one |
| MA-020VE PRORadio system 2.4GHz MHS/ASF hybridMotor Sensorless brushlessWheelbase options M 90 mm / L 94 mm / LL 98 mmWheelbase as shipped LWhat you add to run it A transmitter (not included); MHS-capable for best response | 2.4GHz MHS/ASF hybrid | Sensorless brushless | M 90 mm / L 94 mm / LL 98 mm | L | A transmitter (not included); MHS-capable for best response |
| MA-030EVORadio system Separate receiver (not included)Motor Sensorless brushlessWheelbase options L 94 mm / LL 98 mm (no M)Wheelbase as shipped LLWhat you add to run it A receiver and a matching transmitter | Separate receiver (not included) | Sensorless brushless | L 94 mm / LL 98 mm (no M) | LL | A receiver and a matching transmitter |
| MA-030EVO2Radio system Separate receiver (not included)Motor Sensored brushless, XSPEED 85 (MZ704)Wheelbase options L 94 mm / LL 98 mm (no M)Wheelbase as shipped LLWhat you add to run it A receiver unit, a matching transmitter, and an AutoScale body | Separate receiver (not included) | Sensored brushless, XSPEED 85 (MZ704) | L 94 mm / LL 98 mm (no M) | LL | A receiver unit, a matching transmitter, and an AutoScale body |
The short version: MA-020-family cars run the full M/L/LL wheelbase range, and the ones we have manuals for ship at L. MA-030-family cars skip M, ship at LL, and use a separate plug-in receiver, so you can pick your radio brand.
The MA-020 family: four versions of one chassis
MA-020. Kyosho describes it as a 2.4GHz ASF car based on the MA-015 DWS. It borrows the variable camber suspension (VCS) from the MR-03 series to keep the tire tread flat on the ground. As on the MR-03, you can set the front to wide or narrow, and Kyosho says handling improves a lot with the wide setting. The spare parts list includes the MDW100-02 through MDW100-07 parts for the rear double wishbone suspension set.
MA-020S (Mini-Z Sports AWD). This is a ready-to-run box with a Perfex KT-19 2.4GHz transmitter. Its manual describes a "Drift Specification" chassis with drift tires fitted as standard. It lists only the M (90 mm) and L (94 mm) wheelbases, not LL. The front tread (narrow or wide) comes set to match the body. It has two extra connectors: one for an optional gyro (MZW431) and one for a light unit.
MA-020VE. This is the MA-020 with the 2.4GHz ASF system and a sensorless brushless motor. Kyosho notes a slight delay when you apply throttle from a standstill, because the RC unit is confirming forward or reverse. Ease onto the throttle for smooth starts.
MA-020VE PRO. Same brushless idea, but with a hybrid MHS/ASF 2.4GHz RC unit. Kyosho says MHS arrived with the MR-03VE PRO and responds more than 4 times faster than ASF, so use an MHS-capable transmitter to get the most out of it. The motor is sensorless brushless, and it has the same standing-start delay as the VE.
One practical note for the VE and VE PRO: both manuals say the option-part instructions show installation on a standard MINI-Z AWD. On these two chassis, follow the exploded view in the car's own manual instead.
What the MA-030EVO and EVO2 change
Separate receiver. Both MA-030 chassis come without a receiver. The EVO2 manual lists four receiver units by transmitter brand:
| Receiver unit | For transmitter |
|---|---|
| No.82045 MINI-Z EVO2 Receiver unit (EX-NEXT) | KO EX-NEXT |
| No.82041 MINI-Z EVO2 Receiver unit (KT-531P) | Kyosho KT-531P (FHSS) |
| No.82151-03 MINI-Z EVO2 Receiver unit (Noble NB4) | Flysky Noble NB4, NB4+, NB4PRO+ |
| No.82046 MINI-Z EVO2 Receiver unit V2 | Futaba T10PX, T6PV, T4PM plus |
The older MA-030EVO manual lists different receivers: No.82040, No.82041 and No.82042. Check the manual for your exact chassis before you buy one. For the full brand-by-brand picture, see which transmitter works with your Mini-Z.
Motor. The MA-030EVO manual describes a sensorless brushless motor with the same slight standing-start delay as the VE cars. The MA-030EVO2 lists the XSPEED 85 brushless motor (MZ704) as a spare part. Its green System LED lights when "the brushless motor with sensor" is running normally. The EVO2's blue REV LIMIT LED flashes to show which rev-limit setting is active: 1 flash for unlimited, 2 for red motor, 3 for blue motor, 4 for green motor. Both the blue and green LEDs stay off in brushed-motor mode.
Wheelbase. Both MA-030 chassis ship at LL (98 mm) and change to L (94 mm). Both manuals say they are not compatible with the M wheelbase. On the EVO2, you change wheelbase by swapping the center shaft for the L or LL shaft. The kit includes a Center Shaft (L) and a Swing Shaft (Long).
Gyro and I.C.S. connectors. The EVO2 has two optional connectors, one for a gyro and one for the I.C.S. cord used to program the electronics. The V2 Gyro Unit Set (MZW712) is sold separately. Kyosho says it corrects both steering and throttle automatically.
Gearing: the same table across the whole line
Every manual we checked, from the MA-020 through the MA-030EVO2, prints the same pinion and spur combinations across the three motor-holder positions. Each car ships with a 15T pinion and a 31T spur (7.23:1). The MA-020 and Sports manuals add that this is on motor holder type 1.
| Motor holder | Pinion / spur | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15T / 31T (as shipped) | 7.23:1 |
| 1 | 17T / 29T | 5.97:1 |
| 1 | 19T / 27T | 4.97:1 |
| 2 | 17T / 31T | 6.38:1 |
| 2 | 19T / 29T | 5.34:1 |
| 2 | 21T / 27T | 4.50:1 |
| 3 | 19T / 31T | 5.71:1 |
Kyosho's chart runs from 7.23:1 (better acceleration, longer run time) to 4.50:1 (higher top speed).
Brushless cars: stay on 15T. The VE, VE PRO and EVO2 manuals all say brushless motors spin fast enough that a pinion above 17T makes more heat, and they strongly recommend the shipped 15T/31T to protect the motor. The VE and VE PRO say not to use 17T or 19T for normal driving. The EVO2 adds 21T to that list. If you do gear up, use a wide-open area to keep the load down. For heat, the VE and VE PRO manuals recommend the MDW026 Aluminum Motor Holder Set II, the MDW027 Aluminum Motor Cover Set and the MZW502 Aluminum Brushless Motor Sleeve. The MA-020 and Sports manuals recommend MDW026 and MDW027 when you run an optional motor or change the ratio. The MA-020 manual also lists MDW001 Ball Bearing Set.
MA-020 family: the spur follows the wheelbase. The MA-020 and Sports manuals both say to replace the spur gear to match the wheelbase you set. On the MA-020, a ball bearing on the spur gear (optional BRG002) only fits at the LL wheelbase.
What does and doesn't interchange
| Part | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| General parts, MA-030EVO2 vs MA-020 | Kyosho says many MA-030EVO2 parts are shared with the FWD chassis (MA-03F) and the AWD MA-020. Option-part instructions show the MA-03F or MA-020, so use the EVO2's own exploded view when fitting them. |
| Front suspension arms and shaft | The EVO2 spare parts list includes MD202B Front Suspension Arm Set and MD212 Front Suspension Shaft Set, both labeled MA-020 parts. |
| Ball bearings | MDW001 Ball Bearing Set (AWD) appears in both the MA-020 manual and the EVO2 spare parts list. |
| Wheels | AWD wheels (MDH prefix) are AWD-only and not interchangeable with RWD wheels (see our wheels guide). |
| Wheelbase M (90 mm) | MA-020, MA-020S, VE and VE PRO: yes. MA-030EVO and EVO2: no. |
| Wheelbase LL (98 mm) | MA-020, VE, VE PRO, MA-030EVO and EVO2: yes. The Sports manual lists only M and L. |
| Front narrow/wide tread | Adjustable on all of them. The MA-020, MA-030EVO and MA-030EVO2 ship narrow. The Sports comes set to match its body. The EVO2 kit includes the wide (W) tie rod, front upper bulk cover and front lower suspension arm. |
| Rear wide arms | The MA-020 and MA-030EVO chassis sets include wide rear suspension arms (DWS on the EVO) that add 2.5 mm per side. |
| Radio | No shared answer. The MA-020 and VE use ASF, the VE PRO uses MHS/ASF, the Sports ships with a KT-19, and the MA-030 cars need a plug-in receiver. |
| Gyro | Each manual names a different gyro: MZW405 (MA-020 and MA-030EVO drift pages), MZW431 (MA-020S), MZW712 V2 (MA-030EVO2). Kyosho's 2024 AWD option list sells Gyro Unit Set 2.0 (MZW446) as "exclusive for MINI-Z AWD MA-020 chassis." Buy the one your manual names. |
Kyosho's current (2024) AWD option list tags parts by suspension type, so check the tag before buying. Parts marked DWS (for example MDW104 stabilizer set, MDW105 upper rod spacers, MDW110 multi-link upper rod set) fit the double wishbone rear. Parts marked Std suspension (MDW103 stabilizer set) fit the standard rear. Parts marked MA-020/S (MDW201 front spring set, MDW202 camber upright set, MDW203 setting tie rod set) are for the MA-020 and Sports. MDW100 converts a standard rear to double wishbone.
Key setup adjustments
Wheelbase and tread: set the chassis to the body
As on RWD cars, you set up the chassis to fit the body. Every AWD manual says wheelbase is changed to suit the body shape. The 2024 option list gives each AWD body's wheelbase (M 90 / L 94 / LL 98 mm), front and rear tire width, and wheel offsets. Use our Mini-Z offset calculator and the body fitment guide to work it out.
Kyosho's MDH100 multi-offset AWD wheels show how offset sets the chassis width:
| Wheel | Offset | Chassis width |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow | 0 | 65 mm |
| Narrow | 1.5 | 68 mm |
| Narrow | 2.5 | 70 mm |
| Narrow | 3.5 | 72 mm |
| Wide | 0 | 70 mm |
| Wide | 1.0 | 72 mm |
Rear suspension (MA-030EVO setting guide)
The MA-030EVO manual has a one-page rear setting guide. These are Kyosho's stated effects:
| Adjustment | How | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Toe (left + right) | Suspension holder stamped 3° or 4° | 3°: less straight-line stability, higher top speed. 4°: more stable, lower top speed. |
| Camber | Length of upper rod "B" | Shorter: more rear grip in corners. Longer: more stable. |
| Droop | 2.6x3mm set screw, length "A" | Shorter: more rear grip, slower side-to-side roll. Longer: more stable, quicker roll. |
| Ride height | Spring spacers | Fewer: lower, more stable, less rear grip. More: higher, more rear grip, less stable. |
The option list adds toe and caster choices for the DWS rear: MDW102-02, -03 and -04 aluminum rear suspension holders (caster 0°, toe 2°, 3° or 4°) and MDW102-22 (caster 2°, toe 2°).
Front suspension
The MA-020 family's front tuning parts are the MDW201 front spring set (5 rates, 2 of each), the MDW202 camber upright set and the MDW203 setting tie rod set (narrow and wide tie rods for toe). The MA-030EVO manual says the suspension limiter sets chassis height and front stroke to suit the body.
Drift setup
The MA-020, MA-030EVO and MA-030EVO2 manuals all say drift driving needs drift tires: MDT001 (narrow, 8.5 mm) or MDT002 (wide, 11 mm), both special AWD drift tires. Adding the gyro named in your manual makes drift control easier. The MA-020 and MA-030EVO2 manuals give the same drift cautions. Sliding loads the motor harder, so it wears out sooner and batteries drain faster. Kyosho says NiMH batteries are more economical. Let the motor cool after every 5 to 10 minutes of running. The option list also offers MDW024 Rigid Axle, which removes the differential action for stable drifting and fits front or rear.
Electronics tuning (I.C.S.)
The MA-020 and MA-030EVO2 both have an I.C.S. connector for adjusting settings from a PC. You need Kyosho's I.C.S. software and a USB interface, both sold separately. On the MA-020, the settings include steering servo power, speed, neutral sensitivity and motor drive frequency. The MA-020 manual lists the I.C.S. USB adapter set as No.82080. It also warns that the car uses a 4-point terminal, so the PC interface for the AD Mini-Z won't work.
Which one should you get?
If you already own an MA-020-family car, you get the full M/L/LL wheelbase range and a large option catalog tagged "MA-020/S." If you want to run your own transmitter brand, or a sensored motor with a rev-limit LED, the MA-030EVO2 is the chassis that has them. Keep in mind it has no M wheelbase, and you need to budget for a receiver unit. For the bigger AWD vs RWD question, see which Mini-Z should you buy. For motor classes and Kv, see Mini-Z motors.
Manuals for each chassis: MA-020, MA-020S Sports, MA-020VE, MA-020VE PRO, MA-030EVO, MA-030EVO2.
Specs and part numbers in this guide come from Kyosho's instruction manuals for each chassis and Kyosho's 2024 Mini-Z AWD option parts list.
