5 March 2015

Avant Slot 1/32nd Scale Mirage Group 8.
No. 10 - Le Mans 1975
No. 11 Le Mans Winner 1975
The recent release of the boxed set of Mirage models by Avant Slot were on that infamous "list" of must have slot cars. I normally don't choose Avant Slot for my simple home racing as they are more for the competitive racer, but this time around it was that always alluring GULF scheme that called my name.

Most veterans are already full aware of what Avant Slot models have to offer. These models are really nothing new, just the release of the box set has brought them back into the limelight so to speak. And that is good news for newcomer as well as veterans who might have missed out on them the first time. The models shown here are actually not the boxed set, but the regular individual releases. That's fine by me, all I wanted were these 2 models and the mission was accomplished.
Data At A Glance
Overall Weight - 76 Grams
Wheelbase - 81 MM
Overall Length - 141 MM
Width at Rear - 64 MM
Height at Rear Wing - 29 MM
Gearing - 10T Pinion / 27 Tooth Spur (2.70)
Chassis Configuration - Anglewinder/Pod System
Appearance
When you research these models yourself you will see Avant Slot has done a very good job overall. Of course nothing is ever perfect and our driver sitting a little tall in the saddle is rather obvious.




The rear wheel design is also not accurate. The insert should be much deeper as well but the width of the wheels prevent this.


Of course no model is ever perfect and it's up to your eyes and taste if Avant Slot created an acceptable one. Given the price point and the excellent overall finish, these are more than acceptable for me. I have seen a few people compare these models to the efforts of Le Mans Miniatures. To me this comparison is not really worth the time. LMM makes models better suited for the collector than the racer and have a sticker price to back that up. At nearly twice the price of these Avant Slot models, not many racers or average home enthusiasts I know of choose LMM. Nothing against LMM and the models they create, but facts are facts. They make a model for a certain type of slot car enthusiast and they do a fair job of it.

And so does Avant Slot. These cars are directed more to the actual racer/tuner and looking at the mechanicals of them clearly proves it. Another item that emphasizes this is the very handy instruction sheet the models come with.

When I see an effort like this, I simply have to give credit where it is due. Not many companies take the time to explain the capabilities of the model like Avnt Slot has. Perhaps not a big deal for you, but for the newcomer I can attest that this simple guide will come in very handy.
***There is an additional set of tires and wrench under the box. This is good to see and adds a lot to the value. You may not think so, but ask anyone who is just starting out how handy that wrench is.***
Under The Hood
2 screws mount the body to the chassis, one in front and one in the rear. Once removed we get down to business. You can see this is an anglewinder configuration with a floating pod design.

One of the first things that might grab your attention when you open up this model is the amount of magnets included. Anyone racing with magnets should be very happy. Although I do not race with them, I find it pleasing to see this many included. This allows those who do more tuning options without added expense. The magnets are not the strongest ones on the market though, so the downforce isn't as strong as you might think. But rest assured they will accomplish the mission. Another item worth highlighting is these magnets sit very loose in the pockets. If you race non-mag on wood you will want to lose them and use lead instead. Leaving them as is will result in a very annoying rattling sound.

The motor in this car is called the "Hurricane" and is rated at 27,000 RPMs @14.8 volts. I tested the motor using a laser checker and it runs around 22,000 @ 12 volts. Much more than I will need for our smaller track. But that is fine as I change motors in a lot of cars to suit my taste.

One rather odd decision on Avant Slot's part was to use nylon bushings instead of brass/bronze. The axle to bushing fit is fair but there is still some slight free play and at the high speeds this model is designed for you will want to replace them with better fitting machined brass. It could be a cost cutting measure but if so, I feel this was the wrong area. All this technology in the chassis, wheels, and gears is only going to deliver so much if the bushings are causing vibration.
Gearing is 10/27 and the mesh is pretty smooth for out of the box. The motor is held in place with 2 screws and this does the job well enough.


Up front we see the first set screw that controls the front movement of the pod. Pretty self-explanatory. Again, the guide that comes with the car tells you all about it. Adjusting this and the 2 rear pod screws allows you to set the desired float of the pod. The only drawback to this pod design to some is that you must have the body off to adjust this screw. I simply adjusted it to allow minimal play and that is usually good enough for our smoother track surface.

While you are up front, take the time to tighten the screw for the guide. It comes very loose in stock form. I like the screw type design and makes it easy for you to add guide shims if needed.
The front stub axle design is unique and either you will like it or you won't. I felt it was easy enough to set the height but some enthusiasts do not agree. There is also a slight amount of side to side free-play that you may not care for. Eliminating it isn't difficult if you do not try removing the wheel. I tried to remove the wheel from this axle but however it is secured, it would not budge. I could have kept trying but I did not want to break the wheel.


I used small SCC plastic shims that were snipped with side cutters and pressed over the axle.
Pre-Race Checks

This model needs to be checked thoroughly before operation.
Unlike some "ready to run models" where we just take them from the box and start testing, these models need to be adjusted beforehand.
It is something I highly advise as there is likely to be a loose set screw in the wheel or gear that could quickly lead to premature failure.
1. After removing the body, remove the left side wheel and then the spur gear. Check both motor mount screws for tightness.
2. Install gear and wheel and set wheel width accordingly.
2. Check axle collar and minimize side to side free play.
3. Tighten the guide screw until the excess free play is removed but still turns freely.
4. Adjust braids. Make sure they are flat and spread them out to match your track.
5. Lubricate rear bushings AND a light drop of oil on the front axle stubs where the set screws make contact.
6. Adjust the front wheel ride height per the instructions. Take your time, getting this right makes a difference.
* If you are keeping the stock tires you will need to glue them. They will turn on the wheel as is and will also expand due to the high RPM of the motor.
Optional Modifications

If you are a speed freak and have the larger track to enjoy it, then you will likely leave the stock motor in place.
For my smaller home track I am swapping the motor out to an MT-5.
Due to our smaller track and that we are non-magnet, this motor delivers plenty of speed and makes the model much more fun to drive.
Paul Gage tires will be installed as that is my preferred blend.

Tire Options:
The wheel is a standard 15x8 sized wheel and many different sizes are made to fit it. You choose the width and diameter that best suits your needs. The following are the tires I tested that closely match the original size.

So the modifications I performed:
1. Remove motor and replace with MT-5
2. Remove all magnets. They are loose in the pockets and create unwanted noise.
3. Install new tires and true as needed.
 
Race Time
Seems like a lot of work but this is what I feel you need to do with models such as these. Remember that this type of car is designed for the racer in mind and that means you are expected to perform some tuning.

And the efforts are worth it. This model is a very impressive running slot car. Gear mesh is smooth and the action is just what I hoped for. The only thing that might distract from the fun is the sound resonating from the stub axles. Even properly lubricated, the sound from the screws against this stub axle cannot be completely eliminated.

But lap times were pleasing. I managed a 3.80 second average which is very good for our home track. The car is just fun to drive and that is what seals the deal for me.

I think these models deliver a great value to the enthusiast because for most racers out there, only the added cost of a set of tires will be required. And as of this writing you can get them for right under the $50.00 mark. To me that is about as good a value as you can ask for. Not many models in our hobby have has much under the hood as these models do, especially given the price point.
I think I will start looking closer at what this brand has to offer and perhaps you should as well. 
- Harry
Feel free to contact me about this article or just our hobby in general.
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