RE: Want to upgrade Z starter
I'd say no to the brass rod, it won't be up to the task. I bent my push rod in a crash and replaced it with a steel rod available at many hobby stores. Not sure if they call it piano wire but it comes in 36 inch sections and I had a piece about .040 diameter. Just put a Z bent on the servo end and the tail bell crank locked down with a set screw like an EZ connector. That set up lasted forever and gave precise tail control.
Not very up to speed on electrics, just an old school nitro flyer here. Trying to learn though.
Tony