I have never run stock in my offroad career. I prefer mod all day, but I can see the draw for some to do though... I do run stock touring car though. For one club track it is far too tight for anything faster. Outdoor 17.5tc is a little slow on a huge asphalt track, but it really all comes down to consistency and driving style there. Same with offroad stock, but its easy to get caught up in all the lightweight parts and better motors/batteries instead of focusing on driving. Who doesn't want a blinged out buggy!? Its just too strong of a pull for most, and they forget its actually their driving that needs to get better.
That being said I recently went shopping around 17.5s to find a replacement for my d3.5 in touring car. In the past I have run Novak, Reedy mach 2, and the trinity. Reedy was a very strong motor, but ran hot and still wasn't as good as the D3.5. I ended up getting an ORCA, which I know isn't all that big in offroad or the states. I really like their motors, and they are very competitive. Their standard rotor would be considered high torque by many other companies, but I found dropping a few teeth allowed it to shine. It runs slightly hotter than my D3.5, but seems to have a better mid-top end.
I was also considering R1 and the D4 at the time. I was also not looking to drop $160 for a certified motor, just standard $90 for me. From what I've read on here I gathered the D4 is hit or miss and not quite as good as the 3.5. R1 seems to be a strong motor that likes to rev- and requires a different timing/gearing set up than what would be run by other companies.
I am very pleased with the ORCA. I have the TX, versus their newer RX3. They are totally different designs. RX3 is still pending ROAR approval last I read. TX is legal.
Just my $.02 on the stock motor debate
