I use the losi box. I heard that Drake suggested running the motors for 5 mins when you first get it to kinda run them in a bit before thrashing them trying to start your engine. Also oiling the bushings regularly helps.
When I first got my Trinity Drake motor it had a bit of trouble starting it but that motor had extreme pinch (IT WAS TIGHT!!), I just undone the plug a bit turned it over and tightened the plug back up while turning over and that worked. The motor still had a lot of compression but warming it up beforehand helps. I also have a 8T with a TL427 (freshly rebuilt) and it starts that no worries.
If you are smart about how you start them then you will have no problems.
If you just start slamming a new cold motor down on it and burn the motors and get all frustrated then you won't get anywhere!