I have been using an older Novak GTB ESC with and Orion Vortex 17.5 in my Losi 22sct. I am running in stock 17.5 class. Would a newer ESC be any better in the power delivery? (LOL power and 17.5)

Gtb is still one of the better Novak systems. The new models from Tekin and Orion are very smooth on the throttle and brakes.