We were allowed to use everything that came in the kit, so I used the extra pistons to lower the front end. I would drill them to fit the shaft and slide them on. It really helped to lower the front end. I hope you are allowed to use the radio of your choice, I really don't like the stock radio. We have a guy who was kicking our butt with 25c batteries. I guess it helped the car stick better, plus they last forever.

the 25c is bs i ran an xl5 and titan motor in my stampede on my shorty lipo 65c 4200mah and its just fine. do you know how to solder if so it makes batteries much easier to buy. as far as batteries go ive heard the smc ones are good never tried one as my turnigy nano tech 4200 mah 65c shorty works just fine for 15-25 mins of driving depending on temp outside ande how trigger happy im feeling. also check the rookie zone there are multiple threads on batteries even one im slowly making as just an information thread. it is no where near complete but i have some of the 2s stuff. for a charger i have one that has 5 amp charge as max so on my brothers 5200 mah batteries it takes just over an hour. you said you would also get a new motor and esc here is the combo i run in my stampede which is heavier http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Sensorl...eewer+550+4300 and this esc http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...nsorless_.html and it is in most of the warehouses just choose one nearest to you. and i like this lipo alarm even though the esc has lipo cutoff i still use this just in case http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...rm_2S_8S_.html though if you use that motor you wanna get between 1 and 3 traxxas steel idler gears http://www.amazon.com/Traxxas-3696-I...ds=slash+idler as that stripped first on my stampede. im still learning but ive had no problem with the stuff i just mentioned so im sure others know of better stuff this is the stuff i use because im always on a budget. ill let the other guys recomend a battery and charger. and then make sure to get battery conector to solder on