I don't know of anyone who adds timing (on the motor or the esc) when running mod motors. Maybe on a huge track or maybe to take away some bottom end snap on a loose track but it's not really that common, as far as I know. Find the right gearing and you should have plenty of power.

esc's are most efficient at WOT, if you spend 90% of your lap at half throttle esc temps may increase from that as well..IIRC