got a chance to run this old school vehicle for a practice session, 17.5 blinky setup using promatch 4000mah shorties, Speed passion V3.0 motor with 20 degree timing board.
First thing I noticed, using a spur gear sized I was recommended I couldn't get anything smaller than a 34T pinion to fit (spur 78T 48 pitch). With my FDR at 4.20, the motor was fading at about 3 minutes in and was hotter than I would like. No fans mind you though.
Since this vehicle is looking to get some outdoor duty, got a deal on some 94T Losi 48P Kevlar spurs. Assuming things fit as I hope, going to start with an FDR around 5 and work from there.
All in all though, this vehicle is very nice. very impressed with how it handled with one of the VTA setups posted.