If u don't decide to go the same chassis idea give some thought to the 3racing Sakura zero s. Very tough car and about $100 for the kit new. Parts very cheap and come on a parts tree tamiya style. We have a few young guys race them at our outdoor track with fixed metal barriers that they use as steering aids
Think they have gone through a couple of arms and suspension holders but that's about it. They run 17.5 non boosted hobbywing combos.
Just for laughs I put my boosted 17.5 tekin combo in it and it actually went pretty well
Simon