I'd suggest BB shocks over the old V2's. As well I was told by a couple of sponsored drivers that I should try a 69/32-34 or a 72/31 on my son's stock buggy and that a Reedy Sonic 17.5 would be the way to go.

Also, the D3 was reinstated but it is temporary so if you don't have it, don't buy it. Go with something else. The SP V3 Motors are pretty nice, especially for the price ($40-ish) and the bullets make for a super clean and easy install. As well they have different Sensor units you can buy to make them even more potent. Personally, I couldn't be happier with my SP V3 7.5.

As for Novak, I have never had anything but failures with anything from them dating back 25+ years. My most recent experience was a burned out 13.5 that ran like turds from the get and when it burned out their CS was putrid. Their way to address it was for me to send it in and throw another $50+ their way for repair. This on a motor that ran all of 20 runs, if that. Novak can go fly a kite as far as I'm concerned. The Tekin Gen2 Motors are pretty nice but I've not owned one personally.