The 1/12th -1/10 on-road and oval guys all race 1 cell with either 17.5 and 13.5 motors. You can use a battery pack but most use a booster(Novak,TQ Cells or even a chinese company). The booster are very easy to use and install. As for bodies ask Ask McCallister about his old Jag and Nissan bodies. Maybe he'll narrow them down.
Ed when are you going to race in the state series again? Like to see you in WGT. Next race is just a hour away next month for you in West Palm (ROAR National track this year).