Jaybee; i run 14ga silicon wire that cane with my orca esc on this car. You should loop your wires the other way though. Helps fit it under the body and i havent had issues with it hitting the tire ect.
Tq wire is great im sure but i for one dont go out of my way to get wires lol. Unless its snagging on something your really not likely to notice the wire bunging anything up.
12ga would be a little excessive but ive felt how how 16ga can get in mod cars. Ill always stick to a heavier wire keep it safe.
As for trimming weight... I thought he car was quite good. Maybe im doing it wrong lol. Everytime i build it i have to ADD weight. Never had my 12r5's come up heavy