are you limited to a brand or brands? Theres a million combos we have all used. I personally run the gen2 turnigy trackstar 1cell esc from hobbyking. Only costs 50$ and the program card is 15$. This is an excellent esc for the money. Next im sponsored by fantom racing and their motors and batteries are second to none! I personally run a built to the hilt 17.5 with the rs stator. Love these motors. They are also the lightest motor you can buy. My setup is as follows. Trackstar esc, fantom rs 17.5, and a fantom 7800mah 100c 1cell pack. Ive never used anything but fantom, but have heard good things about the reedy mach 3, also r1 wurks v11, and the motiv m-code motors. Its all in what you like, and just because you get outrun by a motor battery, doesnt mean thats why you got outrun. I like to pick things and test and tune until i feel there is a better product. You cant really go wrong with whatever you choose! But i highly recommend Fantom Racing. If you need help with ordering a motor and or battery, let me know. Id be glad to help in any way that i can.