Yea, I'm trying to keep the costs down but if replacing the brushed motor over and over would be stopped by just purchasing a bushless, it seems smart. Can you give your thoughts on this seemingly cheap way to upgrade to a brushless system? The hobby shop yesterday said it would be at least $100 to convert to brushless.

I can't post links yet but an amazon search for this is what I found on the cheap ($60):

SkyQ Racing 60A ESC Brushless Speed Controller + 10T 3900KV Motor for 1/10 1/12 RC Car

1x 3900KV 10T Sensorless Brushless Motor
1x 60A Brushless Electric Speed Controller