Go with the Hobbywing XR8 Pro with Hobbywing G2 2600kv motor on 4s. There's nothing better IMO. I've had several Tekins fail in 1/8 buggy and so wouldn't run them again. The Hobbywing is bullet proof and very fast. 3s isn't really enough for the 977e as it's a heavy car. Also the car wouldn't be balanced because you need either 2x2s packs or you could go to 6s with 2x3s packs and use a 1900kv motor but I'd recommend the 4s setup which is what I run and it's fantastic.