For racing applications I wouldn't go bellow Hobbywing. In my 1:8 ebuggy I'm currently running XR8 SCT Pro + 1900kV sensored motor + 40mm fan and am very satisfied with performance and reliability.
Even on large/fast tracks there is more than enough power/speed and the motor/esc combo is always luke-warm).
For Lipo's any 4S hardcase >5000mAh is OK. Honestly for practice/qualify/smaller tracks I use Hobbyking 4S 5000mAh 20C hardcase bargain cheap Lipo's and don't feel any significant difference to my other >70C packs!
I've tried many other cheaper combos, the only cheaper combo that had good performance but only acceptable reliability (failed fans & seized motor bearings after 1 season) was SkyRC Toro 150A ESC + their Toro 1900kV sensored motor.
I tried also Teking combo, but fund no mentionable performance/reliability advantage over Hobbywing.
Last edited by core_zero; 12-11-2019 at 10:18 PM.