OK guys, thank you for the input. I appreciate the insight and information. I have decided to stay with 2S as long as possible. I've ordered a 72 tooth spur gear and some gasket material to start trying to DIY my own slipper clutch pad material, I don't see the issue as I am only speed running this thing and it won't see jumps with this set up.

HOWEVER! It will get a final send on 3S for one pass once I have a replacement motor and ESC and I'm done playing with the gearing. Just did some minor dremmeling to fit a 25T pinion in the 2WD ECX Torment with the stock 87T spur gear. Should hit 84-86km/h, 23T grabbed 79km/h.

I will expect failure and be prepared for an explosion lol. I don't see the battery being an issue, but would the failure point be the motor physically letting go or letting the smoke out?