yea go with the FT TC-3 it's worth the extra money. u get all the upgrades. why spend the extra money seprate?
radio: i use the Futaba 3PJS with the Hitec Module. Changing crystals sux
Speed control: LRP V6 it has a nice smooth throttle responce, also it fits quite well in the chassis
Motor: I run the Reedy MVP with drilled 767 brushes
Gearing: 28 pinion with a 100 tooth spur 64 pitch
The car is real quick on the carpet. My setup is right out of the instruction book with the addition of a center one-way from GPM and a rear shock tower up front. shocks in the lower body mounting hole. Lays the shocks down even more. Just look for the setup that reads carpet with foam tires. I'm assuming you are going to be running on carpet. An outside setup i'm looking in to that.
I get back to you.
Steve