I know I wasn't over geared when I was driving with my p2k. I have a tc3, and I had a 26 tooth pinion gear on it. Ive raced with this gearing many times and I've had no problems. As for the monster, I had a 23t pinion on it, I practiced with that gearing all Tuesday and Thursday with no problems at all, but I've never raced with it. The motor probably gets worked harder during a race. When I borrowed some other guys monster he put a 21t pinion on. And my gear mesh was perfect everytime so I know that wasn't the problem. I bought a guys Airtronics servo off of him for 40 bucks. I think origionally it was like 100 or somthing. So thats a good deal. Its much faster than my Hitec servo and has like 105 oz. or torque! It's designed for a truck. He also said that he has never had a Airtronics servo die on him.