ronaldo:
Correct on both, yes.

racerb:
just keep experimenting till you find a sweet spot - then let everyone else know

jixx:
For mod, the standard software that came on the ESC is best.
Gearing depends on the track, your driving style, car setup - everything. Start with about a 20t pinion and work from there - use lap times to tell you if you are going the right or wrong way with settings and gearing.