My advice would be to forget about the 5.5 motor for now. Almost a sure bet, as many have before you, to result in frustration with 1/12 and deciding "it's not for me". Start with a 17.5 (even if they only run mod in your neck of the woods) and learn car control, etc AND how set-up changes affect the car. Then work your way down on winds with more power as you HONESTLY get to where power is what is limiting your performance.
A good way to do this might be with a Novak Ballistic 17.5, then you could just buy the stator assemblies each time you want to go down a step.