Motor will last as long as you don't run it in certain types of dust. I had my stock motor for maybe 6 indoor races run fine but then took it to Buffalo at the Glenwood outdoor track and the dust in the area eats brushed motors, had to order a new one.
For my blitz, I've been using a Zippy hardcase 5000mAh but had to modify the chassis a little due to the wire routing from the top-edge of the battery.
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbyking/s..._hardcase_pack