It could be a fake, but I would bet the more likely issue is more than one issue. First, the 35A/finned motor combos are not good for a Stampede. They are meant for 12th scale and ultra lightweight 10th scale. It will work if you are careful (or lucky) with the gearing and battery choice, but it is far from ideal. I would recommend the 60A/true 540 size motor for a Pede minimum. Second, like I mentioned in the first reason, gearing is super critical with that setup in that truck to ensure it does not draw too much current and start cooking things. I would also ask if you removed the fan or rewired it at all. The instructions will tell you the way the fan is wired is NOT recommended for 3s lipo. Once things start to heat up way too hot there is a number of components that could be damaged, even if the fan still works.