I ran a novak GTB w/ 6.5 motor in my Kyosho ZX-5 and it was a very fast and smooth combo for mod 4wd class. I wouldn't go there w/ 2wd.

10.5 is the equivalent to 19T brushed, and is pretty good in 2wd, but they can handle a little more power. 8.5 (if they make that) you probably would like.

Dont know much about the C.C. stuff.

Go lipo. Make sure whatever ESC you get has the voltage cutoff circuitry imbedded if you do get lipo.

I like the Orion packs. Good stuff. Which one to get (maH) is up to how much runtime you want, and how much $ you want to spend. Run it back to back, charge as many times in a day you want.... I'll never buy another nicd/mh pack again.

thanks everyone, its made everything a lot clearer!