A total sidetrack, and you may have seen this already but...
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=216313
One quote: "HV application is better for larger scale vehicles. For 1/10th scale 3S should be good and that's what I run some of my cars. I don't have time to race, but you could see a huge benefit from going up to 3S lipos. One of those benefits would be less AMP draw. As you know AMP causes heat and heat makes any set up less efficient. You could makes a much power with your 13.5 with 3S lipos as the guy using a lower turn motor (8.5), but you would be using less AMPs and your motor and ESC would be creating less heat. You might even be able to run a 20 to 30 minute main. It's just simple math."
Another: "
power=amps*voltage=watts. A 7.4volt 5ah pack will deliver 37watt hours of power. A 22volt 1.6ah pack will deliver 37watt hours of power. You use the same size packs, they are just wired differently. When you lower the amperage resistance is less of a factor & things become more effecient. It is not an matter of wanting more power, instead it is a matter of using a setup that will last longer. However, I will agree that it is hard to argue w/ batt & motor//esc combos that will last you a year w/out replacement."
Amazing!
"Danger High Voltage" stickers on the cars!!!
I just realized I will never, ever be buying any equipment that will "last forever"... there's ALWAYS something new & better around the next corner...