[JimboJames1972]

Gareth,

The Core package is perfectly good enough to start with, especially if you have only a little racing experience or are just starting out. if you already know what you are doing you might be able to get an edge with different motors and cells but the speedo is perfectly fine - a couple of the guys at my local clubs have the speedo and they regularly put their cars at the sharp end of the "A" final and win meetings.

The motor is ok. The issue with connectors has already been mentioned but another potential issue is the plugs shorting on your pod if you choose to get better weight distribution by spacing the motor away from its mounting. If you decide that this motor is not for you then other good options are definitely the Thunder Power (if you are looking for performance and value) or either the GM Pro or Reedy Sonic if budget is not a worry.

I would argue that "C" rating on your chosen cells is not as big an issue as their capacity and looking after them right. The current loads our cars demand are not inconsequential, but they are a lot less than for other classes of racing. However, voltage in your pack at the end of the race does make a big difference, so having plenty of capacity left at the buzzer will be noticeable on the track. Having yourself some 90C/6500mAh cells and paying top dollar for them will be a waste of time over some cheaper 50-60C/4500-5000mAh ones - both have more than enough capacity and you just don't need the extra "C". Intergy and IB both do some good ones for a decent price. As for looking after them, don't leave them fully charged (either discharge to 3.8v or storage mode if your charger has it) or leave them as is after a race. Store them somewhere cool and they should last ages.

Hope this helps,

James