Can ESC increase the top speed?

[Ashlandchris]

Further to my earlier thread on how to set up a reventon s ESC, I now have another question...

I've had a few runs now and seem to be handling the car ok on the windy stuff (sorry to the other 4wd competitors at batley who may disagree!!) but I noticed that on the straight there are other cars going twice the speed of me. Is that down to their gearing and motor turn, or is there something I can change to give greater top speed on straights without changing other parameters or do I just need to start upping the profile settings in general? I'd have thought a 9.5 turn should be pretty quick or do I need lower? I have a spare Novak 6.5 turn but not sure if ESC would take it?
Do the timing or digi response settings increase the actual top speed of the car or simply how the power is put down?

Ps, I'm on a 22 pinion and can't remember whether spur is 81 or 84?