[jsr]

Just to comment, you won't ever see 80A continuous, even if you were pushing around a 15+lb MT. Continuous current draws for most 1/8 RCs are in the 20-30A range. However, the higher continuous ratings the FETs have, the higher the surge ratings are also (typically), so that helps. Also, 80A (or whatever rating that any of the ESC mfrs use) is at ambient 25C. As the temp goes up, the actual current handling capability of the FETs drop, so the higher rating at ambient just gives you more headroom for derating of the FETs as temps raise. But you won't hit the "continuous" limit of most any ESC. If there were no current spikes, you could use a 35-60A 1/10 ESC on your 1/8, but because of spikes (due to sudden loads, starting currents to break mechanical and magnetic resistances, inductive loads, etc.), you need higher ratings just because higher continuous and surge ratings typically go hand in hand.