i should have a working mamba monster today. im now running the same motor as u. I got a steal of a deal on it, 40bucks shipped on ebay about 2months ago. im waiting for the 1717 as well or a good deal on a 1521 1y whatever comes first. i have also had issues blowing front tires, the side walls just give way, at least i know im good at glueing them and that dynamite ca glue is sweet stuff. after ripping 3 tires i decided to try wrapping some spiderwire 20lb fishing line around the front tires in about 4 places on both of them. they even balloon between the string but not nearly as bad and with all 4 done that way i can actually top it out with the medusa and a 14t pinion, i normally just run an 11t though as it keeps things cooler. i can sure say it is amazing to see that thing top out i dont know how fast it is but i can tell u its crazy if i crashed at those speeds there would not be much left. but i had to see what it could do
