I think a good 9.5 or 8.5 might be just right. Kinda late giving my 2 cents, but I had a vector X-11 9.5 in a stampede, that kinda put it in the overpowering range on 2s. I think for a 4wd slash, something like that would probably fare pretty decent. As for heat, it was a non issue for me, but might with you. The HV might be a good choice too....