No no :)
The outrunner is a project on its own with direct to F/R diff connection. The battery placement will be identical for the two setups (CD+1717 & Huge ass outrunner).
The spec's are here:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=2097
Gunning for 38mph @ 6 cells and 57mph @ 9 cells... according to the speed calc.
Regarding the battery placement Im not that concerned. I'll make sure the skid plate protrude a bit to each side under the battery. With that and a set of 40 series mashers on each side Id say they aren't that exposed. Once I blow a battery up I'll look into better protection ;)