[MonsterMaxx]

The min/max center to center distance is 32/33mm. Limit on the lower is the can running into the drive cup (.25mm of clearance.) If you were willing to dremel out the fins on the motor can you could easily get another 1.5mm.

Biggest steel spur I know of would be 48T on a ofna 8 spider gear, so that's a pitch diameter of 48mm, radius of 24mm. So you need a 16-18T pinion or if you are willing to dremel, 13T pinion.
Note, I've heard rumor of a Serpent 52T and Mike's slipperential has a 50, though it's plastic.

The motor is a 1650kv, I'll assume you'll run 6s that's 51mph/71mph. For reference, the speed we calculate for our 1350kv Tekins is 47max on a 14/46. They are just warm to the to the touch so could probably handle another tooth =50.5mph.
On a small racetrack like we have here in Easley we use 12/46 and 13/48 with good results ~40mph.

I'm thinking that with the 48T ofna diff and a 16T pinion 63mph will be just about right for the 1717. If you can find a tire that'll handle that speed for very long.

Bear in mind that this motor is quite heavy (1/2lb more than a T8) and I presume has way too much power for any racetrack applications. So bashing on well glued badlanders ought to be a lot of fun at 60+mph. Just don't get in it's way :D