I don't know if anyone is interested in this, but I got my mini 8ight on Thursday and got it up and running today. I posted this on RCTech, but thought I'd share here. My observations so far:
With electronics and battery stops removed:
1. The servo didn't like my Flysky GT3b tx/rx (the tx/rx had been working fine in another car). The servo was glitching badly. I replaced with a Tactic 2.4 tx/rx and the problem went away.
2. I was able to get a 1/10 sidewinder esc to fit in place of the Losi esc - snug but fits. I want to use this with a CC cm26 when I get the right .5 mod pinions to fit it. Since I'm using this as a parking-lot basher with tc wheels/tires, I may use the 6800 motor.
3. I opened up the battery tray a bit and was able to get my Gens Ace 2200 to fit. I removed the plastic strip on the edge of the chassis. I cut the outside parts of the battery stops and moved the front stop forward.
4. Overall, I'm very pleased with the mini-8. I was looking for something a bit bigger and heavier than my rc18b for in the parking lot, since it's bumpy in places. The m8 handles much better and doesn't bounce around or spin out as easily.