http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8
here are all of the instructions on how to program the controller for each configuration and how to reverse the motor if its spinning the wrong direction.
I think that being easy on the throttle may have been my problem...I am never easy on anything.
The y harness, and connecting the esc and the throttle servo to the receiver output to use the manual brakes worked nice.
someone posted a link to a site that makes a motor mount, and battery holders for the savage the other day. They have them listed as a complete kit, including esc, bl motor and all for one price. I think if you contacted them they would cell just the brackets. I will see if I can find that site, or the post, or the link.