I have decided that to be safe with the esc, I will go for the MGM 160. I am now considering a 7XL, or if a 6XL would work, I will take that. I know I will not go above 12 cells. If a 7XL has been used on a 5s lipo, I think a 6XL would be good on 12 cells. I will use the rc-monster heat sink motor clamp. Runtime for me is not an issue.