how many cells can i run?

[SpEEdyBL]

If you want an inexpensive setup, get the novak HV4.5 system. It's actually made to run in r/c cars, let alone monster trucks! Plus, there is no such 35,000 rpm rule with this motor. Just run it on 12-14 cells or 4s lipo and you should be fine. I am going to test the 8xl against the HV4.5 in less than a couple weeks. Unless you are dying to buy get a setup, it may be worth waiting for my results.