1/8 scale buggy conversion - help please!

[BrianG]

If the CD is binding, a simple gasket should solve that easily enough. However, a binding CD would effectively lock it, but won't cause the cogging issues. How free is the driveline without the motor hooked up? I assume the mesh is set perfectly (not too tight)?

Direct soldering the wires is always the best solution, but makes taking the motor and/or ESC out for maintenance a PITA. Unless the connectors were really loose or highly inadequate, you shouldn't notice much difference. The connectors that come with the MM are 4mm - not the absolute best, but should be ok.

I'd check MM settings like start power (set to default "med"), lipo cutoff (should be disabled with using NiXX), and torque limiting (I'd set it to 0%).