mamba motor shaft pinion size?

what is the "L" motor? i keep seeing that ppl talk bout it, and from what i have read that the mamba motors arent really the way to go, so i figure when this motor sorta gives out, then i'll replace it :) as for the lipos i may look at getting some 2s, but sorta broke and had the 3s left over from my other car. what are some other brands that are decent lipos beside maxamps?