CRT.5 as my next basher?

[BrianG]

Well, the CRT.5 is a good basher. Pretty strong and built like an 1/8 scale vehicle. However, I would not use the 5700, it will just heat up when geared at anything over ~25 mph, especially in the heat of summer. You can still use the sidewinder ESC, but run 3s on a 3300-3500 kv motor. The Medusa 36-50-3300 works well in my CRT.5 and is much stronger and stays cooler despite being the same physical size externally. And running 3s on a lower kv motor is more efficient than any 2s setup, and the SW will handle it fine.

Some will say to get Mike's extended kit. It makes it closer to 1/10 scale, but don't know if that's in your budget. If you do go this route, I would get the 36-60-3100 and still run it on 3s.