Rookie brushless racer in need of opinions

[nitrostarter]

I do think the VXL system is on the brink of being a little inadequate for the Slash 4x4, basically a small buggy...

I know you're on a budget, so I would try the fans on the motor and ESC. What connectors are you using? Maybe solder on some 5.5mm bullets for even less resistance. What lipo's as well? New or old?

Try finding the past path of least resistance. Otherwise, I think you'll have to save up and get a different motor. A Feigao 9L would make a good choice on 3s in the Slash 4x4 and could be had for like $60 or even cheaper used.