My Livewire is a blast! For those using the stock motor and gearbox, Hobby People should be including a heavy duty spur gear to replace the old one that stripped too easily. Call them for one if you've got the old gear.
Then toss it in the drawer.
I ended up with a Razor 350 brushless mated to a GWS C gearbox (5.33:1), Castle Creation Phoenix 25 ESC, 3S1200LiPo, and a 11x4.7 GWS prop. Leave the landing gear off, add some carbon to stiffen the fuse. All up weight 14 oz.
Can let go of the plane and torque roll to launch.
The airframe is only so so for abuse, I don't think it will withstand the repeated bashings I give it.
Anyways, all the money is in the electronics, so I'll start building a good light 3DX or some other foamy.