RE: Changing battery connector
While the jst connectors will work, they are not considered very good... you might just want to go with a new type of connector on everything... I use Deans micro for up to 12ish amps and Deans ultra for bigger... theyre a much more solid connection.
Biggest thing with soldering connectors onto batteries is to totally drain the batteries to normal fully discharged state as if something shorts its better that than a fully charged pack!