Ciao Speedracerman
Did you put after run oil in your engine when you stored it 1.5 year ago?
'Cause if you did, you shoudn't have any big problems.
If not, i suggest you to disassemble you engine and clean it, to remove all the gummy fuel....
For the 2 speed, you're right, you have to turn counterclockwise to make it shift earlier.
Digi: you should put some hop ups in your pc, instead of uprading your rc cars
Only joking my friend
Tam:Upgrade to aluminum pulleys and foam tires.