Okay engine maintenance:

Do not run the engine at more than 240*F, temperature sensor is really important. The hotter the engine run the more wear and tear is happening
Polish the engine every 2 gallons (only do this if you now how to, its a total strip down)

Breaking in:

Simple, initially run it in for about 5-7 tanks at a rich setting (engine is blubbering and head does not get hot at all, about 110*F), many will disagree with me but all I can say is that we run it in this way and after over 75-100 or so engines, we know for a fact that a rich running in does work for ABC engines. We would run in the .12 modified engines like the Massimo Fantini at about 20 tanks and after that it really peaks hard.

Clutch:

After a certain amount of time you need to open it up and use a maybe 800 grit sand paper to remove all the build up along the clutch shoe and the clutch bell (centrifugal clutches) so that there is more grip. See if your springs are worn out. Unless its a CENTAX style clutch then its different.

The Savage is good fun but do not expect to race hard against other proper brands. HPI is for the average person/beginner and hence they are made that way. This really makes HPI one of the leading brands in terms of sales, over 51% of the market share but they are not high performance cars when compared to certain brands out there. Hope that this helps you!