My Opinion is (after spending 400 bucks on upgrades) is that you run it stock for sometime, replacing/upgrading parts as you break them. but then your personal Driving Style and terrain will tell you what to upgrade. If you race on flat surface VS Jumps and mud. Gravel is always tough on an RC but requires different upgrades. Like Personally, I take my truck out to our local BMX track, so shocks and shock towers were my choice, so I could handle the jumps..But I went and got all the upgrades B4 I realized what i needed..So I have a Brand new clutch and clutch bell for my Evader that makes the Top Speed faster...No need for top speed at this particular track. So my suggestion is to run it stock until the itch for a new part is to much to resist.