I believe you are actually correct. After digging around, I believe that the TQ is based off of a c-hub design. I am not sure about the shock differences though.

Of the motors you mentioned I would say in order of performance (lowest first)
Hyper 8 Port
OS RG
Sportwerks .26

In order of price (lowest first)
OS RG
Sportwerks .26
Hyper 8 Port

Comparing the kits (Mayhem, Hyper):

Comparing the kits is difficult. It is mostly personal preference, since neither have any major design flaws. I believe that the Hyper is a more rugged car, and is more popular. However, you mention that your LHS carries more Sportwerks parts than OFNA, so that could be an important factor. You can mail order parts for any car you want, but its handy to have local support when you don't want to sit for days waiting for something as simple as a suspension arm.

More than what your LHS suggests, look at what racers are doing well with at your track. The popular choice is often best here, not because it means that the car is superior, but it means that you can get setup tips from others. Going it alone with a kit that nobody else uses makes it tough to sort out car setup.


In the end, any of the three kits you mentioned are all excellent ones. Any one could put you in the winners circle.