RE: Why the big price difference? (on starter boxes)
OFNA part number 10250, or 10253 are the ones recommended for 1/8th scale. They both have heavy duty 12 volt (size of your fist in diameter) motors, and can fit 12 volt gell cell batteries inside. 10250 is the basic model, 10253 comes with the power panel, so that you can attach a glow starter directly to the starter box (instead of fumbling around with AA or C batteries). Expect to spend around 70 for the box, another 10-20 for the power panel option and glow ignitor (if you want it), and 20 more for the gell cell battery. That doesn't include shipping.
It doesn't matter though. Once you can start your car without breaking a sweat (or a pullstart cable, or rotostart gear) you will see that it is well worth it. Even if it was $200.00. Some will whine that it is heavy to carry around, but at least it doesn't break often, and leave you not able to play with your $300-2000 dollar toy.