Hi cloud: Yes you can use different brand name glow plugs in any glow engine that I know of. I run .12 to .15 engines that are not super high performance, but a little more than a sport engine. I have had the best luck with os #8 plugs. Everyone has their preference, but these have served me well. There are long and short reach plugs. There are also different heat ranges. The heat range used is affected by the compression ratio, the nitro %, atmospheric conditions and so on. This gets pretty involved. The best place I have found for info. so far is rcfaq.com. This deals mainly with airplane stuff but should give you a better idea of what glow plugs are all about.
Starter boxes are handy. I would almost say a must. I have to many problems with recoil type starters. You can get an airplane type starter and I think it is Sullivan, makes a wheel you can put on it to start cars. They are a little awkward till you get used to them but you can get by for about $50. Good luck and happy holidays. Garry