RE: $250 villain mods?
Those Johnsons can handle 6 or 7 or 8 cells no problem - the more the better. Get some loose cells and making you own isn't hard. Or pick up 3 6 packs from Radio Shack and break apart the 3rd pack. Or check Ebay for some good used packs - I just got 6 7cell packs gp3300 and 2 1900 packs for $60 shipped sure they are used but most battery can be recharged 500 times if taken care of. So let's see
2 motors - $25
ESC - Jetti $75
Batteries - $75
Charger - $75
there's your $250
Maybe look for some used stuff like the Charger and put the extra in props.