pconcidi
welcome to the smartech family!!
Breakdowns will happen the key is trying to be one step ahead and have parts onhand!!

I use several vendors but the bulk of my parts I get from excel hobby. I too was a little nervous at first but after I got my
parts (about 7 days) I now don't hesitate. The are terrible with communication, the email address hasn't worked since I've joined.
Basically make sure you know what you want before you order and you'll have your parts in 7-10 days. They are fairly priced
in my opinion.
I also use Rcmart(dinball) , Raidentech (although, many items have been sold out for quite sometime now), RC World International
Inc(pricey but fairly quick shipping if you need something in a few days and cant wait the 7-10 days.

Shocks,servos,and clutch shoes should be upgraded.
As far as parts I have enough parts in my personal stock to completely rebuild the front end. I also have a backup .15cxp engine.
I'm in the process of upgrading to a O.S .18 CV_RX rotary carb, engine.
I've used the duratrax DTXC7134 clutch shoes and they seem to work great.
I've also done some other mods as you can see in my above post.

There is a lot of great info in this thread as well as the other smartech thread. People here are great and are always willing to help out.


Have fun!!!