This was my first car, and I have to agree that the .18ss engine caused me a lot of problems, so I bought a .18cv-rx, and that thing was soo much easier to deal with.. But HPI was kind enough to send me a brand new .18SS with the purple heatsink, which runs awesome now.. And since your new, I would probably buy a rotostart..
Now I love this car, and I can't get enough of it...
ORIGINAL: Combatcm
The .18ss is an absolutely horrible engine. Mine lasted one gallon and it has horrible compression from the start. Sell the engine right away and get a .12/.15/.18 cvr.
The .18ss kit is good because you get some good bits with it. The upgraded drivetrain is NEEDED for any powerplant, the RTR is useless. Shim your diffs.