i have a nemesis very good review, even though i havent had some of the issue you have had. maybe except the engine at times gave my hands a beating. never had the shock issue and i run a 4 shock setup with a .28 engine. as far as clutch setup the nova aluminum shoes are well worth getting. the other things like needle setting and throttle settings thats miner and coman on most rc trucks since there mas produced. another thing like the servos there decent but well worth up grading i dont think there a true 144 oz of torque. i replaced my throttle servo with a hitec 645 rated at 140 oz of torque and it pulled and braked way better than stock. but i must say i have a lst2, revo, mgt, and my nemesis is by far the best built quality and toughness. the things they give you on this truck you would be buying to upgrade on the others to make them as tough as the nemesi.