I don't know, the VX 3.0 isn't a bad engine, I've sold a bunch of them latelly, replaced a few T-maxx engines with them and a cen truck today, no one ever comes back complaining about it, usually they're pretty happy with the preformance, wheelies a T-maxx no problem, that short Traxxas torque pipe takes great advantage of the torque power of the VX. But ya, on a redcat with the stock pipe, I doubt it's melted clutch shoes, thinking more like broken spring.